Coming Up Short

A Memoir of My America

By: Robert B. Reich

Narrated by: Robert B. Reich

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From political economist, cabinet member, beloved professor, media presence, and bestselling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good, a deeply felt, compelling memoir of growing up in a baby-boom America that made progress in certain areas, fell short in so many important ways, and still has lots of work to do

"Important and galvanizing.” —Senator Bernie Sanders

"Essential reading for understanding this moment in American history.” —Molly Jong-Fast, New York Times bestselling author of How to Lose Your Mother

A thought-provoking, principled, clear-eyed chronicle of the culture, politics, and economic choices that have landed us where we are today—with irresponsible economic bullies and corporations with immense wealth and lobbying power on top, demagogues on the rise, and increasing inequality fueling anger and hatred across the country.

Nine months after World War II, Robert Reich was born into a united America with a bright future—which went unrealized for so many as big money took over our democracy. His encounter with school bullies on account of his height—4'11" as an adult—set him on a determined path to spend his life fighting American bullies of every sort. He recounts the death of a friend in the civil rights movement; his political coming of age witnessing the Berkeley free speech movement; working for Bobby Kennedy and Senator Eugene McCarthy; experiencing a country torn apart by the Vietnam War; meeting Hillary Rodham in college, Bill Clinton at Oxford, and Clarence Thomas at Yale Law. He details his friendship with John Kenneth Galbraith during his time teaching at Harvard, and subsequent friendships with Bernie Sanders and Ted Kennedy; and his efforts as labor secretary for Clinton and economic advisor to Barack Obama. Ultimately, Reich asks: What did his generation accomplish? Did they make America better, more inclusive, more tolerant? Did they strengthen democracy? Or did they come up short?

Reich hardly abandons us to despair over a doomed democracy. With characteristic spirit and humor, he lays out how we can reclaim a sense of community and a democratic capitalism based on the American ideals we still have the power to salvage.

Robert Reich’s great sense of humor and his relish for life.

I felt closely connected to everything he described since we’re the same age so I remember experiencing many of the events and people.

Wish I could have taken one of his classes!

This book was so refreshing and so interesting. Listening to him read it was also very heartwarming. He has a wonderful presence.

Narration

Exquisite. A very fine review of a man’s life. He may feel he came up a little short, but he certainly tried!

i learned a few things

Robert takes you on an educational journey. I’m recommending to all i know looking to understand where we are, how we got here and to consider what we value. Enjoyable, informative and inspiring. Thanks, Robert.

Who the world needs now

Thankfully, my heart is as smart as Professor Reich is capable of putting my feelings and beliefs into words. Thank you, Prof Reich, for your amazing soul and for this book, at this time.