Book Review | Unreasonable Hospitality

Title: Unreasonable Hospitality
Author: Will Guidara
Genre: Nonfiction, Leadership, Hospitality
Pages: 288 pages
Format: I read the book (recommend reading for those who love to highlight, tab and underline, there will be lots of that!)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book was a mix of…

A leadership development book mixed with storytelling. While the stories come from his experience in the restaurant industry, they go far beyond. For me it was like the storytelling in a memoir combined life and leadership nuggets that you can carry in many aspects of your life.

A Couple of my Favorite Quotes:

“First Principle: take care of one another.”

“Intention means every decision, from the most obviously significant to the seemingly mundane, matters. To do something with intentionality means to do it thoughtfully, with clear purpose and an eye on the desired result.”

A few life and leadership lessons from the book:

• Hospitality is about making people feel seen, creating magic out of ordinary moments.
• Small details matter more than you think. The little things add up to make the biggest impact.
• Culture is built with intention—leaders set the tone.
• Surprise and delight create lasting memories and deepen relationships.
• Growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones and embracing reinvention.
• The best teams operate with trust, humility, and a shared purpose.

Final Thoughts:

Would I read this again? Absolutely. It’s packed with so many actionable insights that apply to any industry, and carry into life. This is a book that holds a spot on my “who I aim to be” section of my bookshelf—a collection of books that hold a spot in my heart and represent how I aim to show up in life. If you work in customer service, lead a team, or just love stories about excellence, this book is a must-read.

Where to find this book:

Check your local library (many have the audiobook available too!). If you’re purchasing, consider supporting independent bookstores. Browse my Bookshop list to find this book and more recommendations.

Let’s talk books! Have you read Unreasonable Hospitality?
What are your takeaways? Drop your thoughts or recommendations in the comments!