COMING UP SHORT
By Robert B. Reich
Publisher: Knopf
An economist who served in three presidential administrations gives his perspective on his generation’s impact on democracy, society and the economy.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
In "Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America," Robert B. Reich, the former U.S. Secretary of Labor and esteemed political economist, embarks on a deeply personal and scathing examination of America's socio-economic trajectory. Reich's narrative is both a memoir and a manifesto, intertwining his personal experiences with a trenchant critique of the nation's political and economic systems.
Reich's early life, marked by his struggle with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia—a condition that limited his height to 4'11"—and the bullying he endured as a result, serves as a poignant backdrop to his lifelong commitment to championing the underdog. He draws a direct line from his personal battles against bullies to his professional crusade against economic and political oppression. This thematic connection, while compelling, becomes somewhat repetitive, as noted by Richard Horan in The Washington Post, who describes the book as "thematically repetitive and baby-boomer-centric to the extreme." ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/31/coming-up-short-robert-reich-review/?utm_source=openai))
The memoir is structured into six parts, with the middle sections delving into pivotal events over the past seven decades that Reich argues have derailed America's moral and economic progress. He lambasts the 1971 Lewis Powell memo for unleashing corporate money into politics, criticizes the shift from a growing to a shrinking middle class, and condemns policies like NAFTA and the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act. Reich's unrelenting critique spares no one, including former colleagues and friends such as Bill Clinton, Bob Rubin, and Larry Summers. His willingness to hold all accountable underscores his commitment to truth over loyalty.
However, the final section, "The Long Game," which aims to offer solutions, falls disappointingly short. Reich presents a series of idealistic proposals like "Rejecting Both-Sides-ism" and "Sharing Profits" but fails to provide a concrete action plan. This lack of actionable solutions diminishes the impact of his otherwise incisive analysis. As Horan aptly points out, this section is "the weakest part of the book." ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/31/coming-up-short-robert-reich-review/?utm_source=openai))
Despite these shortcomings, Reich's unfiltered takedown of figures he deems as bullies—ranging from Roy Cohn and Joe McCarthy to Newt Gingrich and Roger Ailes—is both entertaining and enlightening. His candid assessments, such as labeling Alan Greenspan a "robber-baron pimp" and describing the Republican Party as "a crazed cult," are refreshingly bold. These passages are among the most enjoyable in the book, offering readers a glimpse into Reich's unvarnished perspective.
In conclusion, "Coming Up Short" is a fervent and unflinching critique of America's political and economic landscape, interwoven with Reich's personal journey. While the book's repetitive themes and lackluster solutions may frustrate some readers, its candidness and Reich's unwavering commitment to justice make it a compelling read. For those seeking an insider's account of America's political disarray, this memoir is both enlightening and provocative.
Recommendation: Read with caution.
written on: 8/14/2025