Review of "I Got Donuts!"

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 16 Jul 2025, 10:22

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of ""I Got Donuts!"" by Marquetta T. Hemphill.]

4 out of 5 stars

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I Got Donuts! by Marquetta T. Hemphill is delightfully full of motivational metaphors. The author has cleverly used the familiarity of a tasty pastry to describe poor management practices. The first part of the book explains how to identify the issues, and the second part offers ten exercises for overcoming them. After reading this book, you might find yourself cringing when the boss comes to a meeting carrying a big white bakery box.

The book is listed under two genres: memoir and motivational. Although Hemphill does cover her career journey, there are few details about her personal life. She briefly mentions a husband and a daughter. I was expecting more of a detailed memoir. I do, however, understand the legal issues of writing negative comments about former bosses.

Hemphill's writing style is witty and full of "y'alls," which creates an instant connection. I was immediately drawn into the narrative because I have worked under administrators who used the donut approach. The author explains this theory as "actions that give the appearance of care and engagement but lack any real substance." The metaphor of a donut that is sweet and satisfying but offers no nourishment is obvious.

In the chapter "What's With Donuts?" the author uses metaphors to describe various types of supervisors. A jelly-filled leader is unpredictable. A powder donut leader creates chaos, and a maple bacon leader tries too hard to be all things sweet and savory. According to Hemphill, this mentorship leads to a situation where "you saw the glazed smiles, felt the powdered chaos, or got stuck cleaning up the jelly mess left behind by someone else."

Not only does this book reveal the problems, but it also offers solutions. The ten exercises at the end point out ways to recognize and overcome the deficiencies of working under the "I got donuts" approach. Her goal to inspire, uplift, and empower is summarized by this quote: "You are not here to settle for crumbs; you are here to take the whole bakery."

Even though the metaphors might have been stretched a little too far at times, I enjoyed reading the advice given. I deducted one star because of the weak memoir portions. My rating is four out of five stars. Hemphill offers hope to anyone who is facing obstacles. The exercises provided and the accompanying prompts and lessons will be a benefit to many struggling individuals. Hopefully, the popularity of the book won't affect the donut market.

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"I Got Donuts!"
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Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 18 Jul 2025, 12:10

Wow. The quote, "You are not here to settle for crumbs; you are here to take the whole bakery," definitely carries the day. What makes happy and excited is the fact that the author not only highlights the challenges of such an approach to leadership but also offers solutions. Thanks for the review, @Diana Lowery.

Onyemuwa-dave · Post by **Onyemuwa-dave** » 20 Jul 2025, 05:51

This is a delightfully witty and insightful review of Marquetta T. Hemphill's I Got Donuts. The central metaphor of donuts representing poor management is incredibly clever and relatable. It's great that you enjoyed the practical advice and the author's engaging "y'alls" writing style, even if the memoir aspect was light. Your 4-star rating for offering hope to struggling individuals is well-deserved. Thanks for this sweet review!

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 21 Jul 2025, 10:33

Onyemuwa-dave wrote: ↑20 Jul 2025, 05:51 This is a delightfully witty and insightful review of Marquetta T. Hemphill's I Got Donuts. The central metaphor of donuts representing poor management is incredibly clever and relatable. It's great that you enjoyed the practical advice and the author's engaging "y'alls" writing style, even if the memoir aspect was light. Your 4-star rating for offering hope to struggling individuals is well-deserved. Thanks for this sweet review!

Thanks for keeping the sweet metaphor going.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 21 Jul 2025, 10:35

Kibet Hillary wrote: ↑18 Jul 2025, 12:10 Wow. The quote, "You are not here to settle for crumbs; you are here to take the whole bakery," definitely carries the day. What makes happy and excited is the fact that the author not only highlights the challenges of such an approach to leadership but also offers solutions. Thanks for the review, @Diana Lowery.

Thank you, Kibet, I appreciate your comments.