Coming Up Short

A Memoir of My America

De: Robert B. Reich

Narrado por: 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.

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—that 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; 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?

In the end, though, Reich hardly abandons us to despair over a doomed democracy. With his characteristic spirit, humor, and inherent decency, 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.

©2025 Robert B. Reich (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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

The inspiration I needed

This book felt earnest by way of a life lived full of the tumult life can offer and Robert shared his experience with heart and authenticity, a sense of duty and hope for future, a hard dose of reality to include the hinge points that have shaped shifted our current culture along side a history, lesson of the last 40 to 50 years. Many of the concepts for policy and economy included are those I have had in my heart and my intuition. It is so helpful to know that those that have lived a life longer and wiser than mine, agree. This is the inspiration I was looking for. I appreciated the respect, detail, and succinctness that Robert wrote with.

Narration

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

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.

The clear picture he draws on how we got where we are tidy

Very interesting life. Downside repeats many stories. But a MUST READ for everyone. Thank you Professor Reich

Robert Reich's memoir and hopes for the future of the USA

I am a big fan of Prof. Reich and greatly enjoyed hearing his story of his early life and education. I share his views of the appalling Trump and the ways his presidency threatens every good thing our country stands for. Some of his recommendations for actions we should take have zero chance of success, but they need to be heard. Other ideas he promotes are excellent. Highly recommended.

Highly recommend!

My wish is that every person on the planet reads this book. It's an amazing balance of historical facts and important ideas for the future and how we move forward, all laid on a foundation of hope and optimism.

Authenticity

Reich is one of the greatest patriots alive today. Waiting for his next book! Also hoping to see him in SMA again soon!

Informative back stories

A great deep dive of how we got in this mess. Thank you for your detailed accounts.

Excellent Economic Discussion

Thank you Prof Reich for this book - and all your previous books. This was akin to sitting in your classroom at Berkley but updated as only you can do. Your view of today's economy, and the politicians who own the results is spot on.

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.