It's Up to Us: Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change

by John Kasich

A Little Book about Big Change

We all want the same things. We want to live a life of purpose and meaning. We want to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. We want to leave the world a better place. And yet we spend so much time wringing our hands over what’s wrong and not nearly enough time fixing those things within our control.

John Kasich has walked the corridors of power both in the politics, as a former leader of Congress, governor of Ohio, presidential candidate, and in the private sector, as an in-demand public speaker, best-selling author and a strategic advisor to businesses and large non-profits. Yet he’s seen that the most powerful movements have started from the bottom up. Rather than waiting on Washington, the solutions happen once we become leaders in our own lives and communities. The strength and resilience of our nation lies in each of us. That’s what this book is about.

In It’s Up to Us, Kasich shares the ten little ways we each can bring about big change. Taken together, they chart a path for each to follow as we look to live a life bigger than ourselves. Taken one-by-one, they can help to lift us from a place of outrage or complacency or helplessness and move us closer to our shared American dream.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

About the author

John Richard Kasich Jr. is an American politician and author who was the 69th governor of Ohio from 2011 to 2019, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 2001, and a Republican candidate for the presidential nomination in 2000 and 2016.
Kasich was born and grew up in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio in 1970 to attend college. After a single term in the Ohio Senate, he served nine terms as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio's 12th congressional district. His tenure in the House included 18 years on the House Armed Services Committee and six years as chair of the House Budget Committee. Kasich was a key figure in the passage of both 1996 welfare reform legislation and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Kasich decided not to run for re-election in 2000 and ran for president instead. He withdrew from the race before the Republican primaries.
After leaving Congress, Kasich hosted Heartland with John Kasich on Fox News from 2001 to 2007 and served as managing director of the Lehman Brothers office in Columbus, Ohio. He ran for governor of Ohio in 2010, defeating Democratic incumbent Ted Strickland. He was re-elected in 2014, defeating Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald by 30 percentage points. Kasich was term-limited and could not seek a third gubernatorial term in 2018; he was succeeded by fellow Republican Mike DeWine.
Kasich ran for president again in 2016, finishing in fourth place in the Republican primaries behind Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio. He won the primary in his home state of Ohio and finished second in New Hampshire. Kasich declined to support Trump as the Republican presidential nominee and did not attend the 2016 Republican National Convention, which was held in Ohio. From 2019 to 2023, Kasich was a CNN contributor. Since March 2023, he has been an analyst on NBC News. Kasich is known as one of Trump's most prominent critics within the Republican Party, and endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for president in a speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kasich was the former governor of Ohio. He ran as a Republican against Trump for president.

The book is well written. Kasich wants to bring the divided country together. Kasich lists ten principles and provides some examples of how people have done good deeds that helped change society. Kasich states that the way we will change this country is person by person doing good deeds and acts of kindness. One cannot object to this book. This is a comfortable feel good book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is four hours and forty minutes. John Kasich does a good job narrating his own book.

[Gordy Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good quick read. Presidents don’t make changes, you do type stuff.

[Michael Loveless · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's Up to Us isn't a bad book. It's the equivalent of Chicken Soup for the Soul, written by a politician who wants us to think that we can make a difference (and he has made a difference). It's filled with feel-good stories of people who have made the world a better place somehow. The book is divided into "Ten Ways," but the ways are so cliched and obvious that they aren't particularly helpful. That's my biggest complaint about the book. There was very little in it that made me think. If you want a pleasant little book of positive stories and encouraging words, or you need a "palate-cleanser" after reading some depressing book about the state of our government, this is your book. If you're looking for new ideas or original thoughts, you probably need to look somewhere else.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very inspiring book about how NOT to be dismayed by all the upheaval in today's divisive political climate, but instead to focus on our OWN potential to make important changes in the world, one small step at a time. This is not a political book so much as an inspirational book. I especially enjoyed the chapter on the importance of slowing down to focus on what's important and the one on "getting out of your silo," which emphasizes being open to viewpoints besides your own.
Some people will probably think it is too simplistic, but I wasn't in the mood for erudition, and he writes from the heart.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Kasich seems to be a genuinely nice guy, and this book diagrams a sincere attempt at changing the ugly tenor in Washington these days. I'd argue that his is a common sense approach. Unfortunately, I'd also argue that that is severely lacking in today's political climate.

