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American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Hardcover – October 13, 2020

by Andrew Cuomo (Author)

1,847 ratings

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Governor Andrew Cuomo tells the riveting story of how he took charge in the fight against COVID-19 as New York became the epicenter of the pandemic, offering hard-won lessons in leadership and his vision for the path forward.

“An impressive road map to dealing with a crisis as serious as any we have faced.”—The Washington Post

When COVID-19 besieged the United States, New York State emerged as the global “ground zero” for a deadly contagion that threatened the lives and livelihoods of millions. Quickly, Governor Andrew Cuomo provided the leadership to address the threat, becoming the standard-bearer of the organized response the country desperately needed. With infection rates spiking and more people dying every day, the systems and functions necessary to combat the pandemic in New York—and America—did not exist. So Cuomo undertook the impossible. He unified people to rise to the challenge and was relentless in his pursuit of scientific facts and data. He quelled fear while implementing an extraordinary plan for flattening the curve of infection. He and his team worked day and night to protect the people of New York, despite roadblocks presented by a president incapable of leadership and addicted to transactional politics.

Taking readers beyond the candid daily briefings that became must-see TV across the globe, and providing a dramatic, day-by-day account of the catastrophe as it unfolded, American Crisis presents the intimate and inspiring thoughts of a leader at an unprecedented historical moment. In his own voice, Andrew Cuomo chronicles the ingenuity and sacrifice required of so many to fight the pandemic, sharing the decision-making that shaped his policy as well as his frank accounting and assessment of his interactions with the federal government, the White House, and other state and local political and health officials. Real leadership, he shows, requires clear communication, compassion for others, and a commitment to truth-telling—no matter how frightening the facts may be.

Including a game plan for what we as individuals—and as a nation—need to do to protect ourselves against this disaster and those to come, American Crisis is a remarkable portrait of selfless leadership and a gritty story of difficult choices that points the way to a safer future for all of us.

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“It is a book unlike anything ever written by a governor before because no one has lived through and managed the crisis that he has.”—Lawrence O’Donnell

“The hero that America never realized it needed until he was on our television screens every night . . . has taken his talents to the page.”—Entertainment Weekly

About the Author

Andrew Cuomo was the 56th Governor of New York. He is the author of All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and Life and Crossroads: The Future of American Politics.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

I normally don’t turn off my cellphone when I sleep, because the work of being governor is literally twenty-four hours a day, and the phone pings all night long. If I’m really tired, I will turn it off, but that doesn’t mean people can’t get me; it’s just harder. My office phone is always answered, at night by a New York State trooper. Callers must convince the trooper that their issue is really important. Some troopers are easier to convince than others. Some troopers decide that it’s safer to put all callers through, but as I joke to my team, those troopers learn quickly that it is not in fact safer when they are then assigned to different duties.

When my cellphone rang late on March 1, I hadn’t turned it off, but I didn’t get to it in time. Moments later, the landline rang. It was Melissa DeRosa, secretary to the governor and my top aide. Brilliant, tough, indefatigable, and widely respected, she is the quarterback on my team and is responsible for managing all the pieces.

“Governor, I’m sorry to stalk you with the multiple calls, but we just received a confirmation from Wadsworth.” This was the New York State Department of Health’s lab in Albany. “New York has its first case of coronavirus—a health-care worker who just returned to New York City from Iran. We believe the incident is isolated. I have Dr. Zucker on the other line. Can I conference him in?”

“Please put him through,” I said.

As the state health commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, began to run through the patient’s background, symptoms, and literal steps taken between landing at JFK airport and reaching her apartment in Manhattan, it seemed as though white noise washed over the line. I couldn’t prove it, but I knew this wasn’t New York’s first coronavirus case. And I knew the country wasn’t prepared.

The good news that night was that this was a fairly straight-forward case, which would hopefully not cause great public alarm: The thirty-nine-year-old woman had traveled to Iran to provide health services and returned to New York feeling ill, but she knew to take precautions and did not come in contact with many people. She had been traveling with her male partner and had worn a mask. She took an Uber from the airport to her apartment and then called ahead to the hospital to make arrangements to be tested. In many ways it was the best-case scenario: an informed health-care worker who did the right thing.

However, even this single case in the state of New York presented complications and foreshadowed what was to come. What flight did she take? Could she have infected people on the plane? Who was responsible for contacting all the passengers on the flight? How about the Uber driver? Were the proper precautions taken at the hospital? These were the operational issues that we would need to figure out and standardize quickly, and they were mind-boggling when we considered the volume of cases we could anticipate given what we already knew about the virus.

