Real Rating: 2.5* of five

More citations, less verbiage.

However much I agree with you, rigorous adherence to standards is even more urgent than ever when you're arguing against the Orthodoxy.

I wanted to learn from/like this book, but couldn't. The first couple chapters were too gross to be able to read. I understand that factory farming is not healthy, but false claims such as how many eggs a chicken lays. There are many small commercial farms with animals living in fields---I see them all the times in my state. The decline of many wild species is well publicised--does not need another book to describe. Poorly written waste of time.

This was an excellent book. This one addresses an important problem with solutions that might not be obvious, but are important. This one is a must read.

René Zografos' *The Ego System: The Awakening* offers a compelling critique of the meat industry's devastating effects on the environment. In this eye-opening book, Zografos connects the exploitation of animals with the broader consequences of environmental degradation, highlighting how the industry's practices contribute to deforestation, climate change, and the depletion of natural resources. Zografos encourages readers to rethink their relationship with food and the planet. The book is both informative and thought-provoking, urging individuals to consider the ethical and environmental costs of their dietary choices. It may seem o be a bit heavy a times, but it is a must-read for anyone interested in sustainability and conscious living. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC for review.

I'll never look at a steak the same way again. René Zografos' The Ego System: The Awakening, is a compelling and urgent call to action that discusses the devastating impact of the meat industry on the planet. The author provides many facts, case studies, and other references to prove their point.

As someone who is already practicing no-meat days to live sustainably, I thought this would be a light read. I was wrong. Zografos provides eye-opening insights into the hidden suffering of animals and the political inaction that allows these practices to continue. It definitely has me considering a fully vegan lifestyle.

Trigger warning: René Zografos provides explicit descriptions of their research into animal cruelty cases.

The Positives
The book is filled with compelling anecdotes and case studies that illustrate the real-world consequences of our dietary choices. The argument is clear and persuasive. There is an emotional appeal that really triggers the desire to change.

The Negatives
While the writing is persuasive, it uses a lot of scientific terms and complex words, which may be difficult to understand for those who aren't used to it. The content is highly focused on one solution, there is no consideration of any other sustainable alternatives.
Recommendations
This book is a must-read for anyone who is considering or on the fence of shifting to vegan or even vegetarian lifestyles. Individuals who are interested in sustainability and/or animal welfare, will also get a lot of great information out of The Ego System: The Awakening.
Overall, The Ego System: The Awakening is more than just a wake-up call; it is a call to action. Zografos empowers readers to make meaningful changes in their lives and to be part of the solution to save our planet. This book is a powerful reminder that it is not too late to act, and the time to do so is now.