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Always Losing Something: A novel of hope, heartbreak and soaring optimism.
Max Green has lived a blessed life. An ex-football star turned corporate businessman, Max looks to have it all until the day he is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease (MND) or Lou Gehrig's disease. But Max is lucky. The year is 2030. Incredible scientific innovations have already taken place that make his life bearable. Now they just need a cure. When Max’s powerful friends, Tim Thompson, a former football colleague and Prime Minister of Great Britain, and Jay Castle, a no-nonsense businessman and self-made billionaire, also contract the disease, suddenly everyone is interested in finding a cure. Helped by Dr Brad Sternberg, a high-profile neurologist at Columbia University Hospital’s ALS Centre, the trio embark on the adventure of their lives to put an end to a disease causing terrible suffering around the world. Always Losing Something is an empowering, fast-paced, and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between people living with ALS, big Pharma, business and government… and just what can be achieved when everyone wants the same thing. Max Green is the pseudonym for Marcus Gerbich, who has lived with ALS since 2016.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2020
13 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 3, 2022
My father wrote ‘Always Losing Something’ and I think it’s worthwhile explaining that the context and motivations for this book are unique.
He wasn’t trying to write a masterpiece, that wasn’t the point. He was paralysed, he was just trying to write in the first place.
This book was a project for him, something that he could look forward to working on over the weekend, given he could no longer do any physical activity or travel very far. It was also a way of communicating some of the struggles of the disease.
It was also a way of channelling his optimism and resolve, and perhaps make people consider why some diseases have been solved, why others haven’t, and how that might change in the future.
He wasn’t trying to write a masterpiece, that wasn’t the point. He was paralysed, he was just trying to write in the first place.
This book was a project for him, something that he could look forward to working on over the weekend, given he could no longer do any physical activity or travel very far. It was also a way of communicating some of the struggles of the disease.
It was also a way of channelling his optimism and resolve, and perhaps make people consider why some diseases have been solved, why others haven’t, and how that might change in the future.
March 25, 2022
Always Losing Something by Max Green is an emotionally taxing yet hopeful journey of a man living with ALS. The futuristic novel, beginning in 2030, tells the story of Max’s life battling the effects of ALS while also utilizing the technology and treatments that have become available. Unfortunately for Max, life throws more curveballs in a few short years than most people see in two lifetimes. With the help of his extremely wealthy friends, Max sets out to cure ALS and help as many people as he can in the process.
This novel is both heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. The trials and tribulations that Max endures are the everyday reality for hundreds of thousands of people across the globe with incurable diseases. While he is very unlucky in many ways, the pure optimism he embodies is contagious and a reminder that while bad things happen, bad things don’t always mean life is over. There is always tomorrow and hope if you allow them to prevail.
There is a message of survival in this story that evokes an immense feeling in the reader. I found myself rooting for Max and cheering for his successes. At the same time, I felt deeply saddened by his series of misfortunes.
While this is a well-told story with an amazing message, there is much work to be done on this novel. The editing is sub-par at best, with numerous errors including spelling, punctuation, and words that appear to be mixed up or missing. In this story, Max is a soccer player in his early life. The sentiment in telling the background of his story is there, but the elongated paragraphs detailing soccer games are extremely hard to understand if you don’t know soccer. I found myself lost and unsure of what was going on. In many cases, I didn’t understand entire paragraphs of a chapter. The extensive soccer jargon could have been removed, and a summary of the story put in its place, making the same point the author intended.
I gave this book 3 stars for a few reasons. The soccer jargon and editing errors outweighed the overwhelmingly good feelings and positive message this book detailed. But if you like soccer then you will probably really enjoy this novel.
This novel is both heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. The trials and tribulations that Max endures are the everyday reality for hundreds of thousands of people across the globe with incurable diseases. While he is very unlucky in many ways, the pure optimism he embodies is contagious and a reminder that while bad things happen, bad things don’t always mean life is over. There is always tomorrow and hope if you allow them to prevail.
There is a message of survival in this story that evokes an immense feeling in the reader. I found myself rooting for Max and cheering for his successes. At the same time, I felt deeply saddened by his series of misfortunes.
