“This book is not a declaration of war against farmers, since I am one. It's not a plea for everyone to become a vegetarian, since I will never be one.” What Catherine Friend does with The Compassionate Carnivore is show readers how they can eat meat and still be farm animal friendly. She explains different ways of raising animals, from the cruel factory raised method to the free range style.

Friend raises animals for food and has a relationship with them while they are alive. She raises happy animals, with a focus on quality of life, not quantity for consumption. The author writes a very touching chapter called “Letter To My Lambs,” in which she talks about their lives, her love for them, and her gratitude for their sacrifice. “I wish you a safe journey, and I honor your role in my life.”

Friend has written six children's books, a couple of novels, and an award winning memoir, Hit By A Farm. Having been in a relationship with her partner for over 24 years,
she lives on a farm in Minnesota, where she shares her farming experience with heart and humor. While she is so honest about how it feels to raise animals for food, to put a face with the meal, I think she is right when she says most people don't think about how the meat gets to their grocery store; it's easier not to think about it.

Friend's direct, yet tactful approach will educate without making the reader feel judged for their decision to be a carnivore. It's an informative and at times funny approach to get people to think about what they eat and the process meat goes through before it gets to your freezer.

Our choices have an effect not just on the animals, but on our health and environment. If you have been struggling with eating meat for health reasons or personal convictions, The Compassionate Carnivore will help you.