No More Bull!: The Mad Cowboy Targets America's Worst Enemy: Our Diet

I’m a lifelong meat-eater who only recently began to question his carnivorous ways. So I couldn’t resist finding out what convinced this cattle rancher to become a crusading vegan in middle age. The link between a spinal tumor and his epiphany about animal protein being the root of poor health is a little vague. But since changing gears, he is bearing down on his erstwhile livelihood with all the subtlety of a monster truck, and the showmanship to match. Even if you aren’t convinced to take up veganism, you will find this a fast and enjoyable read. It is quickly digested not just because of the breezy style – there are only 100 pages of text; the rest are recipes.He makes his case with the evangelic zeal of the convert. However, he often leans heavily on simplification and sarcasm, rather than evidence. For the latter, we are referred to other books and media that he at least compiles at the end. But his arguments are persuasive and memorable. And unlike other diatribes that connect the western diet to health and the environment, he distills his concerns into clear, practical guidelines on how to most effectively make the transition to healthier eating. The recipes that follow are all provided by contributors who are not just proponents of veganism, but skilled chefs with experience in making dishes that are popular. Ironically, I found his credibility enhanced by this willingness to delegate tasks, from writing to recipes, to those with more skill than he. He truly seems committed to his message rather than self-promotion. If you are interested in reading a strong yet concise argument for veganism, you probably can’t do better than this book.

Excellent book and really good, tasty recipes from the ex cattle rancher who won't eat meat! Howard made his living by raising cattle to be sold for slaughter. His story is powerful and compelling from the viewpoint of a man who grew up in a fmaily of ranchers. I can relate because I grew up in a household where Dad worked in the meat industry too. We ate filet almost every night. Seeing a side of beef on the kitchen counter was a daily occurence. I didn't associate the steak with the cow when I was a kid. That actually didn't happen for me until about 8 years ago. But once I knew what I knew, there was no turning back. I went vegetarian literally overnight when I did it and I feel overall happier, gentler and kinder from it. Eating meat is really eating fear. Part of this book addresses Mad Cow and other diseases that meateaters encounter when they fork up a mouthful of death. The scare tactic may work well for some folks, so this is good information and a good approach.Besides the bond I felt from our similar backgrounds I also loved the recipes and Howard's no nonsense style.

I originally bought this off a used-book cart at a neighborhood library, thinking it was going to be folklore or tall tales from the plains states. After my initial chagrin at having not obtained information that could easily be tied to Rober Welsch's TOUCHING THE FIRE, etc., I ploughed through MAD COWBOY. What a read! Who knew about the tapdance governmental entities executed to keep "the public" from knowing about Mad Cow Disease? If only half of what is printed here is accurate, we still should think seriously about re-engineering our eating habits! I sent copies to three people in my family, including a granddaughter who has been a vegetarian for over two years. The line about our farming practices making cows into bovine cannibals will be with me forever, I think!

I love Howard Lyman. He tells it like it is . I am now a vegan and can't be happier. I love the taste of meat and dairy, but now that I know the truth about farm factories horrific treatment of animals, the toll it takes on our health and environment, I am a true convert. Who other than Mr. Lyman, a fourth generation rancher can speak from such experience. Plus, he presents it with such great humor.

The sequel to Mad Cowboy does not disappoint! Howard first shows that the predicted outbreak of mad cow deaths seaweed has arrived and that it is probably much worse than anyone in the agriculture field is making it out to be. Howard then divulges in Alzheimer's Disease which was a newly diagnosed occurrence in the late 90's and 2000's. And finally Howard fils the last third of his book with amazing recipes from world renowned chefs and physicians who subscribe to a vegan diet.

Both my girlfriend and I are vegetarians heading down the path towards veganism. I can't say enough about how great this book is. Not only for the initial information, but for the recipes that help you realize a vegan diet isn't going to involve living off of leaves and twigs. A lot of things are vegan, and they actually quite edible!This book makes it seem so much more possible than either of us ever thought. It's also provided us a lot of ammunition to people asking that tired question, "Why!?!"We've recommended it to all of our friends, and have loaned the book to multiple family members.

Wow. How have we gotten to the point where accept these horrendous practices that have become industry standard for factory farming? Animals are bred solely to feed, clothe and nourish us and our loved ones. Is it too much to treat them with a little decency? Just a smidgeon? Disgusting.

I love that Mr. Lyman's background is the ranching industry. He gives a different point of view that I hope will convince more people, especially the guys, that this whole industry is having negative consequences on our health, the health of the environment, and that the way the animals are treated is really despicable. He is a vegan's best friend and the factory farming industry's worst enemy. Because he sees and speaks the truth.

So interesting and very insightful. This book has played it's part in a personal lifestyle change and shift in mindset.

This is an excellent book! Straight talking to the point with a little humor to make it a great read. I teach whole food/vegan cooking and have told all my clients they most read this book!