Radiant, by Traer Scott

If you are a dedicated carnivore, but have a tender heart toward animals, you probably want to avoid Traer Scott's Radiant: Farm Animals Up Close and Personal.  Scott's collection of photographs of a variety of farm animals will make you want to cuddle these animals, not eat them.  As he points out, we don't typically think of farm animals as having personality, but spending time around them he discovered the intelligence of pigs, the friendliness and warmth of cows, and the social nature of chickens.

Many of the pictures are exactly what you would visualize as stereotypical farm animals, but a few, like the llamas and alpacas, won't be in any danger of showing up at the butcher.  In fact, all of the animals in Radiant were photographed at animal sanctuaries, where they can live out their lives without fear of the slaughterhouse.

Scott presents these photographs as a counterpoint to the factory farms so prevalent today.  He doesn't spend a lot of time on factory farms, but it's enough to make you think twice about the meat you eat from the supermarket or fast food restaurant.  Ecological or ethical questions aside, you will enjoy the simple beauty of these animals.  They may not be exotic, but Scott's photography captures their individual looks and unique characteristics in a very appealing way.

Buddy?  Or bacon?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!