Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald's Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away

It's hard to remember a time when McDonald's was not available in every town across America. Yet all colossal corporations have a beginning. Journalist Napoli ((Radio Shangri-La)) takes us back to when McDonald's was a small hamburger stand to explore the lives of Joan (1928–2003) and Ray (1902–84) Kroc and the origins and unlikely rise of the company's empire, which Ray joined in 1954. The author does an outstanding job of connecting these three stories in a way that makes sense and is engaging, as all are thoroughly interwoven. Joan, the book's ultimate focus, was a philanthropist, crusader, and humanitarian who used her money and influence to make a difference where she could. Her contributions, however, would not have existed without the success of McDonald's and the fortune her husband left behind after his death. To understand Joan, readers must understand Ray. Napoli clearly addresses the flaws of these larger-than-life characters while also endearing them to audiences.