ABOUT THIS BOOK

Affectionately known as the Joyful Vegan, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau has been a leading voice in compassionate living for over two decades, guiding countless people to achieve lasting health and purpose. Now, with A Year of Compassion, she shares simple, effective, and impactful actions we can all take to make humankind a little kinder—by protecting animals, supporting the planet, and optimizing our own health.

Colleen lives by the motto: Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything. She knows we’ll never be perfect in this imperfect world, but with small, incremental changes, we can each contribute to big change. One week, you might declutter your fridge to cut down on food waste, while the next, you could store some basic supplies in your car to help an injured animal. Another week, you might explore eating by color to boost your nutrient intake, while the next, you can take steps to stop junk mail in its tracks.

Feel free to skip around, choosing your own sustainable adventure. Whether you read A Year of Compassion cover to cover or take it week by week, Colleen is there to encourage, inspire, and motivate, helping you become the change you want to see in the world.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

For nearly 30 years, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s compassionate living philosophy has been propelling plant-based eating into the mainstream and forever changing how we regard animals and treat the planet we live on. A recognized expert and thought leader on the culinary, social, ethical, and practical aspects of living compassionately, healthfully, and sustainably, she is an award-winning author of eight books — including the bestselling The Joy of Vegan Baking, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, The Joyful Vegan, and her newest book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero-Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free. Colleen is also an acclaimed speaker, a regular contributor to National Public Radio, and the host of all-inclusive luxury sustainable, vegan, animal-friendly trips around the world. Host/Producer of Food for Thought Podcast (one of the longest running podcasts), Colleen also co-founded the political action committee East Bay Animal PAC to work with government officials on animal issues in the San Francisco Bay Area. She lives in Oakland, CA with her husband David and their adorable cat Michiko.

REVIEWS

“If you want to make a difference while living a healthier, more meaningful life, read this book. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau offers friendly, inviting, and deeply impactful ideas to forge a truly compassionate life.”

— Zoe Weil, President of the Institute for Humane Education and author of 'The Solutionary Way'

“A masterclass in living intentionally. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau offers practical, actionable advice that empowers each of us to make small changes with profound impacts—for animals, the planet, and ourselves. This book is a gift to anyone striving for a kinder, more sustainable world."

— Kathy Freston, author of 'Quantum Wellness,' 'Veganist,' and 'The Lean'

"This book had me from page one, from the concept that our goal is a life of compassion, imperfect of course, but brilliant and beautiful and necessary all the same. And these weekly focus points are agreeably accessible. They make sense in real life, as they help us create a kinder world."

— Victoria Moran, author of 'Main Street Vegan' and 'Age Like a Yogi'

"A Year of Compassion is a roadmap for anyone who dreams of making a meaningful impact. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau shows that small, mindful choices can lead to profound change—for ourselves, the animals, and the planet."

— Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co. and author of 'Clean Meat'

"Colleen guides us through a year of simple actions that can transform how we live. A Year of Compassion proves that making a difference doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to try."

— Gene Baur, President and cofounder of Farm Sanctuary and author of 'Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food'

"A Year of Compassion is a roadmap for anyone who dreams of making a meaningful impact. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau shows that small, mindful choices can lead to profound change—for ourselves, the animals, and the planet."

— Paul Shapiro, CEO of The Better Meat Co. and author of 'Clean Meat'

"With all of Colleen’s signature warmth and wisdom, this book is a heartfelt, practical guide to making the world kinder—for animals, the planet, and ourselves."

— Kathryn Kellogg, founder of goingzerowaste.com and author of '101 Ways to Go Zero Waste'

"If you want to make a difference while living a healthier, more meaningful life, read this book. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau offers friendly, inviting, and deeply impactful ideas to forge a truly compassionate life."

— Zoe Weil, President of the Institute for Humane Education and author of 'The Solutionary Way'

"Colleen has an incredible way of making compassionate living feel so approachable and doable. A Year of Compassion isn’t just a guide; it’s a source of hope and inspiration that gives you both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ to make meaningful changes in your daily life. This beautifully crafted book is a must-have for anyone looking to live with more kindness, awareness, and impact."

— Toni Okamoto, author of 'Plant-Based on a Budget Quick & Easy'

"A life-changing guide for anyone seeking to align their values with their daily actions. With decades of experience as an advocate for plant-based living, Colleen arms readers with practical tips, inspiring insights, and achievable goals to embrace a zero-waste, plant-based, and cruelty-free lifestyle with kindness and ease. A must-read for those striving to make the world a better place—one compassionate choice at a time."

— Carleigh Bodrug, author of 'PlantYou' & 'PlantYou Scrappy Cooking'

"A masterclass in living intentionally. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau offers practical, actionable advice that empowers each of us to make small changes with profound impacts—for animals, the planet, and ourselves. This book is a gift to anyone striving for a kinder, more sustainable world."

— Kathy Freston, author of 'Quantum Wellness,' 'Veganist,' and 'The Lean'

"This book had me from page one, from the concept that our goal is a life of compassion, imperfect of course, but brilliant and beautiful and necessary all the same. And these weekly focus points are agreeably accessible. They make sense in real life, as they help us create a kinder world."

— Victoria Moran, author of 'Main Street Vegan' and 'Age Like a Yogi'

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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