Reading is one of my favourite pastimes, and I always try to keep an eye out for good books. I’ve recently read a couple of nature books that I really enjoyed and that I think will appeal to most animal lovers. They also make for perfect summer holiday reads!

1. Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat – Hal Herzog
   This book about our (sometimes twisted) relationship with animals really struck a chord with me. I might be mostly vegan, but I have also been a keen horserider that until recently never got too uncomfortable about roaming the hills on the back of my horse, just because I enjoy it. Hal Herzog is an anthrozoologist that writes in a refreshingly non-judgemental way about these dilemma’s and leaves you feeling good about doing your bit – whatever that is.
2. Ignoring Nature No More – Marc Bekoff
   A collection of essays written by different scholars, and edited by Marc Bekoff. The different topics and perspectives that are included in this book really got me thinking. As someone who is passionate about both animal welfare and conservation, I sometimes struggle with the dilemma of ‘having to choose’; you can’t always save individual animals when trying to conserve a species, for example. This book makes the case for compassionate conservation, something I feel very deeply about. I also believe that, apart from their differences, there are many areas where the animal welfare and conservation movement can find common ground and make a real difference together. An absolute must-read for everyone that is interested in this concept.
3. The Inner Life of Animals – Peter Wohlleben
   Peter Wohlleben is a forester who is probably best known for his book The Hidden Life of Trees. While a whole book about trees might be too much for some of us, The Inner Life of Animals is a very easy and enjoyable read, even if you don’t know much about the natural world. He does not only refer to science-based facts but largely draws from his own experience. He discusses all sorts of different animals that live in the woodlands surrounding his home and that he has encountered over the years. I found this book funny, touching and fascinating at the same time.
4. The Unexpected Truth About Animals – Lucy Cooke
   An easy read, full of fun facts about animals that are still widely misunderstood by humans. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book especially as I don’t know much about natural history. I also love the fact that everything is backed up by solid scientific research and Cooke’s own experience. This combination makes for an entertaining yet still educational popular science read.

I hope you’ll enjoy these books as much as I did. If you have any favourites that you’d like to add, please let me know in a comment!