The Jungle by Upton Sinclair Review - Minute Book Report

This is a book review of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. It's a great story about a struggling Lithuanian family led by Jurgis that moves to Chicago and works in the meat packing industry. I'm glad I don't live in Packingtown. It's one of the best books I've read in a while.
This channel discusses and reviews books, novels, and short stories through drawing...poorly.
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[@badweather7144]

I was forced to read this book for a college level class in highschool lol

[@tvtrauma7024]

apush? me 2

[@sirwranwrap6228]

I have to real it for AP Eng and it sucks

[@MlleFeralMinette]

@@sirwranwrap6228 Uncultured SWINE. College is too good for your likes...

[@kellyortigoza4528]

i have to read this in middle school and there's a test on it

[@hello-up1fo]

i’m a freshman and i have to do a 5 paragraph essay on it for an honors credit. it’s due tomorrow. i couldn’t get past the fourth chapter and i’m here now

[@B00GiE_MAN]

I read this book in High School (Not for a class), and I totally understood and connected with the struggling family aspects of the book. This was a very influential book for me, and like you, I never thought I would like it, or even read it for that matter. Upton Sinclairs the Jungle is such an amazing novel that it still influences people today. If you are a High School or college level student, do not wait for your professor to assign this book to you, read it on your own accord. You will get so much more pleasure out of reading it that way.

[@sparkswain2820]

Excellent post. I didn't read "The Jungle" until I was 55. Now I read it again and again. So many realities in the worker's lives that were devasting and factual. The meat industry was criminal and poisonous for the entire world at that time. Have studied other books, studies, films; Sinclair was correct, except for the socialism.

[@meeras6677]

Bruh, I have a very detailed test tomorrow and I forgot to read the book.

[@khaeyanabenally8461]

I have to test and present on this tomorrow for my apush midterm tomorrow

[@DZXJR]

Same i gotta do this 4 history class

[@skyeh4409]

me too 😭

[@jonathangrice9353]

Hey man, I’m actually adapting this book into a full-length musical/opera and I hope to reach a broader audience by retelling this story in modern day Chicago! I really enjoyed your video a lot and it’s always great to see other readers’ empathize with the struggles of these characters in Sinclair’s masterpiece.

[@erosrangel976]

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors m8!!

[@MlleFeralMinette]

Where are you based out of? I grew up around Chitown & lived there for more than a decade. Used to drive around the old Packing District & think about this book...

[@jonathangrice9353]

Kari Stehmeyer those words mean a lot to me. Thank you! I definitely think this is the future in shifting broadway theatre and art culture as a whole. And this story is perfect for one to retell and shine it in a new light that relates to what’s still seen today. I would definitely love to talk! Add me on Facebook @ Jonathan Grice dm me and let’s talk! Can’t wait to tell you more about the concept I have. :)

[@socialmoth4974]

I am in the middle of reading this book and it's hard to put down. I really enjoy the writing style. It's almost poetic in its descriptions, but understandably. I empathize so much with the family and especially the main character. And it gives me a solid understanding of how a respectable, hard-working family can become so downtrodden and on the brink of starvation, especially before safety and food regulations, and welfare programs. It's very eye-opening. I highly recommend it. I think the first chapter is worth reading as it gives the reader a good understanding of each character's personality.

[@jasonteneyuque9364]

Wait u read this book by choice tf

[@MlleFeralMinette]

It's an excellent piece of historic fiction that directly lead to the formation of the FDA, you uncultured swine. Why are you even on this page? Did Sesame Street stop playing reruns??

[@bigbrother4059]

Feral Minette ok boomer

[@brianhaas1154]

The Jungle is lit!! Why wouldn't you read this by choice?

[@aly4433]

It’s amazing! I read it in 5th grade and loved it!

[@azmendozafamily]

I am 44, and I can relate to the struggles that this family has in the story.

