Books on Hospitality: Lessons From My Journey of Practicing Connection and Belonging

Hey Beloved,

So, the end of summer was a wild one. Between new ventures, a couple of trips, and soaking in the last moments before the kids went back to school, I looked up and realized—writing a newsletter consistently is hard. But I reminded myself that I’m still practicing.

And that’s exactly what hospitality is: a practice.

Hospitality isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s not about perfection, lavish events, or flawless execution. It’s about showing up—day after day—with an open heart, ready to make others feel valued and welcome, even when life gets busy or messy.

Like any practice, hospitality is something we refine as we go, learning from each interaction.

That’s what I love about the books I’m sharing today. They don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions or one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, they invite us into the journey of hospitality, giving us the tools to show up and practice—whether it’s in business, our homes, or our communities.

While by no means are these my Top 10 list, these are books that will help you embrace hospitality in your daily life and give you fresh perspectives on how to connect with others more deeply.

Let’s jump in…📚

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

Short Description: 

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering explores the importance of intentional gatherings, showing how we can make our meetings and events more meaningful and impactful. With a focus on human-centered gatherings, Parker shares that everyone can create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

Fav Quote: 

“What if the real purpose of gathering goes beyond the simple act of being together? What if our gatherings are a form of art—a way to connect us to something greater?” 🤯

Why I Loved It: 

Parker’s focus on intentionality struck a chord with me, reinforcing that hospitality isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating spaces where people feel valued and heard.

Why You Should Read It: 

This book is a game-changer if you want to take your gatherings—whether professional or personal—to the next level. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about creating moments of connection.

Buy On Amazon

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Short Description: 

Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality is a powerful testament to the art of going above and beyond in hospitality, transforming simple service into unforgettable moments and connections.

Fav Quote: 

"When you create a hospitality-first culture, everything about your business improves—whether that means finding and retaining great talent, turning customers into raving fans, or increasing your profitability" - YEP

Why I Loved It: 

Will is a friend of mine, and his book came out just as I entered the “hospitality industry.” It is easily the book I have recommended the most in my entire life. Guidara uses his experience in the restaurant world to show how we can all take part in the Hospitality economy. The IRL takeaways and actions that came from this book seem endless.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you read only one of these books…grab this one. After reading this, I am confident that whatever type of business you are in…you’ll decide you’re in the hospitality business. There is a reason it is a New York Times Bestseller and even two years later, is still a #1 Best Seller on Amazon.

Buy On Amazon

The Hospitable Leader by Terry A. Smith

Short Description: 

The Hospitable Leader shows how leadership and hospitality intersect, emphasizing the importance of welcoming people into environments where they want to be led.

Fav Quote: 

“We must create conditions in which people want to be led. We must welcome them to the table. We cannot lead people from here to there if they have not first been welcomed here.” — COULD YOU IMAGINE 👀

Why I Loved It: 

This book may have more Kindle Highlights than any other book I have ever read. It put into words the very thought I had for years about leading and building teams. To Lead is to Host.

Why You Should Read It: 

Whether you’re leading a team or an organization, this book will challenge you to think about how you welcome and engage people, creating an environment where they want to follow you.

By On Amazon

Be Our Guest by The Disney Institute

Short Description: 

Be Our Guest explores the secrets behind Disney’s legendary customer service, revealing how meticulous attention to detail creates magical experiences for guests.

Fav Quote: 

"Quality Service means exceeding your guests’ expectations by paying attention to every detail of the delivery of your products and services." - Disney is the G.O.A.T.

Why I Loved It: 

I am so fascinated with Disney. Disney’s ability to create “magic” in every interaction is a perfect example of how hospitality can transcend service.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you want to bring a little “Disney magic” to your business, this book will show you how to create extraordinary experiences that go beyond basic customer service.

Buy On Amazon

The Business of Belonging by David Spinks

Short Description: 

David Spinks’ The Business of Belonging discusses how community is built and sustained, offering valuable insights into creating spaces where people feel like they truly belong.

