Book titled 'The Call I Almost Missed' by Tommy Short, with a cover illustration of a smartphone submerged in water, featuring an incoming call screen, and a gold badge indicating it as an Amazon best seller.

The Call I Almost Missed

365 Days Without a Cell Phone — and What It Taught Me About Love, Presence, and the Lies We Live

Tommy Short never missed a call. But he almost missed himself.

The year he gave up his phone — and discovered the identity he'd been curating wasn't the one he was meant to live.

A man dressed in a navy blue blazer, white shirt, and dark pants, sitting on a stool against a dark background. He has short dark hair and is smiling slightly. He is wearing brown loafers and a blue patterned pocket square.

Meet the Author

Tommy Short spent nearly two decades as a Division I men's college basketball official — working alongside legends like Coach K, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry at USA Olympic Training Camps — making high-stakes calls in front of packed arenas while millions watched at home. He learned to stay centered under pressure before he ever set foot on a stage.

Tommy is a sought-after keynote speaker, workplace presence expert, and bestselling author of The Call I Almost Missed — the story of the 365 days he lived without a cell phone, and what he found on the other side.

He believes the greatest threat to leadership isn't burnout, disengagement, or distraction. It's that we've confused being busy with being present.

Tommy has spoken about reclaiming presence and performing under pressure at some of the most influential organizations in the world, like ADP, Kohl's, Stryker, and Workwear Outfitters.

book awards

Customer Reviews

A screenshot of a review with five orange stars, dated April 1, 2026, and some text underneath
A handwritten note on plain white paper dated March 12, 2026, describing a book recommendation and personal reflections.
Screenshot of a book review for an A+ book, reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026, rated five stars, in paperback format, with a verified purchase. The review praises the book and the author Tommy.
Screenshot of a 5-star book review for 'The Call I Almost Missed' written on Amazon, describing the book's impact and recommending it.
Screenshot of a Kindle book review praising the book's power and transformative journey.
Cover of a book titled "A must read for anyone living with a phone in the 21st century!" with five red stars above the title, reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026, in paperback format. The excerpt mentions Tommy's words reflecting on life and their inspiring, thought-provoking nature.
Book review titled 'Must Read,' praising Tommy, with five-star rating, reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026, in paperback format.
Screenshot of a Kindle book review titled "Presence or Perspective?" reviewing a book about being present in the moment, dated April 1, 2026.
Book review with five stars, titled "This book is a must read," reviewed on March 26, 2026, praising the book's impact and importance.
Customer review with five stars, titled 'This is a must read for all', praising the book as truly life changing, reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026, in paperback format.
Online book review showing five stars, review date April 20, 2026, and a detailed lighthearted review about the author's personal connection to the book and reflections on technology and childhood.
Book review titled 'Thought Provoking' with 5 stars, reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026, for the paperback edition, marked as a verified purchase. The review describes the book as profound, relatable, with personal anecdotes, and emphasizes the importance of asking better questions.
Review summary for a book titled 'A Journey Worth Reading,' verified purchase, posted on April 1, 2026, describing a 59-page paperback about someone's travel experience.
Book review with five stars, titled 'Must have book,' reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026, version is paperback, endorsing the book as thought-provoking, impactful, and highly recommended.
Screenshot of a book review praising the book for its relatable and thought-provoking content.
A screenshot of a book review warning against doomscrolling, emphasizing mindfulness and family.
A book review with a 'Highly recommend' badge, review date April 1, 2026, in paperback format, praising the book for its impactful and practical advice for everyday life.
Book review with five-star rating, date, format, and positive quote about Tommy's writing
Product review showing high ratings, positive comments, and purchase details.
Book review with five-star rating, review date April 9, 2026, for a paperback titled 'The Call I Almost Missed', praising its captivating story, relatable characters, and engaging plot.
Book review for a paperback titled 'Catalyst for a reset!' with a 5-star rating, reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026. The review mentions Tommy, describing him as the man, and comments on the book's impactful nature.
Book review with five-star rating, posted on April 1, 2026, praising a thought-provoking and original book that emphasizes the importance of living in the present and paying attention to life.