A Wayward Academic, author Tom Corbett takes us on another unforgettable ride over the past four decades of welfare reform and anti-poverty policy making. Drawing on his personal experiences in both academia and government, this totally engaging memoir of his professional career exposes the reader to the raw and intimate realities of doing public policy from the unique perspective of the academy. The author celebrates his amazing professional journey through the world of policy as an adventure, both challenging yet rewarding. He tells this story with a deft and light touch, bringing the characters and events to life with wit, wisdom, and sensitivity. While it reads much like a novel, this work exposes readers to the complexities of realizing political and policy change. It is a compelling journey that all who care about our nation and about our most vulnerable citizens should experience.