In this full and frank memoir, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo reflects on his rapid rise to fame as the scion of a political dynasty, the dramatic implosion of his first gubernatorial campaign in 2002, and the remarkable story of his triumphant comeback to claim the Executive Mansion--and the tough but necessary lessons he learned along the way. Born in Queens, New York, as a second-generation American, Andrew Cuomo's first encounter with politics came during his father Mario's successful 1982 gubernatorial campaign. It ignited a career that led him to a central position in Bill Clinton's cabinet (he was the youngest cabinet member) as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and then to the 2002 race for New York State Governor. For this bright, bold scion of New York's leading Democratic political family victory seemed a sure bet, but Cuomo's clumsy handling of his campaign suggested he had flown too high, too fast. Undone by hubris, his bid ended ignominiously-and the potential of a once dazzling future dimmed. Many believed his rapidly ascending star had fallen for good. In this unflinchingly honest look at his circuitous path to success, Cuomo describes how that failed 2002 campaign forced him to confront his fallibility and acknowledge his mistakes. His is a powerful story of resilience and rebirth, as when others may have quit Cuomo used his defeat as a catalyst to retreat, reflect, and rebuild himself as a better politician-and a better man.

He swept the primary election of the 2006 race for New York State Attorney General, earning the title of "New York's own Comeback Kid," and went on to clinch the vote and blaze a dramatic trail of reform while in office that propelled him to victory in the 2010 gubernatorial election. With the same refreshing directness, Cuomo also writes about conquering the many obstacles facing him as Governor, from dysfunctional state spending to a bitter partisan divide over same-sex marriage to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. This thoughtful, insightful memoir, from one of today's most visible and active political figures--who is unofficially considering a 2016 Presidential run--documents a lifetime of fighting for justice and championing government reform. What Governor Cuomo has to say is of national importance, as it is a continuation of his mission to make government work for the people it serves.