[@mangorex1961]

This book has nothing to do with the meat industry. In fact, there is only two or three chapters that really ever talk about meat. The author wants to express an argument which here in this book is that Capitalism has been corrupted and is basically not great. One could view this book as an essay, Chapter 3 is where it really takes off with this idea. There is metaphors within this chapter, the hogs represent the labor worker being killed alive, the cattle being brought to the meat factory in lines as said in the chapter represents the thousands of immigrant workers lining up outside to enter said factory, the factory itself represents the United States as a whole, and the meat then is what represents capitalism, notice as well how it speaks on the rotten meat, well this will then have to represent corruption within capitalism. Chapter 3 introduces this argument, and the rest of the books chapters are evidence in which it proves the argument. For example chapters 4 and 6, these chapters speak on the house and the problems the family had faced do to the house, here we see the problem being finances, expenses, credit scams and all of the matter. Now we jump to later chapters, those who have read should notice that chapter 22 is quite different than the rest, it is no longer based in Chicago but out in the country, the character has changed in the sense that he now feels as a free man, he does not worry of the problems he had to face back in Packing town, the argument here is simple, out in the country Capitalism is not a problem, the ideas of individualism are introduced. Now with the last chapters, 29-31. These chapters are really different than the rest, here the author decides to now introduce the solution for this problem which is Capitalism is bad, the solution being that Socialism is the answer. These final chapters go into great depth about socialism in its ideals. Capitalism is bad and socialism is the answer. This is as much as I can really explain, yet wanting to put my thoughts out there.

[@Mahjlife_]

Can someone help me with this question - how accurate is the political machine in the jungle compared to factual information in the textbook?

[@MlleFeralMinette]

I read this book in HS for funsies. It really opened my eyes to many points of exploitation & helped build upon a good socially-aware world view. It's visceral & gritty & directly lead to the creation of the FDA. READ THIS BOOK!! (or listen to the audio book here on YT)

[@annameehan9833]

I totally agree with you here! I love this book a lot, but it took several years for me to actually start it. It was recommended to me by a teacher when I was in 5th grade. (I know, wow, right?) I bought it and attempted to read it several times a year, but I really struggled with that first chapter. I didn't even think of skipping it. I didn't get around to really reading the book until I was in 8th grade. I chose to read it because I had been writing and studying Lithuania and it's culture for a solid year, as it fit in with our curriculum in school. By the time I was in 8th grade, I knew enough about the world to analyze the text and appreciate the emotion that was written into it. I'm very grateful that I waited until I was old enough to appreciate the text, rather than wasting time and dubbing it as an awful book. Nowadays, it's hands-down the best book I've ever read.

[@sparkswain2820]

No no no. The first chapter is set in the back of a bar in Chicago. The wedding occurring there really imparts the personalities of the characters and is essential to an understanding of them AND the story. You'll never know who Ona and Yurgis are....not a good idea to skip the first chapter. It is definitely one of the greatest books I've ever read, right up there with Wharton, Henry James, etc.

[@toolazytobeoriginal4587]

Jurgis*

[@gyges5741]

@@toolazytobeoriginal4587 I read the book pronouncing his name as Yurgis, it just seemed right but I’m unsure if it’s said with a “J” or a “Y”. Tried watching a video on Lithuanian Pronunciation but didn’tstick about so I’m left with a mystery.

[@eadhab]

In my version there's a note saying that it's pronounced/yoorghis/

[@mikami1824]

Here I am an 8th grader

[@joelgutierrez3646]

lmao i read this for 8th grade too

[@judithviolinist5422]

X2

[@msstephanie726]

I had to read an excerpt of it and it made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. The details of how meat was processed back them made me sick.

[@Sunshine-pr4tu]

I had to read this book for my Duel US History class. I'm 16. I personally enjoyed the book, and understood what was going on. Although, I was so confused the first chapter and found it super boring. I caught on and I clearly understand what happened the rest of the chapters. And I am not working. And I would also say it's one of my favorite books, I actually enjoyed it.

[@sesarolvera5729]

Sunshine I have to write an essay on it and it's due tomorrow

[@jennifersupportsyou9532]

Yeah I was forced to read this book too in highschool 😂 I mean very much worth it🌟

[@mnicolemortensen7]

It is difficult. I was always aware of it, but never read it until after college. The first chapter you do get lost in because it is introducing you to the family. The author had another agenda besides wanting to write, so he doesn't capture your attention in the right ways. The author was hoping for more government involvement with how the workers were treated, and the working conditions were at the time. Unfortunately people focused on the preparation of meat aspect and that's why the FDA exists.

