In Animal Envy, Ralph Nader proposes that a programmer has created a 'digital translation' app whereby animals of different species, from insects to whales, can speak to one another, and through a 'hyper-advanced converter' these animals can also speak to humans. It is decided there will be a global assembly called 'The Great Talkout' that will be viewed by humans everywhere, in all human languages, as well as all animal languages. The novel that ensues is part parable, part contemporary politics, and part animal lore, deeply felt and powerfully informed.