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The Harder I Fall, the Higher I Bounce: Life Lessons from the Entrepreneur Dubbed the King of Kiosks by Fortune Magazine
“This is a fascinating book and should be on the reading list of every young aspiring entrepreneur…”
―Harry Pearce, Vice Chairman of General Motors (Retired) You could say that Max James is an author who developed much of his character through sheer force of labor. Growing up on a farm with a strong-minded father, the virtue of a hard day's work was instilled in Max from a very young age. Through Max's experiences on the farm, the Air Force Academy, the Vietnam War, and more, he forged an unshakeable ethos that propelled him into becoming a remarkable entrepreneur. The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce is Max James' story of his own life experiences, both funny and heart-wrenching, that taught him lasting life lessons about relationships, personal fulfillment, and success in business. It has been said that life is the best teacher, and The Harder I Fall certainly makes a compelling case for the truth in that statement. Through the captivating power of his own exciting life stories, Max James proves the rules of entrepreneurship to have real-world applications time and time again. With each life story yielding a brand new lesson, readers will be captivated to see entrepreneurship and life from an entirely new lens. The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce , by Max James is a fantastic tribute to the magic of life experience to shape us into greater people. Don't miss this amazing read for seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs alike!
―Harry Pearce, Vice Chairman of General Motors (Retired) You could say that Max James is an author who developed much of his character through sheer force of labor. Growing up on a farm with a strong-minded father, the virtue of a hard day's work was instilled in Max from a very young age. Through Max's experiences on the farm, the Air Force Academy, the Vietnam War, and more, he forged an unshakeable ethos that propelled him into becoming a remarkable entrepreneur. The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce is Max James' story of his own life experiences, both funny and heart-wrenching, that taught him lasting life lessons about relationships, personal fulfillment, and success in business. It has been said that life is the best teacher, and The Harder I Fall certainly makes a compelling case for the truth in that statement. Through the captivating power of his own exciting life stories, Max James proves the rules of entrepreneurship to have real-world applications time and time again. With each life story yielding a brand new lesson, readers will be captivated to see entrepreneurship and life from an entirely new lens. The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce , by Max James is a fantastic tribute to the magic of life experience to shape us into greater people. Don't miss this amazing read for seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs alike!
289 pages, Hardcover
Published November 9, 2021
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Max James
2 booksAbout Max James:
Max James is an American author and serial entrepreneur, best known as the founder of The American Kiosk Management Corporation and dubbed "The King of Kiosks" by Fortune magazine. He is the author of the award-winning book The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce, a business memoir for today’s entrepreneur and business executives. Max shares his journey from growing up on a farm, to being shot down in Vietnam, to creating a billion-dollar company.
Max James is an American author and serial entrepreneur, best known as the founder of The American Kiosk Management Corporation and dubbed "The King of Kiosks" by Fortune magazine. He is the author of the award-winning book The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce, a business memoir for today’s entrepreneur and business executives. Max shares his journey from growing up on a farm, to being shot down in Vietnam, to creating a billion-dollar company.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 16, 2023
"The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce" by Max James is an enthralling memoir of a life full of trials and accomplishments. This highly intimate book takes the reader on an astonishing journey of perseverance and development, and Max James' story is tough not to be affected by.
Max James, the author and protagonist of this memoir, is an exceptionally well-drawn character. He's approachable and genuine, and his path from tragedy to achievement is both inspiring and heartwarming. His character is complex, and we witness him develop and evolve throughout the story. Mentors, friends, and coworkers are strategically presented as supporting characters, providing complexity to the plot.
The first section of the book deals with Max James' reflections on his life experiences and lessons learned. He charts a clear path from his early days in the Academy to his career as an enterprise leader. With his military experiences and subsequent business ventures, he brings an extraordinary perspective that can serve to teach invaluable lessons in the future.
Because it is a memoir, the book does not have a standard narrative framework, but the conceptual progression is evident. Max James focuses on important life lessons, character development, leadership, and personal development. Every chapter brings a new aspect to his journey, and it is essentially the development of his character and understanding of these fundamental themes that constitute the plot.
We see Max's unwavering dedication to his growth as the story unfolds, and he doesn't let himself be defined by adversity. His storytelling ability shines through as he recounts challenges he faced, such as betrayal, and how he overcame them. The storyline is about the author's observations on these experiences, not just the events themselves.
Max James is more than simply a writer; he is a real inspiration. His singular combination of academy experiences and his business career has shaped him into a one-of-a-kind storyteller who provides insightful information. His writing exudes a candid and perceptive quality that permeates every page. This memoir stands as a testament to his competence and achievement, stemming from his unwavering principles.