Fav Quote: 

“Communities are stronger when people feel like they belong. That feeling of belonging is the secret ingredient that drives engagement and retention.” - Hospitality=Belonging

Why I Loved It: 

I read this even before my Hospitality book pilgramiage. During my time building Run Gum, I saw the impact of what building a community can do in your business. This book speaks directly to the power of community, something I believe is central to hospitality. Creating spaces of belonging is essential, whether in business or in life.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you’re building a community in any capacity, this book will provide a solid foundation for fostering deeper connections and engagement among your audience.

Buy On Amazon

The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

Short Description: 

Rosaria Butterfield’s The Gospel Comes with a House Key explores the radical concept of hospitality in the Christian faith, showing how ordinary acts of welcome can transform lives.

Fav Quote: 

“Radical, ordinary hospitality is this: using your Christian home in a daily way that seeks to make strangers neighbors, and neighbors family of God.”

Why I Loved It: 

This goes back to the roots of hospitality in that it is about welcoming those passing by into your home and welcoming them into your home. Loving them because they are beloved and giving them a sense of connection and value just because they are.

Why You Should Read It: 

Even if you’re not faith-based, this book offers valuable lessons on using hospitality to build community, foster connection, and create lasting impact through simple acts of kindness.

Buy On Amazon

The Heart of Hospitality by Micah Solomon

Short Description: 

The Heart of Hospitality offers expert insights from leaders in the hospitality industry on how to deliver top-tier customer experiences that keep people coming back.

Fav Quote: 

“The essence of hospitality is not just in providing services but in the way we make people feel. Genuine hospitality transforms mere service into memorable experiences.” - We can ALL do this.

Why I Loved It: 

What I have enjoyed about reading the “industry” books on hospitality…They almost all get to the core posture of hospitality and how building a hospitable organization starts with having a hospitable culture.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you’re looking to improve customer experiences in your business, this book provides practical advice from some of the best in the industry on how to create lasting impressions.

Buy On Amazon

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer

Short Description: 

Danny Meyer’s Setting the Table is a classic in the hospitality world, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he built one of the most successful restaurant empires by focusing on hospitality.

Fav Quote: 

“Business, like life, is all about how you make people feel. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard.” - Mundane & Transcendent

Why I Loved It: 

I mean… this is a must and cult classic. Meyer’s is legendary and this book has long been a staple in helping create a hospitality mindset in just about all we do.

Why You Should Read It: 

You might as well add this to your cart now. For anyone in the service industry or looking to create a culture of hospitality in their organization, this book offers practical wisdom on how to make hospitality a driving force in your business.

Buy On Amazon

The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon

Short Description: 

The Art of Neighboring explores the concept of building strong, meaningful relationships with the people who live closest to us—our neighbors. It forces the question…What if we actually loved our neighbors?

Fav Quote: 

“When a community of reciprocity is created, there are real opportunities to serve and be served. Then a neighborhood becomes less isolated and more self-sufficient as a whole.”

Why I Loved It: 

I often ask myself, “What does hospitality look like when I walk out my front door?” This book challenged me to think about my neighbors and those I live amongst on my street.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you’re interested in how hospitality can build stronger, more connected communities, this book offers valuable lessons on how small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Buy on Amazon

Future Hospitality by Jeremy Wells

Short Description: 

Jeremy Wells’ Future Hospitality provides an in-depth look at how technology and trends will shape the future of the hospitality industry.

Fav Quote: 

“When you know your guests and engage with them thoughtfully, you can create memorable moments even in the mundane.” - Reminds me of the quote from Making Room, “Often, the practice of hospitality is a window into some of that mystery — a mystery that is as mundane as soup and as transcendent as angels.”

Why I Loved It: 

I read this early on in my “hospitality industry” career and while Wells gets into the weeds and nitty gritty, he starts it all with the posture of hospitality that we get to have when we work in hospitality. That it at first a mindset.

Why You Should Read It: 

If you’re in hospitality or want to stay ahead of emerging trends, this book offers practical advice on how to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Also check out Wells, most recent book, Indie Hospitality.

Buy on Amazon

Welp…that at least gets you started. Reach out for more once you have tackled these. 😉

What books around this theme of hospitality have you read?

Send me a DM or email with your recommendations.

Until the next one (could be next week or not)…

Nathan

* Hey…so all the links to Amazon are Amazon Associate links, which means they are affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you buy a book from above with the link.