[John Stelman]

Great Book! Uplifting!
"Kasich 2020"

[Jane Hoppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of political party leanings, Americans can benefit from the mindset recalibration John Kasich offers in It’s Up to Us: Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change. For the sake of our country, Kasich encourages everyone to show up and to speak up in order to become in reality the democracy we are in theory. But more importantly, he tells how we can intentionally influence our personal circles for the better.

Ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Kasich supports the theme of each chapter in It’s Up to Us with real-life examples. Ordinary citizens from Greta Thunberg and Alex Lexie to well-known inspirations like Nelson Mandela have all made a difference. Kasich’s encouragement falls into chapter categories such as Start a Movement, Slow Down, and Get Out of Your Silo. His cautionary, coaching chapters include Be Prepared to Walk a Lonely Road and Bounce Back. The book contains ten chapters, an introduction, and closing thoughts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who believes strongly in a cause; who wants to make America kind again; who wants to make a difference, leave a legacy, see change; who feels angry and frustrated by disrespectful public discourse; who wants to be a better friend ... We are not powerless. Let this book, It’s Up to Us, be your cheerleader to better your circle of influence, no matter its size.

[Jeff Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Kasich was the last Republican in the running against Donald Trump during the 2016 primaries. This little book makes me wonder how much better things might be in America had he succeed in his quest for the White House. While definitely conservative (certainly he is truer to conservative principles than Trump), Kasich also appears to be a good guy. And, at least from what I gleam in this book. He appears willing to listen to all people and not resort to ad hominem attacks upon those who challenge his position. In fact, he seems to seek out those with opposing opinions as well as having a more open view about those who think differently than him. He’s a man of deep faith who draws upon his religious belief in how he treats others and views the world.
Kasich encourages his readers to make a difference in the world by offering “ten little ways.” However, “little” is a marketing word, for some of his suggestions are big undertakings. He begins suggesting we start a movement, with examples that are not so “little.” He begins by recalling the work of Greta Thunberg (his book was published before Trump got into a twitter war with the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist). He discusses the youth from Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and their efforts at being to the forefront the need for sensible gun control legislation. He discusses those involved in Special Olympics and (as if he was speaking to me directly) recalls the work of his (and my) childhood hero, Roberto Clemente. Where Kasich conservative principles show is where he suggests that all great movements rise from the people, not the government.
While starting a movement seems to be a big thing, Kasich follows it with an encouragement to start local and to “be the change where (we) live.” Again, as he does with all his suggestions, he offers examples such as a janitor who supported the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund to the tune of over $200,000. “Find a hole in our community and fill it,” he suggests (78). Another suggestion is to “Be Prepared to Walk a Lonely Road,” reminding us that often those who are on the forefront of any worthwhile change are ridiculed and often persecuted. He encourages us to “Slow Down” with the 3 T’s [time to think (115)] and quoting race car driver Bobby Rachael who said: “You can’t go racing into things all the time. You have to step back and see where you are going” (124). Others in his list of ten include “Bounce Back,” “Love Thy Neighbor,” “Get Out of Your Silo,” “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes,” “Spend Time Examining Your Eternal Destiny,” and “Know that You are Mad Special.”
At the beginning, Kasich said he wrote the book because he didn’t want people to think they could only change world is through politics. This book highlights many people who are changing the world for the better without seeking notoriety. The book is easy to read and for those of us who have a heart for Pittsburgh, many of his stories comes from the area. Kasich grew up in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He also draws on the music of the Baby Boomer generation, opening the book with the line from The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” suggesting that often the votes do get fooled again and again.

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I think back to the GOP Primary I think of it going something like this:

Trump: Blah blah blah, you’re really short, Little Marco!

Rubio: You have small hands!

