Remember Who You Want To Be

by Michael C Haymes

IN THE SUMMER OF 1977, at the last drive-in theater, a young boy watches in awe as a small band of rebels defeats an evil empire in Star Wars . On the way home, he sees echoes of his father's post-traumatic stress from the Vietnam War, which will soon tear his family apart--and begin his own unraveling. Remember Who You Want To Be is the epic coming-of-age tale of Roger Evans and enduring search for meaning, family, and identity. Along the way, Roger gets guidance from his beloved grandfather, who offers both wisdom and "When a boy becomes a man, he must choose between the life he was given and who he wants to be." Overcome with grief after a terrible tragedy strikes, Roger drops out of high school and, with "a wad of cash and the greatest car ever created," escapes with his best friend. From a small town hidden deep in the Connecticut woods to the historic Deaf President Now protest of 1988 at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, he soon finds himself torn between the emerging hope of a more perfect union and the horrific revelations of his childhood friend. Haunted by his own guilt and arrogance, Roger returns home to earn his redemption-only to discover that "the best way to build the life you want is to remember the one you were given." From a reclusive writer worth watching comes a profound and powerful story that challenges us to endure the darkness of our despair until the light of hope rises, reaches, and, at long last, illuminates our humanity.

438 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2022

Reviews

[Suzanne Uvino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that Remember Who You Want To Be will become an American classic. It's beautifully written and touches every emotion.
Much wisdom in these pages. So much so that I feel it’s important to share this stunning work with my family and friends. It helped me
to readdress and work through some past issues in my family while taking me on a deeply thoughtful, compelling and at times hilarious journey.
In these times especially, we can identify with, route for and learn from the main character, his family and friends. This is an American story.

[joyce steis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember Who You Want To Be is first time novel from Michael C. Haymes. It is a slice of life story that is a narrative by Roger Evens. Roger is seven years old when he begins to tell his tale.

Roger's life takes many twists and turns as he grows up. His grandfather is very influential when he tells Roger to "Remember Who You Want To Be." The advise helped Roger many times in his life.

Roger like his grandfather becomes deaf and they both learn from each other and the deaf community. Roger teaches us how to communicate with a deaf person. It is a valuable lesson.

I found this book very well written. The character are real. The dialogue is believable. Michael paints a picture with his words.

I look forward to reading more from the author.

[Bridgett GeIer]

this was a wonderful book to read it real grabbed my attention and i couldn't put it down i will recommend it to all my friends