High Times, Hard Lessons: A Cautionary Tale of Riches and Ruin

by Zack Mozes

Dive into the chaotic, scandalous, and unbelievably true story of the Mozes family, a saga that proves truth is stranger – and far more entertaining – than fiction. Zack Mozes lays bare his family's spectacular rollercoaster of betrayal, legal battles, and epic bad decisions that would make even the most seasoned reality TV producer blush.

From a seemingly idyllic life in California to a cross-country fugitive hunt, this memoir chronicles a family's descent into chaos. Witness the collapse of a once-thriving business, a father's vanishing act, a mother's shocking alliance with the prosecution, and a stash of cash hidden in Miami lockers. It's a tale of shattered trust, courtroom drama, and the struggle to rebuild a life amidst the wreckage. Zack comes out on-top!

With raw honesty and dark humor, High Times, Hard Lessons explores the complexities of family loyalty, the sting of public judgment, and the surprising resilience of the human spirit. This is a story you won't soon forget – a wild ride through a family's implosion and one man's journey to find his own path.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2025

Reviews

[Amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Times, Hard Lessons is a gripping memoir that pulls no punches. The author's journey from wealth and success to downfall and redemption is both thrilling and heartbreaking. It's a powerful reminder that money doesn't guarantee happiness—and that true strength comes from facing your mistakes head-on. A cautionary tale everyone should read.

[Russell A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dives deep into the highs of success and the devastating lows that followed. What sets it apart is the raw vulnerability and life lessons woven throughout the narrative. High Times, Hard Lessons is more than just a story—it's a wake-up call about ambition, excess, and the price of ignoring your inner compass.

[John MacLean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs pruning

The author repeats himself. The reader is forced to skim lest be overcome with repetition. Despite the repetition the statements are vague. I struggled through the repetition without reward. I am not at all sure what purpose the book served. The book was not entertaining and it was not informative. I was forced to skim in order to stay awake. Perhaps, in my skimming, I overlooked what made the book valuable. The author seems admirable in many ways. I would like to see the story rewritten to highlight the author's admirable qualities and how those qualities might be emulated.

[Sukumar Sarker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. The author tells a compelling, fast-paced story that reads like a movie, yet feels deeply personal and authentic. It’s a fascinating look at how things can spiral out of control—and how resilience can rebuild what was lost. High Times, Hard Lessons offers wisdom through experience and is well worth the read.

[Aklima Akter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on a raw and honest journey through the highs of wealth and the devastating consequences of poor choices. The storytelling is vivid, engaging, and emotional, making it hard to put down. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a wake-up call about the dangers of excess and the importance of staying grounded.

[Alex Joss · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Times, Hard Lessons is both gripping and sobering. The author doesn’t shy away from exposing the dark side of success, and that honesty is what makes this book so impactful. It’s filled with lessons about greed, mistakes, and redemption that every reader can take to heart, whether in business or in life.

[Belen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a story about riches and ruin—it’s a testament to resilience and self-reflection. The author takes you behind the glitter of wealth to reveal the painful truths that often remain hidden. I walked away inspired, reminded that true success isn’t just about money, but about integrity, balance, and learning from our hardest lessons.

[Mahi Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gripping and brutally honest memoir about the highs of success and the devastating lows that followed. The author’s storytelling is raw and unfiltered, pulling you right into the whirlwind of fast money, bad decisions, and hard-earned wisdom. It’s not just a cautionary tale — it’s an inspiring reminder that redemption and growth are always possible, no matter how far you’ve fallen.

[Max Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful reminder of how quickly success can spiral into self-destruction when discipline is lost. The author’s honesty about the highs of wealth and the lows of ruin makes it an unforgettable read. It’s not just a story—it’s a warning that hits hard and makes you reflect on your own choices.

[Anna Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. The rise-and-fall journey is told with such vivid detail that you feel the thrill of fortune and the sting of mistakes right alongside the author. High Times, Hard Lessons is both a captivating memoir and a cautionary guide, showing that true wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about wisdom.

[Ionam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books capture the dangerous allure of fast success as powerfully as this one. The author’s journey from riches to ruin and eventual reflection is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Every chapter feels real and relatable, making you question what truly matters in life. It’s not just a cautionary tale—it’s a roadmap for personal growth and self-awareness.

[Nala · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Times, Hard Lessons delivers a striking message about how quickly fortune can fade and how hard-earned wisdom can rebuild what’s lost. The author’s storytelling is bold, emotional, and deeply human. It’s a book that teaches without preaching, showing how failure can become the foundation for renewal. Perfect for anyone who enjoys true stories of transformation and second chances.

[Shelia R.]

A gripping and eye-opening read! Zack Mozes takes you on a wild ride through the highs and lows of wealth, success, and downfall. His honesty and life lessons make this book a must-read for anyone chasing big dreams.

[Bg · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author uses a lot of words to say absolutely nothing. He promises information, yet never delivers anything but more words and no specifics. I had to google to find out specifics and facts. Not a good read.

[William D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like watching a thrilling movie So well written

[Trina D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting Absolutely engrossing

[Joe D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollercoaster of emotions

[Sonny Norberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will change the way you view success

[Theodora Dahlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterclass in storytelling

[Janina Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep engaging and full of wisdom

[Sanne Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not turn the pages fast enough

[Nour Johnsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hauntingly real

[Razmus Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that makes you reflect on your own ambitions

[Theodor Jonasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars I would

[Elena Mårtensson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lessons in this book are priceless

[Harry Johansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much insight wrapped in an entertaining story

[Jan Sundström · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is phenomenal

[Beata Axelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating and beautiful at the same time

[Dag Söderström · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful reminder that success has a dark side

[Mateo Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not stop reading so many twists and turns