
Step into "The Hotel Nantucket," Hilderbrand's #1 NYT bestseller that sparked an actual tourism phenomenon. This beloved beach read inspired real-world hotel packages, island guides, and what locals call "the Elin effect" - proof that some fictional getaways become legendary destinations.
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
The Hotel Nantucket stands weathered and abandoned until London billionaire Xavier Darling pours thirty million dollars into transforming it into the island's crown jewel. Custom whaling boat chandeliers illuminate grand spaces, hand-painted night skies adorn bedroom ceilings, and emperor-sized canopy beds promise luxurious comfort. But this isn't just another renovation story. Xavier has his sights set on the hospitality industry's holy grail-the legendary "fifth key" from notoriously exacting hotel critic Shelly Carpenter, who has never awarded her highest honor in thirty years of reviews. To achieve this impossible dream, Xavier recruits Lizbet Keaton as general manager-a hospitality veteran seeking her own fresh start after discovering her partner JJ's devastating affair. Lizbet channels her heartbreak into excellence, creating an exhaustive "Blue Book" of curated island experiences while pointedly excluding her ex's restaurant from all recommendations. Yet beneath the gleaming surfaces lurks a darker narrative. Nonagenarian Mint Benedict, whose family owned the hotel during its golden age, issues a chilling warning: "They can fix it up but it won't succeed. The Hotel Nantucket is haunted, and it's all my father's fault." Unknown to all, she's right-Grace Hadley, a nineteen-year-old chambermaid who perished in the devastating 1922 fire, has been keeping vigil for a century, waiting for the right moment to reveal the truth behind her murder.
Break down key ideas from The Hotel Nantucket into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Distill The Hotel Nantucket into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Experience The Hotel Nantucket through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Get the The Hotel Nantucket summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.