Jeb Bush: But I’m a Bush. Be nice to my Mama.

Then, after the rough equivalent of this type of stupidity on loop for 20 minutes, they would get to Kasich, after seemingly forgetting he was there, and he’d answer the question that was actually asked, was respectful to everyone, provided reasoned and practical solutions for the problem he was asked about, and came off as a stable adult that cared about other people. Of course, this meant he had no chance.

I knew things were going in a weird direction when a guy like him was just ignored in favor of carnival-barking blowhards and washed-up ridiculous has-beens. Even Trump, who seemed to have a juvenile insult for everyone he felt as a threat, didn’t bother with Kasich. He was so little a threat, it wasn’t even worth his time.

This was the guy I wanted to vote for. Instead, I was presented with two turds and had to pick the least stinky one. He gave it the ol’ college try and if it weren’t for him, I’d have had no hope the GOP could ever trot up someone that resembled a decent human being in modern times.

With the backdrop of how things have proceeded politically since then, I found it mildly perplexing Kasich’s tone was one of such optimism in the book. He seems to truly feel the best of America is yet to come, which couldn’t help feel naive (which I know he is not). One example:

“I know if you show up on the Statehouse lawn to support sensible restrictions to our gun control laws that nobody’s going to call you out for being a traitor or enemy of the Second Amendment”

Really?

This book is not much of a commentary on current politics and sadly, Kasich appears to be retiring from public life. The book is a collection of uplifting stories (and there are plenty here) to inspire you to make a change at the local level and get off your seat in front of your computer and make a difference in your community.

It was a nice enough read and the folksy wisdom and advice is straight-forward and self-evident (even if we don’t always act on it). Kasich is a good guy that has made America, and Ohio, proud and while this book didn’t blow me away, I’d be hard-pressed to tell someone not to read it.

[Tyler Weser · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s up to us
By: John Kasich

Broken rating: 8 / 7 /7
Total Rating: 7.33
Goodreads total rating: 3.66 => 4

Elucidation: The messages and wisdom in this book need to be expressed in some way shape or form to all of the American people, and really, every person part of a large social structure or society. While there is no doubt we as a society are corrupting in many ways, John Kasich brings forth undeniable truths reinforced with the fact that we should not worry about what we cannot change which creates a powerful combination.
This book was not life changing but it was definitely a good source of substance for my brain to absorb and has inspired me to create small movements of progress in key issues that I see like the destruction of our planet. Some people don’t even try to do anything about global warming or the plastic crisis, it seems too far out of reach and they point fingers to the mega rich like Elon Musk to help save us. “Why isn’t Elon doing anything” that is a good question, here is a better one: why aren’t you doing anything? While a rich powerful person can change a lot, compared to the issue at large (take the plastic crisis) this rich person probably only resolved 0.2% of the entire issue. Imagine a collection of communities all contributing together, there is power in the people.
People can also say nothing bad is lost. But it is also true that nothing good is lost - you have the ability to bring about great change and it is not guaranteed that it will manifest outside of yourself, you must be the change you want to see.
I do not like “5 things to this” or “10 steps to x” type books which this had the template of, but outside of that I enjoyed his use of stories to support each of his 10 points which made it very enjoyable to read. Thank you for writing this book Mr.Kasich and I hope you run for president again someday.

[Glenn Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to begin by stating emphatically that although the book is authored by a long-time, professional politician, it is NOT A POLITICAL book!!! In fact, it saddens me to think that many people would see the author's name and turn aside because of their respective political ideologies and leanings. Unfortunately, the tribalism that so dominates the current cultural landscape will cause many people to miss out on this excellent book. I would urge everyone to forget the source and instead focus on the substance here. Having said all that, I found this short book to be incredibly captivating, inspiring, and challenging. The sub-title sums it all up perfectly: "Ten Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change." At its essence, the book is a call to action, a cry that we leave our "comfortable chairs" and become actively engaged in pursuing our passion and purpose. In that sense, it is not even a call for political activism. Rather, it is a reminder that we are all unique people of worth who have special giftings and talents that we can bring to the table as we seek to improve the world around us. Filled with both historical and modern-day examples, the book addresses a broad spectrum of issues from personal responsibility to mutual compassion to committed involvement. The stories will encourage you and challenge you at the same time. I already look forward to revisiting it and fully intend to use all my own notations in the margins for future inspiration. Highly, highly recommend it!

