Relentless - by Luis A Miranda (Paperback)

About the Book

"Luis Miranda arrived in New York City from Puerto Rico in 1974 to study psychology at NYU, but he soon found himself drawn to community action, eventually working for the Department of Employment, the Board of Education, and the nonprofit Aspira, among many other organizations. In the 1980s he was a special advisor for Hispanic Affairs to Mayor Ed Koch, and he continued to serve in key roles for the Dinkins and Giuliani administrations. In 1990 Miranda became the founding President of the Hispanic Federation, one of the nation's leading Latino nonprofits. In 2000, he founded the Amber Charter School in East Harlem. As a founding partner of the MirRam Group, Miranda has consulted on a number of successful political campaigns, including the Senatorial campaigns of Hilary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand. The list of roles and positions is practically endless, but, more simply put, there is no one on the Latino, New York City, and national political scene who has the breadth of experience, passion, understanding, and storytelling charm of Luis Miranda. In "Relentless," he shares the poignant narrative of his life and career-from his early days as a radically-minded Puerto Rican activist to his decades of practical political advising and problem-solving. We experience the thrill of the ascendency of Luis's son Lin-Manuel's "Hamilton" followed several years later by the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Amid the triumphs, challenges, and ongoing hard work, Miranda examines what it all tells us about our ever-changing politics, demographics, and society"--

Book Synopsis

"Laugh-out-loud funny, utterly charming, deeply compelling, and powerfully motivational", Luis A. Miranda Jr.'s personal and political memoir reveals a deep understanding of Latino culture and how to build community to change our world for the better (Ana Navarro).

A veteran of New York and national politics, Luis Miranda embodies the relentless spirit of progress of American immigrant. In Relentless, he shares his experience, passion, and storytelling charm to tell the story of a fascinating life and career--from his early days as a radically minded Puerto Rican activist to his decades of political advice and problem-solving. Miranda recounts the thrill of the ascendency of Hamilton, created by his son Lin-Manuel, and he details the suffering after the devastation of Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria.

Amid the triumphs and challenges, Miranda examines what his experience reveals about our ever-changing politics, demographics, and society.

Review Quotes

"Luis Miranda is a force of nature. I dare you to read his memoir without feeling inspired to aim higher, be bolder, and do more for others."

--Adam Grant, author of Hidden Potential and Think Again

"Luis Miranda sees what other political operatives often miss: the potential for change. He sees how you can change lives by building schools and hospitals, by asking tough questions to find answers for working families. When we first met, I was a New York City council member running for the office of Public Advocate. He ran my campaign when we had no funds, but a lot of belief. Against the odds, and far wealthier opposition, we won. Change happens when you don't take no for an answer. Change happens when you meet someone like Luis Miranda."

--New York State Attorney General Letitia James

"Luis Miranda's memoir transcends politics--it's a deeply personal reflection on identity, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Written with warmth, wisdom and vivid storytelling, Luis invites readers to witness his evolution as a leader who defies expectations and inspires others to embrace their own stories. Relentless challenges us to redefine our understanding of Latino representation in the American political landscape."

--Speaker Nancy Pelosi

"Some people say that New York politics is a contact sport. In a way, they are right. When you live side by side, that contact builds community. You live, work, and dream together. You fight for a better future together. That's what Luis Miranda understood from the moment he arrived in NYC. I saw it firsthand when I was arrested fighting side by side for peace in Vieques or when I launched my presidential exploratory committee. If you want to know how to bring people together--if you want to build a movement from the streets to City Hall and the statehouse--read this book."

--Reverend Al Sharpton

"Who on earth would include a thorough plan for his own funeral in his autobiography? Only someone who is larger-than-life, a visionary, as Luis Miranda! In this book he shares his trailblazing path to living life to the fullest, building strong communities and creating positive change, celebrating Latinidad and family, and looking poignantly toward the future. A must-read for everyone who enjoys fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek, brutally honest, unpredictable storytelling, that at times is laugh-out-loud funny, utterly charming, deeply compelling, and powerfully motivational."

--Ana Navarro

"A wonderful story about Luis, about their family, about Puerto Ricans in New York, about Latinos."--The View

"[A] compelling new memoir.... This work is not just a book; it's a powerful testament to the indomitable Latino spirit, penned by a man who has lived at the heart of this transformative journey. Luis A. Miranda Jr.'s narrative is... a crucial guide that weaves together personal anecdotes with profound insights into Latino culture. It's a blueprint for building vibrant communities and igniting positive change across America."--NewJerseyStage.com

"Familia, activism, arts, and culture blend seamlessly in this heartfelt and fun memoir. You will discover Luis Miranda's outspoken nature, resilience, and determination defined by boundless energy, and living on the edge. If awards were granted for a life well lived, Luis Miranda will most probably shatter world records. What a wonderful book!"--Rita Moreno

"From the streets of Puerto Rico to the halls of power in New York City, Luis Miranda has lived a singular life always focused on building community and lifting others. His unmatched determination and eclectic influences (Debbie Reynolds anyone?) make him one of the most fascinating characters alive today. Relentless introduces you to an exemplary American whose unique story--regardless of political leanings--has universal appeal."--Governor Spencer Cox (R), Utah

"I love the stories in here."--Jimmy Fallon

"I've known Luis Miranda as a tough, savvy and, yes, RELENTLESS political warrior and social activist, who has been on the front lines of so many important battles. It's a hell of a story--and he's a great storyteller!"--David Axelrod

"It was staggering to...see all that [Luis has] done in [his] life....Full of amazing stories."--"Writing Latinos" podcast

"Luis A. Miranda Jr. masterfully weaves storytelling with a deep understanding of Latino progress....I have never enjoyed a memoir more....Maybe you won't see eye-to-eye with Miranda, but he earns your trust and respect throughout the book....Miranda is straightforward with his assessments and observations, and I often found myself laughing in delight at his phrasing and storytelling....There is a lot to learn from Miranda."--The Hispanic Executive

"Many have only just woken up to the political power of Latino voters. For decades I have watched as Luis Miranda dedicated his career to building and marshaling that power. He doesn't just speak to these voters; he feels it in his heart and soul. When you go fight for the working families of this country, you want Luis Miranda right by your side."--Hillary Rodham Clinton, former First Lady, US Senator, and Secretary of State

"Rumor has it Lin-Manuel Miranda channeled his father Luis Miranda when portraying Alexander Hamilton on Broadway. Relentless proves this thesis to be true tenfold by pulling back the curtain to provide a fascinating glimpse into Luis' family life, and unveils his untold, personal story of resilience, sacrifice, vision, and commitment to his non-negotiable principles to make the world a better place for all."--Eva Longoria

"The author's tone is charming and personable as he espouses his devotion to Julie Andrews and Debbie Reynolds and authoritative when speaking of the possibilities of Latine political power....An engaging life story and clear picture of some of the mechanics of politics."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Luis A. Miranda Jr. arrived in New York City from Puerto Rico in 1974 to study psychology at NYU but soon found himself drawn to community action when he organized his neighbors to fight for better schools for their children. In the 1980s he was a special advisor for Hispanic Affairs to Mayor Ed Koch, and he continued to serve in key roles for the Dinkins and Giuliani administrations. As a founding partner of the MirRam Group, Miranda has consulted on several successful political campaigns, including the senatorial campaigns of Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Most recently he managed New York Attorney General Letitia James' successful reelection. Miranda is the founding president of the Hispanic Federation and is currently the chairperson of the Latino Victory Fund, the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, Viva Broadway, and the Public Theater. He is a board member of The City, and former chair of the Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center.