The narrative of Max James unfolds as a remarkable testament to the human capacity for growth and adaptability. It's a tome capable of igniting motivation in anyone, irrespective of their background, urging them to aspire to greatness. Max's unshakable dedication to moral uprightness and honesty offers a magnificent example from which we may all learn. I give this memoir a strong 4 out of 5 stars. It's a work that is really moving and enlightening and will have an impact.
Max James, the author and protagonist of this memoir, is an exceptionally well-drawn character. He's approachable and genuine, and his path from tragedy to achievement is both inspiring and heartwarming. His character is complex, and we witness him develop and evolve throughout the story. Mentors, friends, and coworkers are strategically presented as supporting characters, providing complexity to the plot.
The first section of the book deals with Max James' reflections on his life experiences and lessons learned. He charts a clear path from his early days in the Academy to his career as an enterprise leader. With his military experiences and subsequent business ventures, he brings an extraordinary perspective that can serve to teach invaluable lessons in the future.
Because it is a memoir, the book does not have a standard narrative framework, but the conceptual progression is evident. Max James focuses on important life lessons, character development, leadership, and personal development. Every chapter brings a new aspect to his journey, and it is essentially the development of his character and understanding of these fundamental themes that constitute the plot.
We see Max's unwavering dedication to his growth as the story unfolds, and he doesn't let himself be defined by adversity. His storytelling ability shines through as he recounts challenges he faced, such as betrayal, and how he overcame them. The storyline is about the author's observations on these experiences, not just the events themselves.
Max James is more than simply a writer; he is a real inspiration. His singular combination of academy experiences and his business career has shaped him into a one-of-a-kind storyteller who provides insightful information. His writing exudes a candid and perceptive quality that permeates every page. This memoir stands as a testament to his competence and achievement, stemming from his unwavering principles.
The narrative of Max James unfolds as a remarkable testament to the human capacity for growth and adaptability. It's a tome capable of igniting motivation in anyone, irrespective of their background, urging them to aspire to greatness. Max's unshakable dedication to moral uprightness and honesty offers a magnificent example from which we may all learn. I give this memoir a strong 4 out of 5 stars. It's a work that is really moving and enlightening and will have an impact.
July 4, 2022
The Harder I Fall, The Higher I Bounce written by entrepreneur Max James follows the author on a farm in West Tennessee. The author writes about his background, family, life when young, and his relationship with his father, among others. Reading the first and subsequent chapters give one a nostalgic feeling. Max James’ story is simple yet fascinating. As a young kid, one can read his dreams and aspirations in life.
The author documents his journey from when he was young, how he found himself, his goals, failures, relationships, professional life, and everything in between. The stories are pleasingly told, with the author uncovering crucial stages of his life and what he learned from every path he took. As a reader, you get to connect with Max James and even momentarily live his life. The words he shares, the happy and dark moments, and all the adventures he captures are heartwarming.
Reading this book is not only exciting but also eye-opening. As a reader, you are introduced to a new world where the author openly highlights societal issues and the purpose humans have. You get enlightened about subjects like education, policies, governments and policy-making, family, and careers, and form a positive mentality even when things become rough. One thing I loved about Max James is his honesty.
I enjoyed reading about life in the fields and wished for more content from the author. The most significant element in Max James’ writing is that he makes you feel like you are present when narrating. I also enjoyed stories about his experience at Stanford and how his life has been gradually switching. There are multiple nuggets of wisdom and saying that I found to be profound in the book.
The humor incorporated in the author’s writing is one of the many features that make Max James an exceptional author. You will enjoy several light moments and take life lessons simultaneously. This book is an excellent self-help book that will help you advance in your life. Through the wisdom shared by Max James, you are assured of breaking every hindrance that comes in your way to success. You will get a clear picture of business life, and make better financial choices.
The author documents his journey from when he was young, how he found himself, his goals, failures, relationships, professional life, and everything in between. The stories are pleasingly told, with the author uncovering crucial stages of his life and what he learned from every path he took. As a reader, you get to connect with Max James and even momentarily live his life. The words he shares, the happy and dark moments, and all the adventures he captures are heartwarming.
Reading this book is not only exciting but also eye-opening. As a reader, you are introduced to a new world where the author openly highlights societal issues and the purpose humans have. You get enlightened about subjects like education, policies, governments and policy-making, family, and careers, and form a positive mentality even when things become rough. One thing I loved about Max James is his honesty.
