ÊTRE THE COW–A Story is Told, A Movement Begins…

“ÊTRE THE COW is one of the most extraordinary books I have ever read. Dr. Sean Kenniff describes, in a completely convincing way, the drab, sometimes terrifying world of a modern “farm” seen through the eyes of a bull. To have created the personality of this story teller, Etre, is inspired. He is totally bovine. He is, in turn, curious, aggressive, obstinate, and profoundly tragic as he tries, and fails, to make sense of a situation created by humans. We are guided into dark and deeply disturbing places with the perfect mix of realism and fantasy. The characters of Etre, My Cow, Bull Calf and their inescapable fate will linger on in my mind for a very long time – probably forever. Please read it, and send copies to your friends – as shall I.“

Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Founder - The Jane Goodall Institute

UN Messenger of Peace

Extraordinary books are born in extraordinary times. In the 1940s Orwell’s Animal Farm served as an indictment of totalitarian governments. Ellison’s 1952 novel, The Invisible Man, not only condemned racism in America, but it helped define the “human race.” And in 1969 Vonnegut showed us the absurdity of war with his novel, Slaughterhouse Five.

We too are living in unprecedented times. ÊTRE THE COW is the extraordinary book that tells today’s story.

Become part of the movement. Here is what readers are saying about ÊTRE THE COW.

“This book is a poignant reminder that the hamburger on that plate used to be an individual with eyes, ears, a heart, hopes, fears and the ability to experience loneliness and torment.” -Jane Velez-Mitchell, CNN Headline News. 

“This book tapped into a well of emotion I thought had run dry years ago. Following the journey of this innocent cow I remembered my own innocence and those precise and powerful moments of revelation.” Chris Stein

 

“Parable. Satire. Existential manifesto. Être is a lot of things.” Esther Martinez

 

“Whoever’s at the top of the food chain defines reality, and Être suggests to me that we ought to give that a little more thought while we’re there.” Steve Yavner

 

“The narrative actually brings the reader into contact with the same dilemma faced by the cow—an inexplicable existential desire coupled with the frustration of limited self expression.” Jeremy Barr

 

“A timeless parable that brims with contemporary insights.” P. Murali Doraiswamy

ÊTRE THE COW is a tender and thought-provoking tale about a pasture bull, named Être, who is simple but self-aware. Powerless over his circumstances, Être struggles to accept the everyday indignity, and brutal insignificance of his cow life at Gorwell Farm. But when he is mistakenly taken to the slaughterhouse, Être witnesses other cows being killed and carved to pieces—without provocation and without mercy. Only then does he realize the grave consequence of spending life as a naïve cow. Être decides to challenge fate in order to change his destiny.  

In French the word “être” means “to be” or “to exist.” Être’s struggle is a very human one. It is a search for meaning and significance in an uncertain world, and a battle for a better life. You will cheer. You will cry. You will read ÊTRE THE COW over and over again—then share its message.  

“Moo, cow!” they shout, and I try not to turn. But I do, and as always, I am humiliated. They call out to my hoofed legs, the flies on my haunches, and the grass in my mouth. They cry at my stinking cowness. I am a bull, not a cow. But I am a beast and so are the others, and the shame of this burns like the sunshine on my back.

–From ÊTRE THE COW.

ÊTRE THE COW will be in bookstores everywhere in April 2010. But if you preorder this special little book on Amazon.com you will get a 33% discount—a beautiful hardcover for under $10. Just click HERE or click on the book below.

You can also join the ÊTRE THE COW Facebook Fan Page by clicking HERE or on the self-portrait of the author below.

About the author of ÊTRE THE COW

Sean Kenniff is neither a cow nor a vegetarian. He was working for a large U.S. corporation during the recession of 2008-2009 when his position was suddenly eliminated. He went to live with the cows.