While this is a well-told story with an amazing message, there is much work to be done on this novel. The editing is sub-par at best, with numerous errors including spelling, punctuation, and words that appear to be mixed up or missing. In this story, Max is a soccer player in his early life. The sentiment in telling the background of his story is there, but the elongated paragraphs detailing soccer games are extremely hard to understand if you don’t know soccer. I found myself lost and unsure of what was going on. In many cases, I didn’t understand entire paragraphs of a chapter. The extensive soccer jargon could have been removed, and a summary of the story put in its place, making the same point the author intended.
I gave this book 3 stars for a few reasons. The soccer jargon and editing errors outweighed the overwhelmingly good feelings and positive message this book detailed. But if you like soccer then you will probably really enjoy this novel.
February 1, 2023
The following is a review of Always Losing Something by Max Green. I found this book and the review particularly hard as my Dad had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and from diagnosis to him dying was only 18 months. Dad died on my husband's birthday less than three weeks before Dad's 63rd birthday and less than a month before Christmas. It was a very difficult time for us all. I hope this review does justice to both my Dad and Max who have been amazingly brave and have dealt with this dreadful illness with humility and humor!
It is the year twenty-thirty, and New Zealand-born sixty-one-year-old Max is on a private plane travelling from London City Airport to JFK Airport. Max has an appointment to see his neurosurgeon at Columbia University Medical Centre. He has had regular appointments here since his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis thirteen years earlier. In twenty thirty Robot Operated Suits (ROS) have been invented. Max has a personal assistant who straps him into his ROS every morning, and Max's thought waves control it via brain implants. In this way, Max is still able to walk and even jog. Always Losing Something is not just about Max's illness. We learn about his football career, wild nights out, and family and friends. What else does the ROS do to help Max? What is the gene therapy trial, and is it something Max can take part in? What nightmare situation did Max find himself in during the Covid-19 pandemic? Furthermore, how does Max lose a leg? Read Always Losing Something by Max Green to discover the answers to these and other questions.
ALS is a terrible illness that gradually stops every body part from working while the brain is untouched. Having looked after my Dad, who had ALS, I know how dreadful this disease is, and I admire all the humor Max Green has put into Always Losing Something. What could have been a depressing read was very upbeat and funny while teaching the reader about ALS and how it affects Max. For example, on page twenty, Max reads a billboard with the words fast, fast, fast on it. As soon as Max thinks these words, the ROS takes him off on a fast jog through windows, tables, and anything else in his way until his assistant can rugby tackle him and press the reset button on the suit.
I enjoyed this book which is well written and very engaging, but I did dislike chapter two, which tells the story of Max's footballing career. Max was a footballer scouted by Bournemouth Football Club in his youth. Although I agree it was necessary to explain how vital football had been in Max's life, I did not enjoy the blow-by-blow accounts of the football matches he had played in. This became very boring.
I want to give Always Losing Something by Max Green 5 out of 5 stars. It is an informative read told with humor. ALS is a rare disease that mainly affects the nerve cells which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements like chewing, walking, and talking. As well as having the disease, Max Green clearly understands the science of how the body is affected, and he puts this across very clearly in terms I understood. There are several grammatical errors, but they did not spoil the book's flow, and no stars should be taken off.
I recommend Always Losing Something to adults who enjoy factually correct novels. It would particularly interest people who have been diagnosed with the disease or know someone who has it. There is swearing in the book but nothing sexual. However, a quote from page forty-six tells us that at this time, 'No one has ever recovered from or been cured of ALS,' so this is not a read I would recommend to the faint-hearted! Max Green was given a death sentence when diagnosed with ALS, but he writes Always Losing Something with humility, bravery, and lots of humor. There is no sign of self-pity, and he deals with every knock-back with great courage.
I want to thank Max Green for a copy of Always Losing Something: A novel of hope, heartbreak and soaring optimism in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog https://redmakesmyheartsing.blogspot.com or here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-...
