A captivating, eye-opening, and jaw-dropping read, all at once. I was aware of slaughterhouse horrors before picking this book up, but I never knew just how bad things really were, in the meat and dairy industry. Slaughterhouses and factory farming plants truly define Hell. This book was published over a decade ago, yet much of what she writes of still holds true today (although things are slowly changing as the public becomes more and more aware). The Afterword did give me some hope. Appalling how much of this country runs on greed, and how much the wool is pulled over consumers' eyes.

I, like most people, grew up eating meat and dairy and thought nothing of it. But, my SO, mother, and I had started making a shift toward more plant-based eating a few months before I heard of this book, and this just pushed me further into incorporating more plant based and vegan foods into my diet, than ever before. My body can no longer tolerate more than small amounts of dairy, and I eat very little meat nowadays, and only if there's very limited vegetarian choices available (at certain restaurants, social events, etc).

My heart truly hurt for the poor animals who live miserable existences, only to die such a violent death. No living being deserves to suffer the way they do. My God, some of the things that workers described brought me close to tears. And the filth, grime, and diseases that run rampant is enough to turn anyone off meat. I was also one of those who thought all workers in these factory farms were monsters, but very few of them actually take any pleasure in what they do. Many of them act this way because of supervisor's orders, and poor oversight from government agencies. Workers constantly facing the threat of losing their job if they don't keep the line moving, having a high rate of bodily injury, denied bathroom breaks, cast aside once they're of no more use to the industry, just like the animals.

Much kudos to Ms. Eisnitz for her perseverance and determination in exposing the truth, and even putting her own health on the line. We need more people like her, who aren't just content to sit around and wait for things to happen, but to make change happen. This book is so well-written that it almost reads like a novel, and keeps you turning the pages. She also speaks much of her own experiences during this time.

Recommend this book for anyone who eats, period. But especially those who frequently eat meat, cares about where their food comes from, who loves animals, and those who support worker rights. If you really must eat meat, do your research make sure you know where it comes from. Don't just blindly trust the USDA and FDA to do what's right...for animal welfare, for the environment, and most importantly, for your own health. Always remember, cheap meat comes with a heavy price to pay. ( )

This book is highly alarming, and what's more alarming is that I can't find any real refutation of its claims. ( )

i gave this title a lower rating only because the narrative is sensational and it isn't as skillfully written as it could have been. that said, there are not many books written about this subject, so the investigative work that eisnitz has done is immensely valuable. it is a fast-paced, gory read that will likely leave you feeling indignant and insulted by yet another instance of a federal agency witholding information from the public and surreptitiously covering up mistakes. another thing that makes this book unique is that for the first time, actual slaughterhouse workers are interviewed and speak publicly about the policy abuses, inhumane treatment of animals, and unsafe working conditions. ( )