BookVerdict_logo-black-300pxHere’s the January 1 review of Ice Cream Social from BookVerdict, the subscription-only review service of Library Journal:
“For readers who want to know the truth behind the pints of Chubby Hubby and Phish Food, journalist and consultant Edmonson (founder, ePodunk.com) offers an in-depth history of the business side of Ben & Jerry’s, founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in 1978, including the ups and downs of running a successful company while remaining true to its original roots. While neither Ben nor Jerry agreed to be interviewed for the book, it includes material contributed by Jeff Furman, the current chairman of Ben & Jerry’s board of directors. He wrote the company’s original business plan back in 1977 (using a pizza shop template) and has stayed with the firm ever since. Furman was also instrumental in drafting its three-point mission statement: great ice cream, social purpose, and profit. How the company has maintained its progressive social focus, despite challenges and considerable pushback from Unilever (who bought out Ben & Jerry’s in 2000), is a major focus of this work. VERDICT An engaging company chronicle, with an emphasis on the boardroom, not the scoop shop (although personal photos and fun facts such as key employees’ favorite flavors are included). Recommended for business collections.—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH.”