June 4, 2026 - Award-winning Author and Journalist Gardiner Harris Speaks on Acclaimed Book, No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson
Join the Harvard Club of San Diego and Coronado Public Library for an author talk with journalist Gardiner Harris, discussing his acclaimed book No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson. This powerful work of investigative journalism examines the history of one of the world’s most trusted companies, uncovering decades of controversial practices and their impact on public health.
During much of the 20th century, J&J was one of the most trusted and respected corporations in the US. Mr. Harris reveals how J&J broke that trust by concealing dangers in its products, ranging from talcum powder to cancer drugs to hip replacement devices. Although the abuses of opioid marketing by Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family are well known, Mr. Harris argues that J&J exposed even more Americans to opioid addiction and deadly overdose. Three pharmaceuticals, designed to treat pain, cancer and psychotic conditions “have contributed to the deaths of as many as 2 million people.” Of the 7 top selling J&J drugs in 2003, “legal proceedings would eventually show the company use illegal marketing tactics—including bribes, kickbacks and lies to the FDA—for 6 of them.” His sources include interviews of scientists and insiders, company documents and actual grand jury transcripts. J&J has deftly avoided sustained negative publicity, partly through its status as a major advertiser to news organizations and partly through aggressive litigation. Between 2010 and 2021, J&J spent “$25 billion on litigation… likely [more than] any other company in the Fortune 500.”
No More Tears is an important warning about the safety of products from all pharmaceutical and device companies, and failure of federal oversight during the past 50 years. According to the Washington Post, “Harris, who has dug deeply into these narratives, is particularly good at showing how … corporate money can support but also corrupt science, and how corporate alliances with government can mean progress but also collusion.” He similarly scrutinizes the complicity of certain doctors, and failures of the media.
Mr. Harris also gives us reason for hope if citizens become engaged. He shows us not only the causes of oversight failure by the FDA, but the path to reform, and to preventing future abuses.
No More Tears was chosen as one of the five best in 2025 by both the National Book Critics and the LA Times. The Financial Times longlisted it as a Best Business book. It also was chosen as a best book of 2025 by the New York and Chicago Public Libraries.
Gardiner Harris (Yale ’86) has served The New York Times as the public health reporter, as well as a White House, South Asia, and international diplomacy reporter. His work for The Wall Street Journal included covering the pharmaceutical industry. His investigations there led to what was then the largest fine in the history of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Parking: Ample, free parking nearby
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first seated
Bay Books, Coronado’s independent bookstore, will have copies of No More Tears available for purchase at the event.
This event is co-sponsored by the Coronado Public Library.