[@sparkswain2820]

Read it again. Socialism is destructive but the worker's trials, tribulations, and relationships are fascinating.

[@strawheartmila5105]

I would disagree on that. I was in high school when I first read it. In fact, my history professor suggested it. And I decided to read it. Let’s say I was shocked. I couldn’t eat meat for a while. 😅 Anywho it made me more aware of the struggles and hardships many faced. Great review though!

[@bobbilly8591]

i have to read this book for an apush class in high school and my thesis prompt requires a lot of thinking and knowledge about the us system

[@janenefinneran-wj2iw]

I read it and was mad good

[@pattynellis7347]

Loved it ...my grandparents were Lithuanian immigrants

[@nukekhang1740]

If only I found this video earlier, I would have saved myself the agony of reading chapter 1. Read 10 sentences and stopped and think to myself, why is this so BORING to read!!?? I was thrown into the chapter and had no clue what I was reading about. (Ya boi is forced to read 22 chapters of this and then write a two-three page review of what I read, which is due tomorrow, 2/6/19)

[@NoahWeaverRacing]

Hope it wen't well, mine is past due and i ain't even done reading it yet lol

[@nukekhang1740]

Noah Weaver haha, i just gave in and did not do the paper. It was too late and I would have not finished it on time

[@TheTyger7472]

can you help me right a book review to this? it’s due monday on the 12th

[@joelswenson92]

Write

[@MlleFeralMinette]

@@joelswenson92 This one clearly isn't off to a good start... lol

[@rogerk2049]

Would have been better to view the unhealthy conditions in the meat packing business.

[@keanucarmean9843]

Chapter 15 was the most fucked up thing I ever read. I ain’t never been so upset about a chapter

[@avacapone6392]

me not even halfway in the book and having my push class on Tuesday like:

[@timsmith6850]

I'm sorry but this shit put me to sleep faster than the book did.

[@kennydawson265]

Excellent!

[@tarp11z]

Nice work on your summary and analysis. You don't have to be a socialist to appreciate this book. I think it is crucial for any student of history. .

[@bluebubble229]

You should read Stephen king. He is a great author.

[@mnicolemortensen7]

Kind of? He has great concepts, but he doesn't finish strong and he drags on. For his "credit" he was on cocaine while writing a lot of his books.

[@sparkswain2820]

Pure tripe. A popular "novelist" hack who writes pulp fiction best sellers. Try Elizabeth Wharton, Henry James, any body but a writer of formulaic horror. Might as will waste your time reading a toothpaste tube, if you're a King reader.

[@sparkswain2820]

@@mnicolemortensen7 In some of his very early work he was fair. Now formulaic "best seller" excrement.

[@georgegoddiess9173]

Like you I had to book for a long time without actually reading it I just finished it today I really enjoyed it and I agree that the first chapter can easily be skipped it maybe revisit it later however the book did lose a lot of steam in the end I thought the last three or maybe four chapters very heartfelt story seem to just turn into a socialist propaganda. However outside of that it was a very interesting but very sad story very difficult to get through at times the box certainly seem to shift gears after the death of his wife and child when he became a drifter. It just kind of seemed as though the author didn’t know how to properly end of the book you continue to have the characters to send further into misery and suffering and every time the protagonist would get a head he would find a way to screw it up and be worse off than he was before. Not a happy story but the book was very influential at its time and many of the worker struggles highlighted ring relevant today

[@mnicolemortensen7]

It is propaganda, but that was the point from the author.

[@ryanrichards3645]

I've worked in factories and I'm in high school I dont know what your talking about

[@sparkswain2820]

Read the book. 2019 isn't the year that history began in. Wow, you need to read in every spare minute YOU have, child.

[@charlesco7413]

The book is about meat packing and corruption in 1909 ..we have had many reforms since then.

[@lunarmodule9915]

You are just now reading it at your age?

[@mnicolemortensen7]

Don't judge at least he read it