Lori

Well, it took me almost one full year to finish this book – that should tell you something. It has a few clever moments and the premise is an interesting one. However, the author went waaaay overboard with the pop culture references. It seemed like you couldn't go one page without a nod to some 80s show/movie/game/etc. OK, I GET IT – the 80s WERE TOTALLY AWESOME DUDE, etc etc. I wish more time had been taken to flesh out the characters, instead of trying to find another way to fit in a LADYHAWKE reference (or whatever).

If you are a child of the 80s (like me), you'll probably get a slight smile out of the book one or two times. However, don't go into this looking for anything deeper than “Oh wow, I remember REAL GENIUS!!”

There's a point in every person's teenage years where they come to the realization that there's more to life than the next concert they're going to or who so-and-so is dating that week. THE JUNGLE was that turning point for me. This book was assigned to one of my high school classes (xx years ago) and it immediately had an impact. The treatment of immigrants to the United States, the horrendous working environments...this was all hard for a fairly comfortable, middle class white girl to digest.

The conditions that Sinclair describes are vivid and, on occasion maybe a bit over the top, but the point is clear: the ‘American Dream' was, for most, just that. And although this book is set in the early 20th century, the themes & ideals are just as relevant now as they were over 100 years ago. A classic and a must read.

Let me just say this: I read this series when I was about 18 years old and going through an “Anne Rice stage” that all teenage girls seemed to go through in the 90s. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into...

Well, it's definitely an interesting series. I remember being equally horrified and intrigued by it. While I wasn't offended by the content of the books, I was definitely disappointed with the writing and storyline - it's disjointed and, honestly, very sloppy.

The series is obviously not for the easily offended or uptight. And, even though I haven't read it in over XX years, I don't really see any reason to revisit it. But, if you like Anne Rice's style and want to just read a book full of “shock value,” well then...enjoy.