Coming Up Short

Coming Up Short by Robert Reich is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. This thought-provoking, principled, clear-eyed chronicle explores the culture, politics, and economic choices that have positioned America where it is today. With irresponsible economic bullies and corporations wielding immense wealth and lobbying power at the top, demagogues on the rise, and increasing inequality fuelling anger and hatred across the country, it provides crucial insight into these issues.

Nine months after World War II, Robert Reich was born into a united America with a bright future, a potential that went unrealised for many as big money took over. Facing school bullies due to his height—just under five feet—Reich set forth on a determined path to combat American bullies of every kind throughout his life. He shares the poignant death of a friend in the civil rights movement, his political awakening amidst the Berkeley free speech movement, and his experiences working for Bobby Kennedy and Senator Eugene McCarthy. Furthermore, he reflects on living in a country divided by the Vietnam War and his encounters with notable figures such as Hillary Rodham in college, Bill Clinton at Oxford, and Clarence Thomas at Yale Law. His narrative includes his friendship with John Kenneth Galbraith during his teaching stint at Harvard, alongside relationships with Bernie Sanders and Ted Kennedy. Reich also recounts his service as labour secretary for Clinton and as an economic advisor to Barack Obama.

Ultimately, Reich poses critical questions: What did his generation achieve? Did they make America better, more inclusive, more tolerant? Did they bolster democracy? Or did they come up short? With his characteristic spirit and humour, Reich outlines how progressives can reclaim a sense of community and salvage a form of democratic capitalism that adheres to American ideals.

Coming Up Short is described as a full-throated rallying cry to restore balance to the country. "In Coming Up Short, the former adviser to multiple presidents lays out all that's wrong with the country and how we might get back on track," writes The Washington Post.

Molly Jong-Fast, New York Times bestselling author of How to Lose Your Mother, remarks, "Robert Reich is one of the most important political thinkers and activists of our time, and Coming Up Short is essential reading for understanding this moment in American history."

Jennifer Szalai of The New York Times highlights Reich’s lifelong dedication to promoting fairness and his foresight concerning inequality and the dangers posed by an unchecked financial industry. She notes, "Even though this book is billed as a memoir, it's ultimately a call to action."