"It is the power of the individual spirit for resilience after trauma that is illuminated in these two projects, Ferdowsian believes. With clarity and poignancy, she lays out a case that human and animal suffering are closely connected. . . . Ferdowsian has no time for human exceptionalism, and it turns out that she is on solid ground in her position. . . . Ferdowsian is at her best when she brings together concrete steps for change with inspiring rhetoric. She shows us what is possible: working from within a principled framework, we may rethink our connection with others (human and animal) and normalize the type of compassion that is currently exceptional. As Ferdowsian puts it, 'If the initial conditions are principles, we need to start there, apply them with consistency, and build up to rise up.''
 

Barbara J. King | Times Literary Supplement

"Human and nonhuman animal rights activist Dr. Hope Ferdowsian has witnessed the horrific effects of brutality directed at both. Phoenix Zones are sanctuaries throughout the earth that extraordinary people have created to allow these dignified human and nonhuman victims to reclaim their lives. An acute observer of all animals, human and nonhuman, Hope's fine prose and deftly drawn portraits allow us to understand how we can not only support these Phoenix Zones, but create a world in which they become obsolete."

Steven Wise, president of the Nonhuman Rights Project

"An extraordinary, vital book that demonstrates how trauma runs deep, not recognizing gender, race, nationality, age or species. An absorbing read that combines hard science with adventure, personal observation, and compassion."

Ingrid Newkirk, president and cofounder of PETA

"This is a gem of a book. Using real stories about real people, Phoenix Zones delivers a powerful message about how we may confront, understand, and overcome adversity, and make the world a better place for ourselves and the other animals that we share it with.  It radiates light and offers hope in these dark and dangerous times."

David Livingstone Smith, author of Less Than Human