Bookpleasures.com isdelighted to welcome Dr. Norman M. Shulman, author of Love, Norm:Inspiration of a Jewish American Fighter Pilot, as our esteemedguest.

 Dr. Shulman, born andraised in Syracuse, New York, has dedicated over 50 years toimproving the lives of his patients as a psychologist. Alongside hisdistinguished career, he has nurtured a lifelong passion for history,with a particular focus on his Jewish heritage.

 Currently residing inLubbock, Texas, with his wife, Dr. Shulman authored this heartfeltmemoir to honor Jewish military heroes and inspire his stepson,Captain Greg “Glick” Levenson, a combat-decorated F-16 pilot whobravely served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, protecting coalitionground forces.

 We are excited to exploreDr. Shulman’s journey, insights, and the impactful stories behindLove, Norm in this engaging discussion.

 BP: What inspired you tostart writing the letters to your step-son Greg, and how did youchoose the specific stories to include?

 Norm: Early into mystepson’s flight training at Vance AFB, Enid, OK, he told me thathe felt like he was the only Jew on a base of more than 900 airmen.An idea came to mind of how to demonstrate that he was far from beingalone. I thought of connecting him to his Jewish military rootsthrough letters featuring heroic Jewish figures, living and dead. Thecharacters were chosen by their individual and collectiveaccomplishments primarily in combat. Subsequently, I sent Greg aletter a week (totaling 50 letters) during his yearlong undergraduatepilot training.

 BP: How did yourbackground as a psychologist influence the way you approached writingthese letters?

 Norm: I understood thepower of letters over other means of interpersonal communicationincluding in-person conversations. Letters can be more impactfulbecause the distance and time between the writer and reader allowmore truth to be conveyed.

 BP: What was the mostchallenging part of researching Jewish military history for thisproject?

 Norm: Finding livingJewish military figures who were willing to assist with the project.However, it turned out to be easier than anticipated. For example,the role model I dedicated the book to, Maj. Gen. Stan Newman who wasfound through a Jewish military historian, attended Greg’s wingsceremony sight unseen.

 BP: Can you share moreabout how Greg responded to the letters during his pilot training?

 Norm: Greg responded veryfavorably to the idea. He told me he would save a few letters to readtogether prior to confronting difficult training challenges such as“check rides”.

 BP: Why do you thinkstories of Jewish military heroes are often overlooked, and whatimpact do you hope your book will have in changing that?

 Norm: Unfortunately,negative stereotypes which portray Jews as less willing and capableof military service persist even among Jews. This misconception isdue to the experiences Jews of the Diaspora have had living underhostile regimes which used their militaries against them. My hope isthat the book will address demeaning stereotypes and favorably alterimpressions of the “Jew-at-war”.

 BP: How did writing theletters deepen your own connection to your Jewish identity andheritage?

 Norm: My identity wasstrengthened by reading stories of Jews who distinguished themselvesnot only in America’s wars but internationally and extending backthrough history. When I became deathly ill with cancer while Greg wasstill in training, I found the letters to be inspiring at just theright time. 

 BP: What feedback have youreceived from readers about how the book has influenced their ownperspectives on resilience and identity?

 Norm: Most of the feedbackI have received has resonated with the general public regarding itsidentification of using one’s roots to strengthen resilience underduress.

 BP: Were there anysurprising discoveries during your research that significantly shapedthe content of the letters?

 Norm: I was surprised atthe depth and breadth of the subject matter which allowed easy accessto the characters. Jewish military history is an extremely wellresearched genre in and of itself. 

 BP:  How did youdecide to structure the book into chapters with distinct themes?

 Norm: My editors at theTexas Tech University Press suggested that the book be more of anintimate memoir than a straight history. So I tied Greg’s story andmy autobiography to the cast of military figures. 

 BP: What do you hopereaders, particularly non-Jewish readers, take away from the book?

 Norm: That Jews did theirpart with distinction wherever and whenever they served and that thestereotype of “weak, cowardly and unpatriotic” is patently false.

 BP: Where can our readersfind out more about you and  Love, Norm: Inspiration of a JewishAmerican Fighter Pilot?

 Norm: Website:lovenormmemoir.com:  AmazonAudible audiobook.  ChrisVoss podcast of “Love, Norm”.Carol Thompson bookreview.  Rachel Bloodworthreview in “Lubbock.  Senior Link”. Deb Silverthorn review in “TexasJewish.               Press” 

BP: As we end ourinterview, what advice would you give to other parents or mentors whowant to support loved ones through challenging journeys?

 Norm: Resurrect the dyingart of letter writing to let kids know where they come from, who theyare and how to use their identities and family histories to cope withthe inevitable challenges of life.

 BP: Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

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