Button Book Review: Try Hard

The word I would use to describe Max Kerman’s book would be ‘refreshing’. At no point is he a try-hard, just genuinely trying, and that means everything.

Try Hard is a bit of a memoir, so if you’re an Arkells fan, it’s worth the read, but it’s more than that. ‘Other’ than that? It’s not a guide, but it offers guidance. It’s not Self-Help, but it’s certainly helpful. Max shares what it’s like to be an artist at work. Creating is well and good, but can you pay your bills? Can you buy the time to do what you love?

At its heart, Try Hard is a love letter to artists, but also a reality check to the people who think it’s not work. Kerman puts on his small-business hat and shares some valuable insights on the inner workings of a band’s success. Most importantly, what that actually looks like. The hard parts and the boring parts. The admin and the elbow rubbing.

Because Try Hard doesn’t focus solely on the music, it’s full of insights that are relevant to any type of creative work. Music is Kerman’s first love, but here he is, writing a book! And that book is about the creative process, no matter the type. I found it very enlightening but also very inspiring. He reminded me how important it is to entrench yourself in the art you love and refuel your own passion for creativity.

I’ll also throw in that I highly suggest the audiobook. Kerman narrates himself, and there’s a sing-song to his voice that really scratches the part of my brain that’s drawn to great storytelling. If you’re looking for the inspiration to follow your creativity wherever it may lead, give Try Hard a read (or listen)!

xxo

C

*Canadian Authors

(affiliate links included in post)