This book was recommended by a teacher in high-school. I didn't read it then but I did know that it was about the meat packing industry in Chicago.
There's much more to it than meat though. It's about people taking advantage of other people, and just why we need unions -- necessary evil that they are.
The end of the book sounds more like socialist propaganda than anything else; offering much explanation of the problems with industry management and government, but no solutions.
Although I know that many changes for the better have come about as a result of Mr. Sinclair's book, I was expecting it to be worse than it was. I became somewhat depressed while reading this text because I could see so much that has not changed.
Workers are still treated badly and employers try to keep up the appearance of good conditions for their employees, but they still do not properly appreciate those who work to earn their "bottom-line."
I am glad that I finally did read this book though. Even if I can't remember the teacher that recommended it.