September 2025 Rule One Book Reviews Selection

Selected for Review: "Remember Who You Want To Be" by Micheal C. Haymes

​WHY IT WAS SELECTED:
I kept thinking about it, and that's why it was selected. Thus far, it's a compelling retelling of a troubled childhood in the 1970s, growing up in a family torn apart by the ghosts of the Vietnam War. I would read a little, think about it, and come back. Repeat. As I continue to addi books to the candidate list, this one keep drawing me back. I am  compelled to return to this story. That's the mark of a promising book. 

READER CHALLENGE
This is the second book I've curated. I'd love some feedback from other readers. As with my last review, I challenge the reader to pick up "Remember Who You Want to Be", read it, and then compare it to my upcoming 17 September review and tell me if you agree or disagree with my take on this literary fiction that reads like a memoir. This challenge goes for other book reviewers, too. Let's compare notes. 

TITLE: Remember Who You Want To Be
PUBLISHER:  Branch Hill Press, LLC (Small Indie Publisher)
AUTHOR:   Michael C. Haymes
GENRE(S): Literary Fiction (Classic Fiction, Classic American Fiction)
PUBLICATION DATE: September 23, 2022
AMAZON REVIEWS/RATINGS AT DISCOVERY: 5/5.0 Star Average
AMAZON KINDLE RANKING AT DISCOVERY: #633,493
WHY IT GOT MY ATTENTION:
I saw it on X and clicked on the author. He had it pinned to his profile. It clearly gave off the literary fiction vibe. The pitch was well-written and compelling, capturing the essence of what promised to be a well written personal drama. The sample began with an extensive forward, which I intentionally skipped. I wanted to judge this book on its true sample, not how the author wanted to frame the story. The title, the pitch and the sample effectively served up an overarching theme that I wanted more of.  
DATE PLACED ON CANDIDATE LIST: 16 June 2025
​STATUS: Scheduled for 17 September 2025 Review

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