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megatsunami's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars for what this book was, but 3 stars for what I wanted it to be. This clear, human, thoughtful book worked really well as a "Join our movement and transform terrible working conditions" manifesto. I loved how the author shared several in depth stories of movement leaders and their experiences working in the restaurant industry, and I liked how the book was organized in sections exploring different aspects of working conditions (health/safety, racism, etc.). The chapter on racism in the restaurant industry was particularly insightful.
I felt like there were things missing that I - as someone who supports this movement - would like to have read more about. For instance, the author profiles two restaurant owners who use fair employment practices, but there's not much discussion of why most restaurant owners don't, other than that they are jerks (the takeaway from some workers' stories!) or that it saves them money. On that second point, I would have really liked to see some examples with hard numbers. What are the financial costs of fair employment practices? What are the financial benefits? All this seems like it would be important to understand since it's how most employers justify not having fair practices.
I felt like there were things missing that I - as someone who supports this movement - would like to have read more about. For instance, the author profiles two restaurant owners who use fair employment practices, but there's not much discussion of why most restaurant owners don't, other than that they are jerks (the takeaway from some workers' stories!) or that it saves them money. On that second point, I would have really liked to see some examples with hard numbers. What are the financial costs of fair employment practices? What are the financial benefits? All this seems like it would be important to understand since it's how most employers justify not having fair practices.
stefanicox's review against another edition
4.0
I learned a ton about restaurant culture and restaurant workers by reading this book. It's a great information for anyone who hasn't worked in a restaurant (or who has and wants to know more about the challenges many restaurant workers face). Jayaraman is clearly super passionate about her work and has made some serious positive strides in an industry of low-wages and rampant gender/race discrimination. There's a bit of repetition after a while, however.
kobowden's review against another edition
4.0
"We tend not to realize that diversity is not the same as equity—that simply seeing a lot of restaurant workers from different backgrounds doesn't mean that restaurant workers have equal opportunities to advance to jobs that will allow them to support themselves and their families." (128)
katrinadalythompson's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.0
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent examination of the discrimination and abuse in restaurants across America. You will never look at tipping the same way again.
ktreadsnm's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this, but it's hard to believe everything that the author says, since she's obviously biased. However, if conditions are even half as bad as she says, that's still pretty awful.
carrieemoran's review against another edition
3.0
This book was certainly eye opening. The way restaurant workers are treated in this country is disgusting, and this book has certainly changed the way I view my dining experiences. It read more like a very long thesis paper rather than a book. I like non-fiction that flows, and this was very choppy. The personal stories were good but not written in the most compelling way. I think the subject matter of this book is extremely important, I just wish the writing and flow was better. I would only recommend this to people who are very interested in the subject to begin with, rather than as a title to compel someone to take a new look at this issue.
wealhtheow's review against another edition
2.0
One of the founders of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United recounts personal stories of hardship and injustice in the restaurant industry, backed up by national statistics. She details the legal policies and lobbying that enable these unjust and unhealthful working conditions, and lays out specific ways to end them. Great cause, terrible writing.