I was a bit skeptical about a book about supermarkets being able to hold my attention. But this one did. You do learn a lot about the industry of the supermarkets and how they are run. I think a lot of people will think you learn too much about it. But that is not what the book is about. It is about the people who run the stores. Russell started working in the business as a teenager when there was only one store. He grew up with this family and in this business. I like that the story is told by someone who is on the inside but not a member of the family. It kind of gives you both perspectives - the family one and the outsider one. The characters are engaging enough for you to want to know what happens to them, which keeps you reading. Because the characters felt real I was happy for the family when everything was working out for them and sad when it all started to fall apart. The story does jump around in time a bit, sometimes without warning, and it lost me a time or two, but only for a moment. I did feel a little let down because the build up of tension, the secrecy, and the rather sudden change in attitude of some (or really just one) of the characters had be believing something more was going on then there actually was. It was not an exciting book but it was an interesting one. I enjoyed it but I can't say I will go looking for more. ( )

Thank you to Kirkus and the author for this book.

On a side note, I waited 4 months to get this book (due to Kirkus not informing the author) and I took my own steps to finally find out what was happening and he was kind enough to send this one and the second in the series which I'm grateful for since now I need to read it.

It was a really good book set in the 1960s in MA. Russell Riley was 13 when he started to work in Galetti's supermarket and worked his way up with the owners Joe and Dominic Galetti still in charge. He was like family with ownership in company stocks.

Then Dom passes away but all is well until the crap hits the fan with Joe and Dom's widow with ownership of shares. A lot of court scenes which were "dry" reading to me.

Another side note to end my review, even though the book was only 168 pages give or take, I probably would have read it in a day but the print was so small and crammed on the page that it took me longer than usual. ( )

Russell, the books narrator, has worked for the Galetti family his entire life. Although they started with one grocery store, over time, the chain grew larger and larger. Moving up through the ranks, Russell ultimately becomes the store's president. Ten years after one of the brothers dies, his widow sues the other, claiming that he has fraudulently bought her stock shares. This book reads like a non-fiction story. It is well crafted and the characters are realistic. Overall, highly recommended. ( )

Italian immigrant Dominic Galetti starts a small grocery store to support his family upon arriving in the USA. His wholesome policies of knowing his customers, treating them like family, and not avoiding debt are the basis for what quickly becomes an Empire.

Russell Riley, the only non-family member involved in the business works his way up from a part time job at 13 to President after the death of Dominic. All continues well until the untimely death of son, Dominic Jnr. His wife believes that she and her children have been cheated out of profits and decides to take legal action.

The story quickly turns to family member against family member, and Russell finds himself caught in the middle of a fight for control of the business. It seems that the philosophy engendered by Dominic Snr has been forgotten or worse disregarded as it all comes down to a grab for money. Greed has replaced the principles of decency and family values.

I was give a free copy of this book by Netgalley to give my honest opinion. I loved this book. It will keep you up late turning pages to find out what is going to happen. The ending holds no surprises but it will make you stop and think. Worth the read. ( )

Not what I’d expected with the title, but a good read, moved right along, and was captivating. I’d hardly expected the grocery business as the subject for the plot, but it provided a fascinating background to the main plot of family intrigue and deception. Told from the viewpoint of a non-family member, this was an interesting study in the dynamics of greed and pride as evidenced by the family’s two branches represented by two brothers, their wives and offspring. The character development was not the greatest as you can imagine, since the entire story practically is a first person narrative, but the author lets the reader develop his opinion by providing examples as well as the protagonist’s interpretation. I’d recommend the book to my fellow readers and reading group as it provides opportunity to explore the concepts of wealth vs. happiness, greed vs. loyalty. My thanks to Net Galley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read and review the work, the opportunity is greatly appreciated. ( )