Staff Sergeant Michael Hollis is a true hero. He completely understood the code of other's first [no matter what; this is something he lived by from a young age] to the point of saving lives with absolutely no regard of his own life and safety [he was not reckless, but he also didn't think that not having safety gear on was a reason to run away from a fight]. At the age of 24, with his whole life still in front of him, he, like so many brave men and women before him, made the ultimate sacrifice so others could live and so freedom would not be forsaken. The awards and accolades he received after his act of heroism shows how well-loved, and respected he was and while it is understood that those will never replace his life, it was heartwarming to see just how people loved him and honored him and his acts of service. If you want to know what a true patriot looks like, all you have to do is look at this young man's life and service.

A book everyone should be reading [especially in this unsettling times], this book will show you love - of country, of family, and of the people who walk with us, and once read, will leave you forever changed.

Roger Wayne is my new favorite narrator and once again, he does an excellent job while telling a difficult story. I highly recommend listening to this man tell Staff Sergeant Ollis's story - he brings so much to the story and truly honors the fallen soldier's memory.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tom Sileo, Roger Wayne - Narrator, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing the audiobook and eBook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

This book tells the story of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis. He died in Afghanistan, saving the lives of soldiers when the Taliban attacked an FOB. It's a remarkable story about a true hero. In every sense of the word.

Michael Ollis wanted to serve his country because his dad had served in Viet Nam. After 9/11, his desire became stronger. He enlisted in the Army and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant. His bravery and work ethic and sense of fraternity shine through in this book. After reading the story of the attack on the FOB and Ollis's heroism, I'm surprised he hasn't been upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

The greatest testament to him is the fact that so may people feel so connected to him. And keep in touch with his family. Ollis truly created a community. Tom Sileo does a wonderful job of making you feel as though you are part of that family when you read this book. It's well-written and pays wonderful tribute to an extraordinary person.

I won an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and was not given any compensation in exchange for this review. The opinions contained herein are mine and mine alone.

So I began this audiobook today while doing work on my garden. I chose it thru NetGalley a while ago, and just knew that it was one of the books coming out soon…so I started it…not really remembering what it was about…

****PLEASE BE FOREWARNED…I CRIED…I MEAN LOUD SOBBING CRIES…FOR A LONG TIME…WHILE LISTENING, WHILE GARDENING, AND WHILE COOKING DINNER…So, if you do not want to find yourself in the same predicament…choose a time when you can read this alone…. Just FYI… ****

The book is about Michael Olis…a true war hero!

From the time he was a little boy, growing up in Staten Island (SI), NY…he idolized his father who had been a Vietnam War Veteran.
And then, when NYC was hit during 9/11, he vowed to take part in fighting the evil out there…

So, at age 17, he signed up with the Army.

This book takes you through many accounts of his life… Told in through family. Through friends. Through Army Officers, and through many of his comrades…

This also touched my heart as I spent many, many years on SI.
I went to College/Nursing School there…and my first two Critical Care Roles were in SI as well…so I totally connected with the places mentioned in the book…

This was beautifully written, and really tugged at my heart. His family and he are now in my prayers. He was obviously a selfless man who was a friend to many, a teacher to some, and family to others…

And his parents…well, God will surely bless them, as they raised a wonderful boy….and my heart truly goes out to them…
And, how special are they too?? Make sure to listen to (read) the epilogue where the parents are so involved with so many guys in his regiment…

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

It is due to be released on 6/4/24..so a couple of days…

#IHaveYourBack by #TomSileo and narrated beautifully by #RogerWayne.

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

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A good narrator. Interesting biography of a military man. As a child, he wanted to join the military. The majority of the book tells of his adventures, good and bad.

{Thank you to @netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.}

This book tells the life story of an American hero. Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis always wanted to serve in the military. When he became of age, he joined the Army and ultimately became an Army Ranger, an incredible accomplishment. Staff Sergeant Ollis served in multiple overseas deployments in the early 2000s before being killed in action in 2013, when he gave his life to save someone else’s. Michael was only 24 at the time.