A few weeks earlier, we had received the first taste of what was to come. On February 6, I was sitting at my desk in my New York City office at 633 Third Avenue in Manhattan working on a speech. My director of administration, Stephanie Benton, came in because I had an important call. Stephanie organizes the executive chamber operations and has been with me since I started as attorney general, fourteen years ago. She can juggle ten balls at a time and always does it with a smile. I am fully aware that my ability to function and get things done is dependent on Stephanie and the strong team around her.

On the phone line was Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a powerful agency that operates bridges, tunnels, and airports, as well as the Port of New York. Rick called to tell me that federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials had contacted him about passengers on a cruise ship nearby who they believed were positive for COVID-19. HHS wanted to dock the ship at a Port Authority facility and New York to take charge of the patients.

The novel coronavirus—formally the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus that causes the disease we’ve come to know as COVID-19—was at that time thought to be largely contained in China, with a few scattered cases in Washington and California. But this was the first case that would come knocking on New York’s door.

When the call came in, the Ebola crisis from years earlier flashed in my mind—how we handled it, what went right, and what went wrong. In 2014, a health-care worker who had been helping out with an Ebola outbreak in Africa returned to New York after having contracted the disease. He rode the subway, ate in a restaurant, and visited a bowling alley before he knew he was sick. People got scared. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and I held a joint press conference, because we shared control of the Port Authority, to announce a policy to screen people at the airports and, if necessary, quarantine them. When another health-care worker arrived at Newark airport, also returning from Africa, airport officials ordered the woman held in quarantine in a tent at the airport, where she was given nothing more than granola bars and a cellphone, which she quickly used to call CNN. We hadn’t forgotten the pitfalls of forced quarantine.

As would happen again and again over the course of this emergency, dozens of questions flooded my thoughts: What if the patients said they wanted to leave? What was the Department of Health’s authority to hold patients? If patients agreed to come with us, where should we bring them? Do they need a hospital? Do the hospital and medical staff need to take special precautions? If we are quarantining them in a hotel, do we have the legal authority to force them to stay? Can they leave the hotel room at all? How do they get meals? Can housekeeping staff enter the room? What medical assistance do they need? How long will they be sick?

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 13, 2020
Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593239261
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593239261
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.01 x 9.49 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,783,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #6,293 in Political Leader Biographies
- #10,758 in Leadership & Motivation
- #15,058 in Sociology Reference
Customer Reviews:
1,847 ratings

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Cuomo is the fifty-sixth governor of New York, serving since 2011. He is the author of All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and Life and the editor of Crossroads: The Future of American Politics.

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1,847 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be required reading, praising its well-written content and entertainment value. They appreciate the information quality, with one customer noting how the daily briefings brought hope and information, while another highlights the effective data and talking points presentation. The book receives positive feedback for its leadership insights, with one review specifically mentioning Cuomo's effective response to the crisis, and its heartfelt approach, with one customer noting how it reveals his emotional state vulnerably.

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Readability Information quality Leadership Heartfeltness Honesty History Writing quality Entertainment value

59 customers mention "Readability"56 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great read by a great governor that should be required reading.

"...This is a great book you are wanting to understand what was happening in the moment." Read more

"This was a great read in an easy to understand style. Cuomo has an engaging way of presenting the facts. I read it in two sittings...." Read more

"Riveting. Great read! Governor Cuomo’s briefings were the lifeline for people both nationally and worldwide...." Read more

"...With that said I have to say this book was an easy read and is more like a journal/diary than a how to manual...." Read more

26 customers mention "Information quality"25 positive1 negative

Customers find the book informative and insightful, with one customer particularly appreciating the data and talking points presentation, while another notes how the daily briefings brought hope and information.

"...Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative. On a general level, It gives the reader a general sense of the pandemic response in NY...." Read more

"Easy read. Insightful. Remembering what it was like when it was happening in real time..." Read more

"...He was calming and gave us so much vital information...." Read more

"...I found it riveting, one rarely gets such a no-holds barred insight to behind the scenes government decision-making...." Read more

21 customers mention "Leadership"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's leadership content, highlighting Cuomo's effective governance during the pandemic, with one customer noting his successful collaboration with other leaders.

"...The book amplifies what a terrific guy he is. How soothing it is to have a man be so comfortable with his emotions which is why he is so authentic...." Read more

"...shows his interaction with the President and the President's lies and failings while trying to stage election PR victories...." Read more

"...of information from those who are knowledgable, crediting his large cadre of his staff, honesty about his personal feelings and missteps, and..." Read more

"This book is both a great story and an expert class in Leadership...." Read more

16 customers mention "Heartfeltness"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's heartfeltness, describing it as compassionate and inspiring, with one customer noting how it provides a glimpse into the author's personal life and emotional state.

"...Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative. On a general level, It gives the reader a general sense of the pandemic response in NY...." Read more

"Inspiring, informative, fresh. I highly recommend!" Read more

"...has vulnerable detailed family details, gives a peak into his emotional state vulnerably,..." Read more

"...Integrity, honesty, courage, empathy, and resolve, that is Andrew Cuomo." Read more

16 customers mention "Honesty"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty, with one customer noting how the author shares factual information daily, while another mentions how he openly discusses his personal feelings and missteps.

"Honest, emotional, riveting. This book captures so much of the darkest days of the pandemic and what it takes to be a true leader...." Read more

"...Cuomo appears to tell the truth here, much as he did in his televised briefings. No bragging, except on his team and others...." Read more

"...It is history, self reflective, has vulnerable detailed family details, gives a peak into his emotional state vulnerably,..." Read more

"...Integrity, honesty, courage, empathy, and resolve, that is Andrew Cuomo." Read more

9 customers mention "History"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's historical content interesting, with one customer noting it provides additional detail and backstory.

"...It is history, self reflective, has vulnerable detailed family details, gives a peak into his emotional state vulnerably,..." Read more

"...Andrew spoke of in his daily covid19 briefings, but with additional detail and backstory...." Read more

"...It is a story about smart, dedicated people working non-stop to save the citizens of their state...." Read more

"This book is both a great story and an expert class in Leadership...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"The book was well written, very compassionate and caring...." Read more

"Well written a great read" Read more

"Governor Andrew Cuomo is not only a good writer but also the best politician there is...." Read more

"Beautifully written and well told. Governor Cuomo retells his journey from Covid day 1 in NY. Very heartfelt read...." Read more

8 customers mention "Entertainment value"7 positive1 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and interesting, with one mentioning it engages readers from beginning to end.

"Read this book mid January 2021 Found this book to be interesting and informative and I learned more about Andrew Cuomo and his famiily" Read more

"...I found it riveting, one rarely gets such a no-holds barred insight to behind the scenes government decision-making...." Read more

"...through COVID and followed the details, this book will engage you from beginning to end...." Read more

"...Very topical, very important but also a fun and interesting read...." Read more

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Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

As someone working for the contact tracing initiative in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, I have to say, this was powerful read. Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative.

On a general level, It gives the reader a general sense of the pandemic response in NY. The struggles of enacting such a response, building the channels of communication, taking executive action and making tough decisions, negotiating with the Federal Government, gathering the experts and the resources necessary for architecting a public health response never seen before in the US, and developing resources and channels through which this information can be disseminated and shared with each and every New Yorker.

On a deeper level, it conveys the struggle of enacting this response, the challenge of uniting the NYS’s labs, hospitals, schools, county governments and local health departments, as well as the challenge of bringing these governmental bodies, businesses, NGOs, and communities together in light of such political polarization, particularly as it relates to arbitrary opinions on the seriousness of the pandemic and the need for such a response in the first place.

As a community member, and someone working day and night it seems, engaged in the COVID19 Contact Tracing efforts here in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, I can see these challenges first hand. I can feel the push back of the communities and the disconnect of various government and non governmental organizations. I can see the challenges faced by many local business and community members trying to keep afloat in the midst of this global pandemic and a destabilizing economy. But I can also hear the voices of those who are thankful for our efforts in informing them of their exposure to this deadly virus, even though we were 10 days too late. 10 days too late because of numerous reasons— Holiday gatherings, sports bar gatherings, influx of travelers, insufficient mask wearing, insufficient social distancing, and ultimately an exponential increase in cases. An exponential increase in cases means an increased need for staff. Increased need of staff means training, time and resources. All things that the virus disregards during exponential transmission. I see the outbreaks occurring in nursing homes and in hospitals. We hear the number of deaths is growing by the day, nearly 400k and counting (01/13/21). But what we don’t really tend to see, is the Whole picture. All of these bits and pieces of information working in tandem to give us That larger picture. Well, in some respects, I think this book does exactly that. But in others, you have to live it to see it. Really.

I urge everyone to keep up the great work. Social distance. Wear a mask. Wash your hands regularly. Keep your friends and family safe... I’d say close, but right now, the further the better. And please, stay informed, stay engaged and we can certainly beat this together.

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David Merwin
Outstanding Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Inspiring, informative, fresh. I highly recommend!

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Ange
Gripping and informative. Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
For many of us, Governor Andrew Cuomo's daily briefings were a lifeline when the pandemic began. It was something to look forward to, to get you up in the morning when things were so bleak. You knew someone was fighting to give you as accurate, up to date information as was available.
Because this is a novel coronavirus, it was a moving target and information was rapidly changing but, you knew that you were getting the unvarnished truth even as the federal government was downplaying the virus at every turn.
New York was hit so hard by Covid-19 and it was devastating to watch but, the team that Governor Cuomo surrounded himself with painstakingly put together the most effective Blueprint to combat this virus in the nation. The leadership that Governor Cuomo exemplifies, is apparent in every gut- wrenching decision he had to make for the state of New York.
The humanity and humor were necessary coping mechanisms that helped me personally because the enormity of the situation and the confluence of racial injustice, protests, politicization of mask wearing, the polarized country, the election, and general insanity that was overtaking the US required the release of pent-up angst. The infection rate and death toll rising constantly in the background.
Governor Cuomo's family is present throughout this journey and his love for them is a common theme throughout.
His love for New York and this nation is why he will keep fighting this virus until Covid-19 is history.
The antidote until a vaccine is viable is that caring about each other means sacrificing for each other, and to wear a mask may save someone's life. If we do the minimum, we can keep each other safe. If we do that then #LoveWins.
This is a must read about the incredible journey, as it happened, in his own words.

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13 people found this helpful

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The Feral Cat Sanctuary
Terrific Book
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I so wanted him to be President while the Pandemic was at its worst last spring and summer. I live in California but I watched his news events almost every day. He was calming and gave us so much vital information. And now, I am halfway through his book (I bought the Kindle version) and just loving every second of it. The book amplifies what a terrific guy he is. How soothing it is to have a man be so comfortable with his emotions which is why he is so authentic. I read like crazy. It is my favorite thing to do. And this book will go down as one of my all-time favorites! Not just because I like him so much but because reading the story of how the pandemic evolved in New York...all of the background details and the problems faced by Cuomo and his administration reads like an exciting mystery. It is hard to stop reading, but I have a life to live, and things to do before the day ends!

I also was so taken by the way he acknowledges those who serve with him. He doesn't just mention them by name he talks about the person and the character of the person and praises the individual jobs they do. I think he is a one of a kind man. I still wish he was President.

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Judith Kelsey-Powell
When democracy prevails
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Governor Andrew Cuomo says that the success in bringing down the rate of COVID infections in New York was a triumph of democracy. It was a matter of listening to the science to determine a course of action and then telling the people the truth. People will rally around and do the right thing if government is acting for the common good. Keeping the lines of communication open is essential, and the governor conducted daily press conferences for 111sraight days while the pandemic was rampant. An important critique Cuomo makes is that much of what he was doing should have been done by the federal government, and that failure cost availability of supplies, etc. It cost lives.

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Mavericklady
Honest true account of what happened
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2021
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Haven’t fully read the book but so far honest account of the day by day events in NYC where Corvid hit the US first. I watched Andrew Cuomo every day when he gave his briefing & the book American Crisis corresponds honestly with that. I do wonder how many more of us would have been victim to the virus if the Governor of NYC Andrew Cuomo hadn't stepped forward while all the rest of leaders were living in denial.
My only complaint which has nothing to do with the book. Royal Mail delivered to the wrong address!

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Marti
Challenging times in leadership
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2021
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Gives a really good understanding of how challenging it is to be a leader in this pandemic. Every decision can cost lives or save them and the book gives a sense of how hard it was to make those choices; sometimes they revealed to be the right ones, other times the wrong ones. Still I admire the courage of exercising leadership during times like these.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and informative. Great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book

4.0 out of 5 stars When democracy prevails

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest true account of what happened

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging times in leadership

Very engaging; inspiring; reflective; informative

Outstanding Book

Gripping and informative. Great read.

Terrific Book

When democracy prevails

Honest true account of what happened

Challenging times in leadership