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Liked It3 of 3 members found this review helpful “Yummy. Me wantie hot dog! This is my favorite "fiction." Though I am a non-fiction philosophy buff, this book kept me spellbound. The way in which the writing conveys the human cost of industrialization and capitalism is so bleak and straightforward that it is poetic. Sinclair's seemingly...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Is is hard to reach such a book where you find unbelievable humman suffering of people caused by the greed and cruelty of others. However, it is a must read as we must not forget our past and remember those who have gone before us. We must never allow this to happen again. We are a part of them and they are a part of us. The past is prologue........”
Lynn P wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“makes you think, maybe too much for some people. Started my entire obsession with veganism. ”
Kassondra wrote this review Tuesday, September 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Thuis was OK, but it was overhyped to me as the most horrifying book ever, and it just wasn't. It certainly isn't calculated to raise a smile. I'm a little suprised that this book raised such a stink theat it helped to change the labor laws.”
Eileen M wrote this review Monday, July 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“A great commentary on the human condition. I don't recommend it if you have a weak stomach”
Mike wrote this review Monday, April 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is an amazing and powerful novel. While very depressing, it also engages you as a reader. You are pulled into this world of hardship and watch a poor, helpless immigrant family struggle. You are pulling for the characters all the way. I have never felt so connected to a character such as Jurgis. The novel also reveals the horrors of Americas past especially in the meat packing industry and corrupt politics. While there is a strong underlying Socialist message, it does not disstract from the main story (at least not till the end). It's a must read!”
Megan the movie freak wrote this review Friday, April 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I read this book in high school and I couldn't put it down. It really gives you shivers to think about what went on in the food and meat industry prior to regulations. Some of the adulterants and utter crud they added to milk and meat will make your hair stand on end. Also it is horrible what workers suffered because they literally had no protection from the government from their employers. This book works well on the level of fiction and as a bit of an expose on the meat-packing industry. Instead of it just being what what would have been a mind-numbing listing of what was wrong with the industry, it is a rousing, involving fiction story that involves you in the lives of an average immigrant family who came to America to make a better life for themselves. They don't get a happy ending, so don't look for one. Each and every one of them is destroyed by the horrible work environment and living conditions they deal with everyday. It has been many years since I read this, but it still has the power to affect my thinking. It has made me a very pro-union kind of person and a person who believes in workers having the rights that are due to them. Also it makes me very happy to know that the government does have some regulations on what can be offered to the American public as a meat, food, or drug item. It may not be a perfect system, but if you take it for granted, do read this book. You won't take it for granted for long. Bravo to Mr. Sinclair for writing this book.”
gatadelafuente wrote this review Friday, March 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is one of my all time favorite books. I love it when literature impacts change in our society! Isn't that what literature is all about? ”
Sandra C. wrote this review Tuesday, March 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book was assigned reading in high school for the "muckraking" type of writing. It is one of the books that made a big impression on my life, I don't eat processed meat! Even though laws and regulations have made an impact on this industry, I still feel there are too many opportunities for mistakes...”
christine g wrote this review Friday, March 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was probably one of my favorite books that I have read so far. It's impact on me has left me in shock of the unsanitary conditions foods were being created and shipped from, for people actually to eat. This book written about a century ago, talks about the meat factories, and the horrible events that occurred. Meat used in these times was unhealthy. To add to that, factories were rat infested. Rats fell in machines that would grind meat, and as an attempt to kill the rats, rat poison was put everywhere, in which most occasions also went into the meat with the poisoned rat. Even though conditions today have dramatically improved, it still makes me wonder whether there are still inhumane methods in the production of meat, as well as other products. Back then, people did not know what they were eating, and now we believe we do. I always question whether or not what we eat is clean or healthy at all, and this questioning branched of ever since reading this story.”
MALISA B wrote this review Monday, March 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