[skip thurnauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Kasich is, like me, from what some call “fly-over country”, from Ohio. The former governor and Congressman is a moderate, that nearly extinct dinosaur breed of politician. Recently, I saw him interviewed about his latest book, “It’s Up to Us – 10 Little Ways We Can Bring About Big Change”. I wasn’t looking for politics and didn’t find them in “It’s Up to Us”. Kasich offers 10 ways each of us can help make the world a better place and, in doing so, also enrich our own lives. Some familiar examples and some new ones, reinforce his points. A sample of the chapters include such advice as: “Start a Movement”, “Be the Change Where You Live”, “Slow Down”, “Love Thy Neighbor”, and “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes”. Some is reminiscent of another book I recently read, Howard Husock's "Who Killed Civil Society?". Change can and often does germinate at the grassroots level. Individuals can make a difference. He’s not a Trump guy and never was. There is a nod to politics in his wrap up. Kasich has been touring the country and hearing that many, maybe most of us are fed up with the “venom and vitriol that has lately passed for our national discourse… There’s a real call for sanity and hope.” As his title says, “It’s Up to Us”.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved John Kasich's book. He says instead of hand-wringing and despairing about the leadership in our current world situation, we need to find small things to counteract the negativity, and points out how even small actions can result in big changes. At the very least, he encourages, make your existence be a positive influence in the world.

Kasich tells many engaging stories about his many and varied experiences around the country, but I loved some of the quotes that he included the best:
"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." MLK, Jr.
"Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while,or the light won't come in." Isaac Asimov
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." Robert F. Kennedy
"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." Ghandi

[James P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was looking around the library (again) searching for something good to read, I looked through this book and left it on the shelf. Self-help? Not really my thing. Guides for living? Not in the mood.

With some other books in hand, I headed to the front desk. Then I thought about one of the chapter headings I’d seen: Slow Down.

Well, now the book was calling to me! Who can’t relate to that idea?

I still hemmed and hawed…yeah, but former Ohio governor Kasich’s a Republican, right? The book’s probably going to be self-righteous, and, possibly even religious. Would I be able to get through it without throwing it across the room?

As it turns out, yes. And, I would even say that in many respects, I agree with the author completely. We’re all works in progress, and we all want to do good things (well, many of us do). And, anyone can decide to make a positive difference, locally or otherwise.

So, it was helpful and hopeful to read this book. Amidst all the chaos and tumult of contemporary life, there’s a deeper well within. It’s all about our better selves.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title caught my attention and I did like some of the points Kasich made when he was campaigning against trump in 2016. This book is actually not political in the sense of Right vs Left, but more of a slap in the face to say the real change happens from the grassroots, not from who is running the country.
The most important take away is, slow down and get out of your silos and look around your local community paying attention to what needs improved, who needs help, and listen to your neighbors and be a leader and make positive changes no matter how small they all add up. Imagine if everyone made positive improvements in their immediate areas what kind of positive effect we would have.

We need to stop expecting the National Government to make positive changes for us, it is always many promises and very little change.

Kasich shares several stories to make his points, but I was hoping for of an instruction manual to create the changes.

