Posted June 6, 2012 by Chelsi Schriver
If you’re interested in history or human and animal rights or you’ve recently gone vegetarian or you’re on the fence about going vegan, you’ve got to check out The Jungle.
Unlike a lot of the books we’ve been reviewing, this one is a novel. But it’s a factual one about an immigrant family working to survive during the turn of the 20th century in industrial Chicago. Written in 1906 by Upton Sinclair, The Jungle was the first muckraking novel of its kind. It exposed the conditions of the meatpacking district (called “Packingtown” in the book), and for a story that took place at that time, that was a really big deal! And believe it or not, that wasn’t even the author’s intent. (The story ends on a political—socialist—message, which isn’t too surprising given the tragedy that the main characters endure.)
I heard about this book in high school, heard more about it when I read Fast Food Nation, and then finally totally geeked out and read it during college. One of the most important things I took away from this book was that the meat industry has been messed up for a really long time, and it’s not only the animals who suffer but also humans! Now, more than 100 years after the book was published, not much has changed. There were terrible working conditions for people in slaughterhouses back then, and we’ve all seen “Glass Walls” and know the horrors of what’s still going on!
This book had a big influence on my going veg. I can’t wait to read your review and see what you thought of the novel!
Send your review to StreetTeam@peta2.com (and make sure that it’s your own—we check!) for 750 points.
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