It is the year twenty-thirty, and New Zealand-born sixty-one-year-old Max is on a private plane travelling from London City Airport to JFK Airport. Max has an appointment to see his neurosurgeon at Columbia University Medical Centre. He has had regular appointments here since his Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis thirteen years earlier. In twenty thirty Robot Operated Suits (ROS) have been invented. Max has a personal assistant who straps him into his ROS every morning, and Max's thought waves control it via brain implants. In this way, Max is still able to walk and even jog. Always Losing Something is not just about Max's illness. We learn about his football career, wild nights out, and family and friends. What else does the ROS do to help Max? What is the gene therapy trial, and is it something Max can take part in? What nightmare situation did Max find himself in during the Covid-19 pandemic? Furthermore, how does Max lose a leg? Read Always Losing Something by Max Green to discover the answers to these and other questions.
ALS is a terrible illness that gradually stops every body part from working while the brain is untouched. Having looked after my Dad, who had ALS, I know how dreadful this disease is, and I admire all the humor Max Green has put into Always Losing Something. What could have been a depressing read was very upbeat and funny while teaching the reader about ALS and how it affects Max. For example, on page twenty, Max reads a billboard with the words fast, fast, fast on it. As soon as Max thinks these words, the ROS takes him off on a fast jog through windows, tables, and anything else in his way until his assistant can rugby tackle him and press the reset button on the suit.
I enjoyed this book which is well written and very engaging, but I did dislike chapter two, which tells the story of Max's footballing career. Max was a footballer scouted by Bournemouth Football Club in his youth. Although I agree it was necessary to explain how vital football had been in Max's life, I did not enjoy the blow-by-blow accounts of the football matches he had played in. This became very boring.
I want to give Always Losing Something by Max Green 5 out of 5 stars. It is an informative read told with humor. ALS is a rare disease that mainly affects the nerve cells which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements like chewing, walking, and talking. As well as having the disease, Max Green clearly understands the science of how the body is affected, and he puts this across very clearly in terms I understood. There are several grammatical errors, but they did not spoil the book's flow, and no stars should be taken off.
I recommend Always Losing Something to adults who enjoy factually correct novels. It would particularly interest people who have been diagnosed with the disease or know someone who has it. There is swearing in the book but nothing sexual. However, a quote from page forty-six tells us that at this time, 'No one has ever recovered from or been cured of ALS,' so this is not a read I would recommend to the faint-hearted! Max Green was given a death sentence when diagnosed with ALS, but he writes Always Losing Something with humility, bravery, and lots of humor. There is no sign of self-pity, and he deals with every knock-back with great courage.
I want to thank Max Green for a copy of Always Losing Something: A novel of hope, heartbreak and soaring optimism in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog https://redmakesmyheartsing.blogspot.com or here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-...
November 24, 2020
A moving, entertaining and deeply thought provoking book, I highly recommend
Always Losing Something is a unique blend of fiction, auto-biography and science fiction, following the extraordinary journey of Max Green, from Premier League footballer to globe trotting investment banker and devoted family man. Max’s life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative neurological disease afflicting over 300,000 people in the world today, for which no cure currently exists. He tackles this challenge with an abundance of courage and humour, mobilising a network of powerful associates to raise the $5b needed to develop a cure, and shining a light on the disease and the very personal toll it takes on him. Neural implants and robotic exoskeletons buttress his body’s own failing systems, as he races to mobilise the dysfunctional ‘big-Pharma’ industry and find alternative funding for the brilliant researchers who hold the cure in their hands, before it is too late. Always Losing Something is a moving, entertaining and deeply thought provoking book, I highly recommend.
Always Losing Something is a unique blend of fiction, auto-biography and science fiction, following the extraordinary journey of Max Green, from Premier League footballer to globe trotting investment banker and devoted family man. Max’s life is upended when he is diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative neurological disease afflicting over 300,000 people in the world today, for which no cure currently exists. He tackles this challenge with an abundance of courage and humour, mobilising a network of powerful associates to raise the $5b needed to develop a cure, and shining a light on the disease and the very personal toll it takes on him. Neural implants and robotic exoskeletons buttress his body’s own failing systems, as he races to mobilise the dysfunctional ‘big-Pharma’ industry and find alternative funding for the brilliant researchers who hold the cure in their hands, before it is too late. Always Losing Something is a moving, entertaining and deeply thought provoking book, I highly recommend.
