Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Must: Becoming the Person You Are Meant to Be follows Stephen Rue’s personal and professional journey, showing how he transformed early experiences of loss, bullying, and self-doubt into a framework for intentional living. He explains how he identified limiting beliefs, developed consistent habits, and cultivated purpose-driven actions aligned with his values. Rue details his creation of the “Must Zone,” where necessity, persistence, and focus intersect with development and flow, and examines how love, vulnerability, and adaptability shape relationships and self-understanding. Drawing on personal anecdotes and leaning into his mother's love and sacrifice, alongside historical examples, and research in psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality, Rue provides practical strategies for addressing trauma and integrating values, habits, and purpose to live intentionally, handle setbacks, and fulfill one’s potential on the Must Journey.

Stephen Rue’s Must: Becoming the Person You Are Meant to Be is an inspiring and highly personal book that immediately draws readers in through its conversational tone, making even the more challenging concepts accessible and relatable. Rue’s journey from growing up without his biological father and losing his stepfather to suicide to creating a life guided by the Must Zone is a remarkable testament to what focused action and purpose can achieve. What stood out most to me are the Must Skills, which provide concrete, practical tools for staying aligned with intentions and making measurable progress. Rue’s honest storytelling combined with clear guidance turns personal experience into actionable lessons, leaving readers motivated and equipped to implement his principles in their own lives. The book feels like a trusted guide and a roadmap to harnessing the best and most loving of ourselves and others through intentional living. Very highly recommended.