Rating: 
Summary: Accurate diagnosis, but not sure about the solution
Review: This is one of few books that show in a clear, concise, and convincing way the human costs involved in the New Economy. Other, more optimistic books, such as Kevin Kelly's New Rules for the New Economy, see the increasing rate of churn (creation and destruction of jobs and businesses) as beneficial to the economy at large, and it certainly is, but they overlook the implications for individuals: being constantly worried about losing a job, being forced to sell oneself at every opportunity, working long hours while work is available to make up for future unemployment, uncertainty about how the bills will get paid next month, etc. On the other hand, like many intellectual works with a bent on theory, a drawback of this book is that it's much longer on criticism than it is on solutions, and the author is much better at the former than the latter. The sweeping income and capital tax hikes that he proposes would never make it through Congress, Republican or Democrat, and even if they did, they wouln't prosper on a worldwide scale. Developing countries would face devastating capital flights at the slightest attempt to raise taxes on investments, and this inability to have uniform worker protection policies would discourage any nation to try to implement them on their own if they want to remain competitive. In spite of this limitation this is an excellent work that will raise consciousness on a previously overlooked issue, stimulate debate, and eventually lead others to more practical, workable solutions.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a good book -- a GREAT one
Review: To use the word "visionary" would be to undersell this author. Robert Reich is perhaps the single key individual bridging the divide between the old and new economies. From his vantage point as former secretary of labor, a brilliant economist, and having written seven previous books, we are priveleged to see a clear picture of a new time, a new way of life, and myriad new opportunities. Reich has taken it upon himself to explain how the economy works to millions of Americans in clear, plain English. I have already bought this book for several friends and just today found a signed copy! I'm so excited. His joy of writing and communicating is so clear -- it's as much fun to read as it must have been to write. This is THE book of the year -- I don't care what comes next. If it doesn't change your perspective or give you more confidence in your decisions, e-mail me and I'll buy your copy from you. The Future of Success is perhaps the most underlined book i've finished reading in years. NOTE: I would love to meet Robert Reich. If you have any suggestions on how to meet him, please contact me. David Siegel, author
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, comprehensive overview but...
Review: What Former Labor Secretary Reich does say, he says with insight and clarity: the transformation of society into one that is obsessively "bottom line" driven, whether it be a company seeking highest profitable returns or an on-line customer seeking the quickest delivery time for an item. However the result of this thinking, according to the author creates two major problems: it widens the income gap between economic classes and it makes "time is money" the paradigm of the new millenium--at the expense of personal and family relations, self-reflection and understanding, enjoyment of life outside of work. The well-off have access to service (massage, personal trainers, limousines,); as for the poor: let them do stretching exercises, jog, and take the bus. The author insists that as the more affluent become more insular, they do not intentionally separate themselves from the needy or disadvantaged; it's just that they follow the dictates of common sense that says why not get the best bang for the buck (for example, not caring or acting on the fact that low prices of computers is at least due in part to woefully low wages among foreign workers who produce the chips). We need to reassess our values, according to Reich, and ask ourselves whether indeed do we really want to live overworked if pampered lives with less and less time for those things which traditionally display our humanity. All in all, a very inclusive, incisive book with such disparate citations as Oscar Hammerstein and brain chemistry research to promote the thesis. Two small issues I have though: 1) I wonder if we really aren't so aware of the injustices around us and simply have a "that's life" attitude; and 2) I believe the author might have included a bit more regarding the role of the media in persuading us to move in the direction of a certain "you can have it all" mindframe (as a clothing salesperson might steer us toward what we "really" would look good in). Nevertheless, anyone who is concerned about the future of work, American culture, and "family values" should enjoy and receive insights from this book even if he or she doesn't totally agree with it.
Rating:
Summary: Forget Stephen King. Reality is Much More Scary.
Review: While reading this outstanding book, even as one of the globally oriented "geeks & shrinks" of Reich's new economy elite, I'm suffering the severe income instability he forsees for most of us. So maybe his words resonate harder with me. But his musings will hit home with many people. Put this book on a pedestal with The Wealth of Nations, 1984, Future Shock, The Age of Paradox. This book is totally relevant and should be required reading for everyone in a position of power. Even if Dubya rarely reads a book, he should read this one! Forget that Reich is a Democrat. He doesn't bang his drum until near the end -- and by then you're tempted to agree. Just ask Sen. Jeffords. Dateline 2000: the Seattle riots. The Presidency & Senate split down the middle. Dateline 2001: race riots in Cincinnati, Ohio and Oldham, England. The haves vs. the have nots. It will get worse. And to think we're all responsible for the mess -- and the solution. If the Unabomber had been as lucid as Reich, we'd have listened. He wouldn't have needed the bombs to get his point across. Do us all a favor. Read this book! And tell your representatives to.
Rating:
Summary: Forget Stephen King. Reality is Much More Scary.
Review: While reading this outstanding book, even as one of the globally oriented "geeks & shrinks" of Reich's new economy elite, I'm suffering the severe income instability he forsees for most of us. So maybe his words resonate harder with me. But his musings will hit home with many people. Put this book on a pedestal with The Wealth of Nations, 1984, Future Shock, The Age of Paradox. This book is totally relevant and should be required reading for everyone in a position of power. Even if Dubya rarely reads a book, he should read this one! Forget that Reich is a Democrat. He doesn't bang his drum until near the end -- and by then you're tempted to agree. Just ask Sen. Jeffords. Dateline 2000: the Seattle riots. The Presidency & Senate split down the middle. Dateline 2001: race riots in Cincinnati, Ohio and Oldham, England. The haves vs. the have nots. It will get worse. And to think we're all responsible for the mess -- and the solution. If the Unabomber had been as lucid as Reich, we'd have listened. He wouldn't have needed the bombs to get his point across. Do us all a favor. Read this book! And tell your representatives to.
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