The Jungle - Upton Sinclair, Earl Lee, Kathleen DeGrave
Reading start: 2015-04-01
Reading finish: 2015-04-30

I found the book fascinating except for the last 10%. The working conditions of our ancestors should not be viewed through the shiny lenses of the "good old days." Farmers had it tough, but the working conditions of the mines and factories was horrific. Although it is hard to believe that one man could suffer all the horrible things our hero suffered, the depictions are probably more accurate than we want to believe. The working conditions of the meat plant were revolting. The food contamination worse. The corruption of politicians...hasn't changed. The tricking of foreigners...hasn't changed. The sexual abuse of women...hasn't changed. However, working conditions have changed, at least for now. This book is MUST reading for all those people who believe that corporations can regulate themselves. Many babble about how deregulation is good for our country. As long as making money is the main goal of a business, there is little or no incentive to care about workers.

The last part of the book I found boring. I see the appeal for socialism during that time period, but to lecture the reader about the philosophy ruined the ending.

hi! what's the book pick for May? thanks.

Since I am not getting much feedback or discussion, I wasn't sure anyone was reading the books.

I'm beginning to read To Kill a Mockingbird. Anyone else interested? Any other suggestions?

I am not getting notifications with any regularity, so I find communication difficult on this site. I did not get notified of message 5 or 6.

Reply to post #6 (show post):
hi Em! hope you get this. yes we can do To Kill A Mockingbird. count me in. i've been meaning to read that for ages.

Reply to post #5 (show post):
To Kill A Mockingbird according to Em. i say Aye!