October 17, 2023
Passable
The subject is quite serious, how ALS affects not just individuals but their families too, and this has been conveyed well in the book. I would have loved a more detailed background of the main character and some other characters. There was a feeling all along the novel of all characters having the perfect families and enough money to have access to every new technology available for ALS quite easily. There is a hopefulness to the whole story all in all.
The subject is quite serious, how ALS affects not just individuals but their families too, and this has been conveyed well in the book. I would have loved a more detailed background of the main character and some other characters. There was a feeling all along the novel of all characters having the perfect families and enough money to have access to every new technology available for ALS quite easily. There is a hopefulness to the whole story all in all.
February 25, 2022
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable read that educated me on ALS issues and the potential for a cure in the future. The title is such a good one for the main character as he loses something year after year. The loss isn't keys or his phone either.
This was an enjoyable read that educated me on ALS issues and the potential for a cure in the future. The title is such a good one for the main character as he loses something year after year. The loss isn't keys or his phone either.
October 13, 2022
My review for Always Losing Something by Max Green is available for you to read exclusively at OnlineBookClub.org. I would really appreciate it if you could give it a read by clicking this link https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
November 14, 2023
Awesome read.
This book explores the devastation and possibilities for a cure to ALS. Such a raw account if the disease and excitement for a future. Emotional , easy to read journey. I’d recommend anyone interested in chronic illnesses or their family , support group to read.
This book explores the devastation and possibilities for a cure to ALS. Such a raw account if the disease and excitement for a future. Emotional , easy to read journey. I’d recommend anyone interested in chronic illnesses or their family , support group to read.
January 3, 2024
I’d say 3.5??? Cutie and sweet and I enjoyed the creativity + futuristic spin on this novel, not the MOST interesting, but then again neither am I!
December 19, 2020
making a diference
stimulating and questioning one’s own purpose - so much potential in the world to make a difference, but self ambition and personal goals getting the better of us.
stimulating and questioning one’s own purpose - so much potential in the world to make a difference, but self ambition and personal goals getting the better of us.
October 1, 2025
A Worthy Story, A Frustrating Read
I recommend this book as a one-time, must-read, in the least, for the sheer importance of the message that forms the soul of this book.
Not only is the core messaging around ALS, and its impact well dealt with, but the author masterfully also draws attention to the point that we must learn to appreciate our caregivers.
The book will make you reach for your phone and hit a 'Google' search to understand more about ALS. It's very rare that a book manages to do that.
The characterisation of all the protagonists is very human, and that is the strong suit of this book. Additionally, while the book may be based in the near future, the time, and periods across this book do not seem outlandish, and very much paint an accurate picture of the period they represent.
Had it not been for the excessive amount of profanity, and the elaborate technical details surrounding football in certain chapters, which while may appeal to a football fan, take away the general appeal of this book.
This book also suffers from abysmal editing, as not only do grammatical errors mar the experience, but some sections of the book are extremely difficult to follow.
While this book is highly recommended, a word of caution, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. So if you are someone who gets carried away, and immersed in a book, this is not for you.
I recommend this book as a one-time, must-read, in the least, for the sheer importance of the message that forms the soul of this book.
Not only is the core messaging around ALS, and its impact well dealt with, but the author masterfully also draws attention to the point that we must learn to appreciate our caregivers.
The book will make you reach for your phone and hit a 'Google' search to understand more about ALS. It's very rare that a book manages to do that.
The characterisation of all the protagonists is very human, and that is the strong suit of this book. Additionally, while the book may be based in the near future, the time, and periods across this book do not seem outlandish, and very much paint an accurate picture of the period they represent.
Had it not been for the excessive amount of profanity, and the elaborate technical details surrounding football in certain chapters, which while may appeal to a football fan, take away the general appeal of this book.
This book also suffers from abysmal editing, as not only do grammatical errors mar the experience, but some sections of the book are extremely difficult to follow.
While this book is highly recommended, a word of caution, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. So if you are someone who gets carried away, and immersed in a book, this is not for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews