Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman Plain Truth From the Cattle Rancher Who Won't Eat Meat I read this great book on the same weekend back in 2003 that I read Diet for a New America by John Robbins.  My "light" truly came on that weekend as I realized that there were many reasons for eating plant-based foods in addition to health.  Howard Lyman is the real deal, a former cattle rancher who knows first hand all of the gory details about the production of beef, the damage it is doing to our environment and the health hazards associated with eating it. Since almost dying on the operating table, Howard left the cattle business and has become a very positive voice in Washington, D.C., for a "green" America.  I also recommend his latest book, No More Bull and the very witty and concise way he describes the dangers of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.).  He also presents a simple and straightforward recommendation for adopting a healthy plant-based diet.  I promise that you will enjoy reading the works of Howard Lyman...Jim Hicks Howard's bio from his website:  Howard F. Lyman is a 4th generation family farmer (and vegan) from Montana. After 20 years of operating a feed lot, he sold his ranch and started working for farmers in financial trouble. He was a lobbyist in Washington, and ran for Congress in 1982. He is the former Director of the "Beyond Beef Campaign" & the Humane Society of the United States' "Eating With Conscience" Campaign; past President of both the International Vegetarian Union, and EarthSave International; and is currently President of Voice for a Viable Future. Howard travels over 100,000 miles every year as a speaker and lecturer. A Feature Documentary on his life is now in post-production. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Willow Jeane. See the BOOKS section above for link to Howard Lyman's website