The Jungle

Rating:
Summary: I Get It
Review: I'm a junior in High School. I'm approximatly 50 pages from finnishing this book for the first time and I thought it might be interesting to read other people's opinions of this book now that I've read enough to have my own oppinion of it. Well, frankly I was offended at some remarks that made reference to the fact that juniors in High School can't understand all of the political references, and therefore can't understand the book. I have understood everything I've read so far and I know that I'm not the only one. This book is very insightful as to the plight of immagrants to America in the early 1900's. Its significance doesn't stop there though. Human nature at its very base is revealed through this novel. Yes, it is depressing, if you miss the underlying message. Every charicter in this book is deprived of happiness for the most part, but there are small moments that give them hope, that remind them of something better. Every one of them looks for that joy and chases that wisp of hope in their own direction; coping with it in their own way. And for the most part it tears them apart making us realize the value of being together. I hope the next time you read it you can read between the lines for the many lessons of life. Sinclair had a Genius for slipping them in for those of us who understand enough to get beyond the words and reach the meaning.

Rating:
Summary: THIS BOOK WAS NOT AS GOOD AS I THOUGHT.
Review: As I said in the top the book was good but not as good as I thought. I think that if you had nothing to do but read a book, than this is the book for you.

Rating:
Summary: Great...worth your time
Review: I'm a ninth grader who was assigned to read "The Jungle". I expected the book to read like a textbook but was pleasantly suprised when it turned out to be a great story. I liked the characters, they were people who you would like to know. I think the things they faced were realistic, considering the time period. The way the book is written lets you share the burdens of the characters. I cried when a character died and I laughed at the things little Antanas did. Even though some of the book was a bit disgusting, you really get the feel of how bad things were at the turn of the century. It makes you thankful for how good we've got it. The end has a little to much socialism in it, but besides that I think it was a great book. You get history and a great story all in one.

Rating:
Summary: vivid and truthful
Review: I enjoyed this book very much, and I highly recommend it to those of you who enjoy being involved with the story. At times, I found myself yelling aloud at the characters, and feeling like I could jump in with them to help. This is not the usual, happy plot with love and beautiful houses. The book is written from a worker's point of view, a Lithuanian man named Jurgis Rudkus. Therefore, you get a good look at the deception and scandal of the authorities. It is a disturbing story that explains the horrible working conditions of the meatpacking plants, and the putrid living conditions of the families. This book is not for the faint of heart. It vividly describes how unsanitary the meat preparation was, and how badly it was preserved. There is much human suffering, a stark contrast to books that avoid these topics. The Jungle is truthful, and informative.

Rating:
Summary: This Jungle is a vivd story behind the meatpacking industry.
Review: The Jungle is a vivid portrait of the meatpacking industry in 1906. It begins with Jurgis Rudkus, a young and energetic Lithuanian immigrant, who makes his way into the busy city of Chicago. Along with him he brings his loving family to be. The author, Upton Sinclair, uses language that will make you shiver. He uses such detail to describe the factories, and their low wage workers. Sinclair was one of the most famous "Muckrakers" of the early 1900's. This novel is about the dreams and wishes of the family, that comes to a sudden halt. They were not ready for the experiences that were about to come.

Rating:
Summary: This book sent out the truth about this time period.
Review: I read this book for school and it opened my eyes of the hardships of the meat packing industry in that time. I couldn't believe the conditions people had to live in and survive in every day. I think this book is excelent and I would recomend it to any history buff or anyone looking for a great book.

Rating:
Summary: A Constructive View
Review: I work in construction. Push, push, push, speed up, even if it doesn't work. If we (or you) can't do the work, we (the company) will replace you (me). This book represented what I do for a living. I get paid. The engineer or designer is protected. If the project doesn't work. We get paid or get to put a lien on the property. Except when you read the contract approved by the lawyer. This book, until the end when it goes for the socialist "head," represents the learning process individuals go through. Be smart. Negotiate early. For the "stomach," I eat the fresh stuff (I think). Regards ...

Rating:
Summary: Exquisitely written! I couldn't put it down.
Review: The Jungle was seriously one of the best book I have ever read. I was forced to read it by my US History teacher. At first, I didn't want to, but once I got started, I couldn't put it down. I recommend this incredible novel to readers of all ages who are interrested in this time period.

Rating:
Summary: I beg to differ
Review: I most whole heartedly disagree with the reviewer who bashed a high school student's understanding of this novel, when the person had not read the book. In my classroom at least, we analyzed the novel quite thoroughly and I feel that in doing so, our opinion is just as valid as anyone elses.

Rating:
Summary: After more than 20 readings, it still gives me chills
Review: I read this book for the first time as a 15 year old that was attracted by the colors of the paperback cover. When I read it that first time I was swept away I felt every trial and tribulation of Jurgis keenly and talked many of my friends into reading the book so that we could hold a good discussion. Now 27 years later I still feel the pain of Jurgis' losses not just the loss of family and friends but the loss of an ideal. I hope this is still being read in schools across the country because its lesson is one of courage, strength and the human spirit