“Few war memoirs achieve the level of literary depth and emotional resonance of Downriver. And even fewer help us understand the enduring impact of war, the burden of leadership in combat, and the resilience required to forge a new path beyond the battlefield.” 

—General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, former Director of the CIA

“This is an epic account of one young man riding the torrents of 21st Century American history, navigating a tumultuous voyage through military and business combat and personal turmoil toward enlightenment, redemption and self-discovery. A remarkable, vivid and inspiring story I will never forget.”

—William Doyle, Author, A Soldier's Dream: Travis Patriquin and the Awakening of Iraq

“A compelling and unflinchingly personal story about his winding road toward wholeness and healing.” 

—Kirkus Reviews

“Revealing memoir of the Iraq war, the financial crisis, and a soldier’s will to succeed.” 

—BookLife Reviews (⚡️Editor’s Pick)

“Few memoir writers can claim to be among the first U.S. troops to cross into Iraq in 2003 and part of last associate class to join Lehman Brothers in 2008. Ryan McDermott’s experiences thus embrace milieus atypical of either military or financial memoirs alone, fostering a mix of insights and influences that is unique.”

—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review 

“A valuable addition to the corpus of veterans’ voices in the world reshaped by 9/11.” 

— IndieReader (IR Approved)

“The beating heart of the memoir is his intense desire to find love and build his own family.”

—Independent Book Review

“Downriver is more than just a memoir—it is a meditation on identity, redemption, and the human capacity to heal.” 

—Readers' Favorite (5 Stars)

“The scenes of combat are vivid but not glorified, and what stuck with me wasn’t the action but the moral gray zones, the toll on the soul. I saw echoes of The Things They Carried and even a bit of Cather in the Rye, but with more sand, steel, and stock market crashes.” 

—Literary Titan (5 Stars)

“What sets Downriver apart is McDermott’s use of poetry and creative writing as a fantastic healing tool.”

—Feathered Quill

“This book not only honors the memory of those we have lost but also ensures their legacy endures, capturing the essence of who they were—not just as soldiers, but as extraordinary individuals whose impact continues to inspire.” 

—Gary Patriquin, Gold Star Parent of CPT Travis Patriquin, US Army

KEY SELLING POINTS

High Potential for Broad Appeal 

• One of a kind first-hand account of two events that shaped the 9/11 decade. Ryan McDermott was among the first U.S. troops to cross into Iraq in 2003, and part of last associate class to join Lehman Brothers prior to its collapse in 2008.

• One of a kind war memoir that combines poetry and prose to tell a human story before, during and after war — ultimately with a hopeful end. 

• Highly relevant to today as the story’s conclusion, where Ryan’s son Brandon writes the afterward, provides a unique intergenerational narrative.  The Covid pandemic ultimately brought the family back together.

MARKETING GOALS

    1.    Generate Pre-Publication Buzz

    •    Secure early reviews from key NetGalley members, including librarians, booksellers, and book bloggers.

    •    Drive pre-orders by building anticipation among target readers.

    2.    Position Downriver as a Must-Read Memoir for 2025

    •    Highlight its unique combination of military history, personal resilience, and poetry.

    •    Emphasize Ryan McDermott’s firsthand perspective on pivotal historical events.

    3.    Leverage Influencer & Professional Endorsements

    •    Engage with national security and military communities.

    •    Reach business and finance professionals who connect with the Wall Street storyline.

    •    Connect with literary and poetry communities for cross-genre appeal.

    4.  Advertise to Target Audiences

    •     Memoir Readers – Fans of raw, deeply personal storytelling.

    •    Veterans – Readers with an interest in war memoirs, leadership, and resilience.

    •    Army Officers & Cadets – Those seeking insight into combat leadership and post-military life.

    •    History Enthusiasts – Readers interested in first-hand accounts of the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis.

    •    Finance & Business Professionals – Those drawn to McDermott’s Wall Street experiences.

    •    Poetry Lovers – Readers who appreciate the literary and introspective style woven into the memoir.

    •    Christians & Faith-Based Readers – Those who connect with themes of perseverance, redemption, and faith.

    5.  Veteran Community & Influencer Engagement 

    •   Engage with Veteran advocates in social media and highlight the book’s potential to raise awareness of veteran issues  

    •   Participate in events and panel discussions how veterans can best transition to the civilian world. 

    6.  Department of Defense Engagement 

    •   Engage with Defense leaders and provide complimentary copies to those who regularly issue annual reading lists.

    •   Using LinkedIn network and connections within West Point network to spread awareness of the book.