Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet

by Ryan McDermott

We all face trauma. How we confront it defines who we become. In Downriver, Ryan P. McDermott shares a gripping and deeply personal journey through war, ambition, loss, and redemption. As a combat leader in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and later an investment banker at Lehman Brothers during its historic collapse, McDermott stood at the crossroads of two of the most defining crises of the 21st century. His story is one of relentless pursuit—of purpose, success, and ultimately, peace. From losing his childhood home to foreclosure to facing the unseen scars of war and navigating the cutthroat world of Wall Street, McDermott’s experiences reflect the highs and lows of the American Dream. Interwoven with poignant poetry, Downriver explores his fight to build a family, confront his past, and reclaim his identity. This memoir is more than a personal story—it is a mirror for every American to reflect on their own struggles, aspirations, and the shifting fabric of our nation. With raw honesty and literary depth, McDermott challenges us to ask: Are we truly happy? What sacrifices have shaped us? How do we heal and move forward? Downriver is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of hope—a journey that will inspire readers to examine their own past, embrace their truth, and reconnect with what matters most.

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