I enjoyed reading about life in the fields and wished for more content from the author. The most significant element in Max James’ writing is that he makes you feel like you are present when narrating. I also enjoyed stories about his experience at Stanford and how his life has been gradually switching. There are multiple nuggets of wisdom and saying that I found to be profound in the book.
The humor incorporated in the author’s writing is one of the many features that make Max James an exceptional author. You will enjoy several light moments and take life lessons simultaneously. This book is an excellent self-help book that will help you advance in your life. Through the wisdom shared by Max James, you are assured of breaking every hindrance that comes in your way to success. You will get a clear picture of business life, and make better financial choices.
July 2, 2022
I have enjoyed most of this autobiography. Max James had an interesting life for sure. In this book, this millionaire tells his story starting as a poor child working in a farm until ending up as a CEO of big corporations.
This autobiography is the kind the reader will always enjoy-or at least some of it. Born to a poor family, lost his mother in early stages of his life, joined the army in Vietnam flying Helicopters, shot down twice and survived them both. After the war, he joined Stanford University and earned an MBA. Then, he started his career in real sate business with series of failures until he succeeded at the end.
A very typical American story. I have enjoyed the book until he got back from the war in Vietnam, then I started to get bored. It was interesting to read his struggle in his early years and how his determination and persistent kept him going. As they say, most of the important events of our life occur before the age of 30. The rest of our life is just a reflection. I guess that is why I felt that his life was not that interesting after he got back from the war and got into the business life.
The author wrote this book in a way that try to teach some of the principles he learned during his life. I highlighted a lot of passage. Here are some:
My version of Kurt Vonnegut’s book Cat’s Cradle is this: “Of all the dreams of women and men, the saddest are ‘It Might Have Been.’” Do it! Get to it! Go for it!
If you don’t like the job that you’re doing, most likely, you are not doing it very well
An old farmer’s saying certainly applied to my mother’s workday: “A man’s work is from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.”
I loved to read as a youngster, and sometimes I guess I got lost in a book
I believe that very often, luck meets preparation
Trust me. When I have taken the easy road, more often than not, I’ve regretted it later
It’s probably good to remember not to stray too far from your field of expertise
The enemy of excellence is perfection
Not a bad read
This autobiography is the kind the reader will always enjoy-or at least some of it. Born to a poor family, lost his mother in early stages of his life, joined the army in Vietnam flying Helicopters, shot down twice and survived them both. After the war, he joined Stanford University and earned an MBA. Then, he started his career in real sate business with series of failures until he succeeded at the end.
A very typical American story. I have enjoyed the book until he got back from the war in Vietnam, then I started to get bored. It was interesting to read his struggle in his early years and how his determination and persistent kept him going. As they say, most of the important events of our life occur before the age of 30. The rest of our life is just a reflection. I guess that is why I felt that his life was not that interesting after he got back from the war and got into the business life.
The author wrote this book in a way that try to teach some of the principles he learned during his life. I highlighted a lot of passage. Here are some:
My version of Kurt Vonnegut’s book Cat’s Cradle is this: “Of all the dreams of women and men, the saddest are ‘It Might Have Been.’” Do it! Get to it! Go for it!
If you don’t like the job that you’re doing, most likely, you are not doing it very well
An old farmer’s saying certainly applied to my mother’s workday: “A man’s work is from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.”
I loved to read as a youngster, and sometimes I guess I got lost in a book
I believe that very often, luck meets preparation
Trust me. When I have taken the easy road, more often than not, I’ve regretted it later
It’s probably good to remember not to stray too far from your field of expertise
The enemy of excellence is perfection
Not a bad read
November 18, 2021
Inspirational read!
Max’s story is an instructional and inspiring illustration of the value if Grit!
It shares his life lessons from growing up plowing their family from fields with a mule drawn plough to becoming an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He shares his ups as well as his downs on this incredible journey.
He shares his recognition of the value of the principles of integrity and leadership he honed at the Air Force Academy and his combat experience in overcoming challenges and successes he experienced in his business career.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is pursuing a fulfilling life!
Max’s story is an instructional and inspiring illustration of the value if Grit!
It shares his life lessons from growing up plowing their family from fields with a mule drawn plough to becoming an extraordinarily successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He shares his ups as well as his downs on this incredible journey.
He shares his recognition of the value of the principles of integrity and leadership he honed at the Air Force Academy and his combat experience in overcoming challenges and successes he experienced in his business career.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is pursuing a fulfilling life!
February 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. He has done so many different things and his stories were quite fascinating. At one stage I thought he was boasting but then he turned around and told us about a stage in his life where he did not even have enough to pay rent. It just seemed like a very honest book full of great stories. Good Read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews