Magnus Johnson
About Magnus Johnson
A storyteller exploring the profound impact of human connection.
The Men We Make is his debut novel. Through the parallel lives of a single character, Johnson explores how profoundly we are shaped by the people who choose to show up, and what is lost when they don't.
Magnus Johnson is a former Green Beret, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Mission 22, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic. He has spent his life studying what breaks men and what builds them, first on the battlefield, then in the long, often invisible struggle of coming home.
After leaving the military, Johnson faced what so many veterans face: the disorienting work of rebuilding identity outside the uniform. That journey, through art, mindfulness, community, and faith, became the foundation for everything he has built. This includes Mission 22's Recovery + Resiliency program, designed to help veterans transform trauma into Post Traumatic Growth.
The Men We Make
Two lives. One boy. The difference? The people who choose to care.
Darin's story begins in darkness, a childhood marked by neglect, cruelty, and the kind of trauma that breaks a person from the inside out. In one version of his life, apathy wins. No one intervenes. No one tries. The path forward is brutal and lonely.
But what if someone had chosen differently?
The Men We Make explores a haunting question: How drastically can a single life change when love replaces indifference, when support takes the place of cruelty, when someone, anyone, decides to lift instead of push down?
Through parallel narratives of the same boy's journey, this novel doesn't offer easy answers or false hope. Instead, it dives unflinchingly into the raw reality of emotional damage, family dysfunction, and the weight of simply surviving. Yet within that darkness lies a profound truth: no life is beyond redemption when the people around us choose to believe in possibility.
Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure, The Men We Make reminds us that who we become is shaped not only by our hardships, but by those who refuse to let us face them alone.
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What Readers Are Saying
Thought provoking read!
This book leaves us considering the life of Darrin long after we've finished reading. It begs us to look at our own lives and relationships and ask ourselves how we are impacting the people around us; to look outside of ourselves and really look at the people around us; to realize that how we show up can be the difference between making our ceilings their floors or pushing them deeper into the very pit that we struggle to climb out of ourselves.
Impactful
Great book - makes you think about how life circumstances impacts opportunities throughout your life. An impactful read.
Two parallel lives of the same boy.
Such a great read, the book shows two different stories of the same person based on how he was brought up: neglect, cruelty, violence versus caring, understanding, and love. It shows it matters how we treat people and what we say or don't say about them. Our words and actions do matter to people and children growing up and in life. It matters who we choose (or refuse) to show up for when it matters most.
Insights of life impacts
Johnson offers a story that has depth within a personal psyche on the impact of our environment. We never know what will affect our lives for eternity. "The Men We Make" allows for personal and interpersonal growth that everyone deserves.
Two Perspectives for Life Choices
Have you ever wondered how your life would have been different if your caregivers didn't provide an encouraging, supportive environment? This is the theme that Magnus Johnson engages the reader in. Yes, you are responsible for life choices you make regardless of your caregivers' actions. But you might just end up in prison like the main character--Darin--does. Let's say your caregivers were encouraging and supportive. They had their flaws, but at least they cared enough to raise you the best they knew how. Would that guarantee that you make life choices that don't end you up in prison? No. Life is still about you making those choices. You are still responsible for seeing the best in others--like your caregivers--and working with whatever they gave you, to meet your life challenges with courage. Magnus provides two views into life choices. Part 1 paints a terrible picture for Darin. Part 2 paints a more supportive atmosphere. Is one version better than the other? On the surface, the answer is "yes." But dig deeper into both versions. There are flaws in each one, because that's just how life is. The book makes you think. Particularly to think about how life can go in so many different directions based on choices caregivers and YOU make. Interesting to contemplate. I enjoyed reading both perspectives on how Darin is impacted. Dig deep into his world. I think you'll enjoy the read. It'll likely give you insight into your own life, but more likely in how you support (or don't support) those around you.
Leader of men must read
The Men We Make is less about theory and more about legacy. It challenges readers to consider not just the men they are becoming, but the men they are helping shape. If you care about raising leaders of character and conviction, this is a worthwhile and impactful read.
News & Podcasts
Follow Magnus's journey through featured media appearances and press coverage exploring themes of transformation, resilience, and the powerful choices that shape who we become
Magnus Johnson on The Men We Make
Magnus Johnson joins the Security Halt! podcast to discuss his debut novel "The Men We Make," exploring themes of choice, redemption, and the transformative power of the decisions we make. Drawing from his experiences as a Green Beret and founder of Mission 22, Magnus shares insights into veteran mental health, trauma, and finding purpose after service.
Sisters author Magnus Johnson publishes debut novel
Magnus Johnson has published his debut novel, "The Men We Make," an intense story of a young man coming of age in Portland. The novel follows protagonist Darin through two possible iterations of his life, exploring themes of choice, faith, and the impact of everyday caring. A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and founder of Mission 22, Johnson brings his experiences working with veterans to create a powerful narrative about trauma, life choices, and answering one's calling.