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Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America Hardcover – 5 August 2025
by Robert B Reich (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (681)
#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.
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416 pages
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"As bullied as [Reich] was, he never became a bully. He has dedicated his life to promoting fairness, not revenge....His numerous books have a moral center because he has a moral center.... Reich has been remarkably prescient, regularly warning about the dangers of inequality and the perils posed by a financial industry run amok....Over the last four decades, Reich has seen what happens when his colleagues succumb to complacency, presuming that everything will be just fine in the long run....Even though this book is billed as a memoir, it's ultimately a call to action."
--Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times
"I am a big fan of Robert Reich. He is the rare academic who addresses the real problems facing America and fights to fix an economic system propelled by uncontrollable greed and contempt for human decency. He has used every position and platform at his disposal to reverse the unbridled pursuit of power and profit by the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working people. We would all do well to follow his example. Coming Up Short, an important and galvanizing account of a life dedicated to public service, is a good place to start."
--Senator Bernie Sanders
"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....A full-throated...rallying cry to get things back to where they belong."
--The Washington Post
"Being bullied as a child helped Robert Reich become a champion for the little guy. As Secretary of Labor, political economist, and public intellectual, he has called out the bullies, demagogues, and oligarchs who exploit working people and now threaten to subvert democracy. With characteristic wit and verve, Reich's thoroughly absorbing memoir shows how his generation fell short in achieving a just society, and how the next generation can do better."
--Michael Sandel, author of The Tyranny of Merit
"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."
--Molly Jong-Fast, New York Times bestselling author of How to Lose Your Mother
"What Reich self-deprecatingly claims he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for in moral standing and civic pride . . . . Reich's memoir is both economic treatise and political reckoning, stemming from a deep love of country and commitment to progress, in pursuit of doing what's right as opposed to what is popular or expedient . . . . Clear-eyed and critical, Reich's assessment of where America is headed is both sobering and, characteristically, hopeful."
--Booklist, *starred review*
"In this passionate political memoir, Reich, former U.S. secretary of labor under Bill Clinton, calls on Democrats to refocus on the working class . . . . Along the way, he works in piquant sketches of political figures.... Reich's arguments are convincing . . . . A perceptive insider's account of Democratic disarray."
--Publishers Weekly
"A sharply pointed chronicle of a society that, Reich laments, gladly tolerates the strong brutalizing the weak."
--Kirkus Reviews
"Highly recommended for readers concerned about the nation's future and the world that will be left to the next generation."
--Library Journal
About the Author
ROBERT B. REICH recently retired as Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in three presidential administrations, Republican and Democrat, as Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton, and has written eighteen books, including The Work of Nations (translated into twenty-two languages) and the bestsellers The Common Good, Saving Capitalism, and Locked in the Cabinet. His articles have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He is a columnist for Newsweek and The Guardian, and writes a daily newsletter at https: //robertreich.substack.com/. He is co-creator of the award-winning film Inequality for All and the Netflix original Saving Capitalism, and co-founder of Inequality Media. He lives in Berkeley.
Robert B. Reich
Robert is the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, and Senior Fellow at the Blum Center for Developing Economies. He has served in three national administrations, including as Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration. Time Magazine named Robert one of the ten most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century.
Robert is also the co-founder of Inequality Media, a nonpartisan digital media company dedicated to informing and engaging the public about inequality and imbalance of power.
Robert has written 18 books, including the best sellers Aftershock, The Common Good, and Saving Capitalism. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic. Robert is also a founding editor of the American Prospect magazine and Chairman of Common Cause.
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From Australia
Jim KABLE
5.0 out of 5 stars The Tallest Man
Reviewed in Australia on 25 August 2025
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This is a must read if anyone is to properly understand where and how an the persons involved in the US going wrong, greedy, selfish and war mongering. Robert Reich was there. Present at the table! And he knows what truthful ethics is all about. And he was and is a teacher! (There can be no higher praise.)
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From other countries
Grandy & Baba
5.0 out of 5 stars Great buy
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2025
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A brilliant book, and very relevant.
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Douglas Rohrer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book!
Reviewed in Mexico on 8 November 2025
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Excellent!
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GFours
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and Relevant
Reviewed in the United States on 8 September 2025
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I'm not a fan of US History. But this makes me "like" learning about it.
It has helped ingrain proper perspective relevant to what's happening around me today. Even if you've no background of Professor Reich, there's a familiarity to his decades of writing which will resonate for decades to come, and to anyone who reads. There's something in this for everyone. It's relevant to our history and I feel it's an important read for anyone wanting to gain insight into the experience of minorities.
6 people found this helpful
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Cliente Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in Italy on 20 September 2025
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I Ve known Roberts following his articles on the guardian. I am italian and i decided to read this book in english. A wonderful Surprise, with Just few Easy words he can explain difficoult topic and changed My mind.
Absolutely worth!!
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Cliente Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars Una historia indispensable para entender los EE.UU. hoy día.
Reviewed in Spain on 14 September 2025
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LA HISTORIA DE LO QUE HA PASADO EN LOS EE. UU. LOS ÚLTIMOS 70 AÑOS Y HACIA DÓNDE VA.
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DP_Rouen
5.0 out of 5 stars An instructive and encouraging book
Reviewed in France on 26 September 2025
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A fascinating book that allows the reader to understand the reasons behind the MAGA movement and the polarisation of the US society. This book should be compulsory reading for every politician seeking to defend democracy in Western countries, especially politicians from the left or the centre-left.
There are many sources cited in this book, and it is surprising to discover how US Democrats have ignored the question of inequalities for decades.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book about achieving economic and social justice for all.
Reviewed in Canada on 16 October 2025
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An important book in these turbulent times. Professor Reich has spent his life advocating for public policies that improve the economic and social well being of every day Americans - the 99%. Must read. Check him out on Substack.
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Angus
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative book
Reviewed in Canada on 25 October 2025
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A book that will explain about the greed of large corporations and what happened to the American Dream!
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Margaret
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the read
Reviewed in the United States on 21 September 2025
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This is a trip down memory lanes of the 60s and 70s periods of change and unrest. He combines information about history, government, politics, economics and social issues like prejudice and bullying with touches of humor. This is one book that I will definitely read more than once, as it fuels the thought processes to understand more about the behind the facade of America's politics.
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rikytik
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read views by Reich
Reviewed in Canada on 7 September 2025
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A Must read for everybody who lives on this planet
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swalk
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy flow and infirmative
Reviewed in the United States on 17 August 2025
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This memoir is a humorous and inside view of the political world from on of my favorite people. He knew so many people and worked with both Republican and Democrats. He like an educated fly-on-the-wall historian who knows his subject well. The title is a double meaning, and this shows his sense of humor. He is an example of what we should all face in life.. the challenges that make a person stronger. I guess where he lacked in height, he got extra in the brain department. Such an amusing read, you don't realize how much you're learning.
21 people found this helpful
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Gary
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book!
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2025
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Interesting and politically relevant autobiographical book.
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Cathryn Cylinder
5.0 out of 5 stars Robert Reich's book is a fascinating story of US politics
Reviewed in the United States on 23 September 2025
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Reich's personal story of his career in politics is full of prominent and influential people in American government during the last seven decades. His writing is excellent and full of passion and caring for the people of this country. His public service, teaching, books, videos and wisdom are remarkable. I knew that Bob has an affection for Bernie Sanders and I am very pleased that he praises him in this book. The world would be so much better if we had had President Bernie and Treasury Secretary Bob Reich.
6 people found this helpful
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Bruce Sundquist
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling book on our times
Reviewed in the United States on 17 December 2025
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Dr Reich provided an enjoyable reflection on how America and society has changed. I grew up during this period and can relate to the author’s experience and observations. Very enjoyable read.
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DustyP
5.0 out of 5 stars You must read it.
Reviewed in the United States on 12 November 2025
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Great writing, it is funny, poignant, and relevant. It's an easy read. I enjoyed the history of politics.
4 people found this helpful
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Kathy M
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Autobiography!!!
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2025
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This is a wonderful book, Robert Reich telling his story both professionally and personally. This is about a GOOD MAN who has faced plenty of obstacles, has had a stellar career, and continues to give his heart and soul to America. He is also very funny! Great read!!
One person found this helpful
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E E Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Received
Reviewed in the United States on 20 December 2025
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Received item promptly, as described.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Message to Gen X, Y and Z
Reviewed in the United States on 27 August 2025
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This book is an insightful critique of the political leadership of the “baby boom” generation.
As a high school student in the late 1960’s my boomer classmates and I were pulled between the generally conservative values of our “greatest generation” parents and the idealism of some of our “counterculture” peers. We sometimes wondered how things would work out when it was our generation’s turn to lead the country.
Now we know: first we had Bill Clinton, followed by George W. Bush. Even though Barack Obama was still a boomer (being at the younger end of the cohort) I thought we had “passed the torch to a new generation” when he was elected, and that the United States had made a significant step toward “a more perfect Union”. Then came Donald Trump (a boomer at the oldest end of the cohort) who is determined to undo it all.
Robert Reich, also a boomer and political insider, does a masterful job retrospectively summarizing how the economic policies of our generation’s leaders, along with decisions of Supreme Court justices (a few more boomers), contributed to our current predicament.
With the youngest of the baby boomers now in their early 60’s, there isn’t enough time left for us to turn our generation’s idealism into reality. Hopefully, Gen X, Y and Zers will read Reich’s autobiography (or check out his social media posts), learn some lessons from it, and do better than we did.
13 people found this helpful
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Mary T. H.
5.0 out of 5 stars READ this Book!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Read this book! It clearly explains the rise of Donald Trump, the threat of billionaires controlling elections and the news, and the losses to the middle and lower classes since Ronald Reagan. He places blame on both parties and the influence of big money against the American people and toward the wealthy. It all makes sense from a man who’s been in the thick of it for many years! Educate yourself…read this book!!
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