Try Hard is a lovely mix of a band memoir and a love letter to living curiously. It reads like sitting down to a long conversation with that one friend who's always encouraging you to put yourself out there and do that thing you keep talking about doing. Kerman reflects on the career beginnings and success of the band Arkells and all the side projects and explorations they took along the way. The storytelling is conversational, honest, and often self deprecating in a way that endears Max to readers and makes his journey to success and fame feels relatable. This is an ode to anyone who, like Max himself, considers themself not necessarily exceptionally talented, but willing to always try hard.

Loved this book! As an Arkells fan, this was perfect to add to my collection of reads. I loved how Max spoke true & oftentimes without a filter. Thats how fans know him best!

It was inspiring to read about the creative process, and how much it helps to try things differently with new techniques to see what fits. We can all learn a lot from that - to work hard, pivot when you have to, and always, always surround yourself with good people.

The band insider info was great too. I still remember when my sister invited the band to party with us at her wedding, after they played a local show the same night. They couldn’t make it but sent a wedding card signed by every member. Who does that?

I also loved the chapter length. It was like listening to an artist talk at the MuchMusic Intimate and Interactive events.

The Advanced Review Copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.