[Leonard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a typical "feel good" kind of non-fiction book written by politicians. It was predictable. Katich identifies himself as a Christian, not surprisingly, but does not reveal how being a Christian changes the decisions he makes as a politician or the policies he supports. That raises the following question. Is he just a Christina for a few hours on Sunday morning, or is he a Christian all day seven days a week? He has good ideas about listening to people, taking it easy, and trying to imagine what life is like for others, but this is all common sense. Nothing new there. He seems to be trying hard to not offend or distance himself from any potential supporter. In so doing he also does not generate any measurable enthusiasm for himself from this reader.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean really just a very meh book. As much as I love the politics and views of John Kasich this book really lacks in substance. It really just goes over a list of cliched so-so feel good talking points about social change. I understand and can appreciate the significant impact that a politician calling for improved civic virtues can hold, but this book isn’t anything near there. Don’t get me wrong, if you read this book you probably won’t dislike most of what you read. Most of the things discussed are fluffy rules of life that you should without a doubt follow. But all things considered, if you find yourself debating between reading this and something else with more substance to it I would say go with the latter. Worth the time it took to read, didn’t leave wanting more.

[LisaO · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon and read this book during a very tumultuous and negative time in our country. While I don’t think any of his ideas or thoughts are all that revolutionary or groundbreaking, I think it’s a really appropriate message for people, self included. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in all the negativity and doom and gloom and forget we, as individuals, can make our world a better place by putting some of these ideas in practice right where we are. Governments and politicians aren’t our saviors. Change doesn’t just have to come from them. We are fully capable of making things better if we step out of our comfort zone and take action.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite uplifting...so happy that a friend recommended it! Each of the ten little ways that Mr. Kasich suggests can, indeed, bring about big changes...especially in the tumultuous times that we find our nation going through politically. As the author states...”we cannot rely on Washington to fix our problems for us...we can only do what we can—be the change where we live and hope like crazy that everyone else starts doing the same.” Thank you, Mr. Kasich, for your thoughtful message of hope!

[Andrew Breza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of John Kasich, both as a politician and a writer. I found It's Up to Us to be a bit disappointing. In this book, Kasich comes out in favor of mom and apple pie and encourages us all to be nicer to each other. His ten recommendations are all unquestionably important. They just aren't novel or actionable. Listening to It's Up to Us on the first anniversary of the January 6 attacks made me realize just how outgunned the forces of kindness are in their fight against militarized disinformation.

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like a conversation with Kasich, and I appreciated that. It was relaxing, encouraging, and I liked the word used by other reviewers: uplifting.

He doesn't bring original ideas really, but in it's way, the book is the better for it. Because the ideas are not quibble-worthy. I appreciated the reminder of the values I learned long ago.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Kasich wouldn’t be considered a main stream Republican in this day an age. Not by a long shot. But he’s a little closer to my way of thinking. This is a quick read. It’s goal to inspire Americans to bring change for the ground up. Nothing ground breaking here, but his enthusiasm is inspirational.

[Matthew Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think Kasich is a fantastic writer, but I do think he’s a guy I’d like to meet. He basically uses this as a book to share the stories of amazing people he’s met. I think we’d all be a little better off if we heard more of these types of stories instead of the stuff you see when you turn on the TV.

It’s refreshing to hear many of his thoughts coming from a politician.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t rate many books 5 stars. Wonderful messages for all to be mindful and to find middle ground amidst our differences to make a better world for all of us. Work together and listen to each other. Don’t live in your silos. Thank you John Kasich. As a lifelong Democrat I am sharing this book with my friends on all sides.

[Colin J Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's up to each American to have a positive impact on the people around them. American was founded on principles of equality, mutual respect, and brotherly love. Let's engage in unselfish acts of kindness to make America, America!

[Jewelie Casteel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips for bettering the world in which we live, no matter what political affiliation the reader may favor. Kasich's boldness in spiritual focusing was refreshing in today's "hyper-political correctness" status.

[Nick Fowkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Kasich speaks to a message of unity in this book in the post 2016 election. I absolutely don't agree with some of his ideas and goals with political parties compromising on certain issues. Read it in one sitting because I knew I would not be able to motivate myself to pick it back up.

[Jacob M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. The whole point of this is that change starts at the grassroots so you should effectuate some kind of change be it giving a hug or a compliment or starting a political movement. Short and unimpactful.

[Jim Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, uplifting and thankfully non-political read by a respected statesman and person of which our society could use my more of in this day and age

[HTP Books]

Categories
Political Biographies & Autobiographies, American Government, Leadership, Affirmations