In Correct but Wish to Explain by Grant Hall, Ethan still believes in the American dream, untouched by cynicism. With divorced parents, Ethan did not want his father’s version of strength and sought his own path. Accepted into the Southern Military Institute (SMI) alongside his friend Jack, Ethan faces a place infamous for breaking spirits to build discipline. Ethan quickly learned that you never boast if you survive and never confess if you fail. Enduring the Institute’s relentless brutality, he nearly dies during a forced march caused by a lie. Through pain, endurance, and self-discovery, Ethan learns that survival is not about defiance or submission; it is about refusing to let either define you. Ethan’s journey at SMI becomes a testament to quiet resilience and the strength to endure without surrendering one’s sense of self.

Correct but Wish to Explain by Grant Hall is a powerful and heartfelt story that explores the price of belonging and the strength it takes to be courageous. The story was fast-paced and interwoven with action that never stopped. The writing style was engaging, and I felt like part of Ethan's life, from the time he was five until his time in SMI. The events were described in detail, and it was easy to visualize them. The characters were excellently created and were realistic. Ethan was a typical teenager who was affected by his parents' divorce but overcame his shortcomings and emerged as a better person. The story was brilliantly written, although Ethan's and Jack's experiences in SMI were hard to process at times. I enjoyed reading this book, and it was hard to put it down.

Correct But Wish to Explain by Grant Hall is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in the unforgiving world of the Southern Military Institute (SMI), where Ethan Cole and his best friend Jack begin their “rat year.” For Ethan, life at SMI is a relentless test of endurance that is filled with grueling punishments, military discipline, and a culture that values conformity over individuality. Jack thrives in this harsh environment, but Ethan struggles to reconcile who he’s expected to be with who he truly is. As the challenges intensify from a near-fatal march to financial hardship that pushes him toward the Army, Ethan begins to question the very ideals he’s been forced to uphold. His eventual rebellion, signing 154 “Specials” that immortalize his name in defiance, marks his turning point from survival to self-definition.

Grant Hall offers an incredibly detailed story of a man who grew up under tough circumstances. It captures the claustrophobic intensity of military life with authenticity, balancing it with moments of humor, nostalgia, and reflection. I loved how flawed Ethan was, but he was also genuine. He struggled with finding his place in the military. I loved how the author portrayed the difficult process of creating an individual identity within a demanding, uniform system. The "Walkman punishment" and the contrast between the grueling barracks life and the brief, liberating escape of a Jimmy Buffett concert are particularly effective narrative tools that highlight Ethan's internal conflict. Ethan's journey is not just about survival, but about redefining what courage and loyalty truly mean for him. Correct But Wish to Explain is a great story that makes you wonder what really happens to the men and women who serve their countries with pride. But at what price?