Book Reviews: We Are Market Basket

The Story of the Unlikely Grassroots Movement That Saved a Beloved Business

Why did thousands of employees and customers picket a US supermarket chain in 2014? Surprisingly they had become caught up in a family feud over shareholder versus stakeholder value. Third-gen Arthur T Demoulas wanted to look out for his staff, suppliers, and customers; his cousin, Arthur S, thought the CEO should be working in the best interests of shareholders.

This books starts with the first generation of the Demoulas family, rather than the drama of the boycotts. Very much written from the viewpoint of the employees who picketed (there is no interview with either Arthur), it loses pace at times when it delves into family history and academic context. However, the Demoulas feud is such an interesting case study, this is an enjoyable book regardless.