Book Review THE INS-N-OUTS OF IN-N-OUT BURGER Lynsi Snyder

Thank you to the author Lynsi Snyder, publishers Thomas Nelson, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance hardback copy of THE INS-N-OUTS OF THE IN-N-OUT BURGER. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accomanying widget. All views are mine.



Being a veteran of the restaurant industry, having experienced the family one can find between the quiet tables of a pre-opened dining room, reading this book written by a restaurant heiress with a deep love of the burgers that uplifted her family and so many others felt like coming home for me.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. It was really interesting to read about how, in In-N-Out's early years, the "hamburger shop" fit in with popular culture: Elvis and rock n' roll, poodle skirts and shared milkshakes... the author's grandparents satisfied a craving this whole country had no idea it had.

2. The author's father was abused in childhood, which is relevant to this family's story in more than one way. But I thought it was really brave that Lynsi tried to take on the deep metaphysical question of why children must suffer abuse. Being a devout Christian, her explanation predictably follows scripture. But these experiences of her father’s and uncle's, and her beliefs about them, led her as representative of In-N-Out to support organizations that aid children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Such a surprising narrative.

3. I feel a great deal of respect for people who stick in and survive the addiction problems of people they love. The author stood by her father, and then her first husband, strived to see them past the demons. On the other side of all that, she found her faith.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. You don't hear often about companies that remain privately held. In-N-Out not only never traded publicly, it didn't even offer franchise options. Now home to 38,000 employees, In-N-Out has clearly been successful with a model that has been the downfall for so many other small businesses.

2. This company treats its employees very well. I don't know, I guess that's rare enough it deserves attention!

3. It's very cool that they do so much with racing.

4. Secret menu is pretty cool. Wish there was an In-N-Out in Ohio!

Rating: 🥤🍔🍟🍦 fast food meals
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Sep 27 23
Format: gifted hardback, digital, NetGalley 
Read this book if you like:
👻 narrative nonfiction
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl coming of age 
🍴 restaurant business 
📉 family business
🍔 In-N-Out Burger

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