This was a great listen on audio and, despite being very emotional towards the end, I really enjoyed it. Military books like this can be hard for me to read at times as a mil spouse, but I’m so glad that I know about Staff Sergeant Ollis and his sacrifice.

Somewhere, Michael’s family will be remembering their son this Memorial Day. I’ll think of them now.

Highly recommend!

I Have Your Back: How an American Soldier Became an International Hero
By Tom Sileo, narrated by Roger Wayne

We meet Michael Ollis as a young boy, already knowing what he wants to be when he grows up. He wants to be a soldier, like his dad was, and throughout his school years he never lets go of that goal. The 9/11 attack cemented his desire to fight for his country and to save lives. Because of some learning difficulties, Michael's parents got him into a school that could help him excel. Even if his grades weren't perfect, they were this best. Joining ROTC, Michael showed his drive, initiative, and dedication early on with the enthusiasm and willingness to teach that would make him a great leader of men. As we learn from his story, nothing could stop Michael until there was nothing else to give.

Once in the Army, Michael excelled. Always enthusiastic, always seeing the bright side, it was when he lost those close to him that he struggled. Anytime things didn't go right, Michael questioned what he could have done differently, how he could have done things faster, how he would do better next time, even if there was nothing at all that he did wrong. His accomplishments were amazing, every step of the way. When his last day arrived, once again Michael promised a solder, a Polish solder he'd just met, that he'd have his back. One more life saved by Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, who died days before his twenty fifth birthday.

The list of accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis are astounding and it was a pleasure to listen to this audiobook about him. The author, Tom Sileo, and the narrator, Roger Wayne, do a fantastic job of allowing Michael's enthusiasm and spirit to shine. It was when I heard his fellow soldiers, friends, and even strangers praise Michael after his death that the tears came. Michael died doing what was so important to him, he gave his all in the name of his fellow man.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

This is the second book that I have read of Mr Sileo's and just like when I read Three Wise Men, I was not disappointed in the depiction of the life and events that lead up to the ultimate sacrifice made by SSG Ollis.

From the start of this book, the pride for his country, love for his family and friends as well as his decisions to to fight and continue to fight for his country after the events of 9/11 bled from the page starting at page one right up until the end. Upon completing this book, I felt as if I personally knew SSG Michael Ollis and my respect for his actions at the end of his life that were not only selfless but what one would have expected of him knowing the type of person that he was. Knowing that he sacrificed his life to save another still did not make his sacrifice any less heartbreaking for the man that he was and would have become but for his family as well.

This was a tasteful depiction of life, triumphs and failures as well as the sacrifices made by SSG Ollis that where I was destroyed by the end of the story would recommend to others.

I was graced with a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley. It was a powerful read about a young man who was what every American can be proud of to serve our country. As well as helping out men of other countries.

I was given the ability to listen to an ALC of this novel thanks to MacMillan audio, netgalley and the author. This audio book was done fantastically and was very easy to listen to and follow. I loved the narrator and thought he did fantastic.

This book by Tom Sileo is FANTASTIC. I have always had a great appreciation for our nation’s men and women who bravely fight for this nation, and our freedoms. I personally had never heard of Michael prior to this novel, and now I am embarrassed to say that I don’t know why we don’t talk about these heroes more. This novel embraces the story of a true American hero, who gave All he had to protect someone’s life even though that person was not someone he was paid to protect, or asked to protect. Michael’s story piques my interest to how many other soldier’s and real life hero’s are out in our society that have not received any recognition or that of which they deserve.

I highly recommend this novel to not only fans of non fiction or biography readers, but to all Americans who enjoy positive, and stories of hope. This novel shows that there are still great people in the broken world we reside in. I am forever thankful for Michael and know that I am free because of people like him. Tom worked hard to give Michael a voice and to recognize that not every hero is recognized while they are among the living.

This is a really interesting story and I appreciated learning more about Sgt. Ollis' upbringing and what motivated him to serve his country. It's a really intense and inspiring book!!
Than you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this audiobook.