I was interested in this book from two perspectives. I think the way farm to food animals are treated terribly in the US and I'm against animal cruelty in any form. I also think the way they're kept results in disgusting, contaminated meat that we shouldn't be eating (& is the primary reason I'm a vegetarian).

I found her take on the situation interesting and a nice mix from the usual animal advocates. People aren't going to give up eating meat and many don't care how the animals are treated so that is not a motivator for change. She proposes some unique ideas on how to solve this problem and I hope there is more success in this area.


**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Such an amazing book. It really is one of turning people who have nothing in common to being allies in a just cause. Give it a read. You might find yourself questioning what you believe.

Grilled is the story of activist and Mercy For Animals president Leah Garcés' fight to change the cruel and destructive methods of the chicken industry/big ag. Contrary to many factory farming books I have read, Garcés takes a more moderate approach to her methodology, looking to reach across the aisle and speak to farmers contracted to big ag companies in addition to working with animal rights groups to make changes. By taking such an unorthodox approach, Garcés is able to expose a side of the animal rights argument that is often overlooked: treatment of the farmers themselves by the big ag companies that contract with them. Garcés shows that the farmers are often in major debt, making little money, and show concern for the welfare of their flock that is often ignored.

Instead of focusing on the tired "us vs them" arguments, Garcés preaches an approach of togetherness to make change in the industry. Despite being a vegan herself, she does not preach veganism as the only solution. She instead puts forth conscious consumerism/capitalism as solutions, directing people to ask more questions and remove their blinders when it comes to where their food comes from to force change and eventually end factory farming.

I have to give special praise to the chapters on the clean meat movement, which involves the growing of meat using cellular technology without harming the animal. This is a fascinating development and the optimism put forth by both Garcés and the people doing it have me hopeful that it could catch on in our lifetimes.

This is a fantastic book for anyone looking to learn more about the heartbreaking realities behind "cheap" meat and the solutions that are being put forth for the future.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bloomsbury USA.**