Norman M. Shulman is the author of the book Love, Norm: Inspiration of a Jewish American Fighter Pilot. A psychologist, he lives in Lubbock, Texas.
Q: What inspired you to write Love, Norm, and how would you describe your relationship with your stepson, Greg Levenson?
A: Greg mentioned that he thought he was the only Jew among 900 airmen during basic flight training. His spiritual isolation was the catalyst for the book.
I would best describe my relationship with Greg as there being no “step” between us, hence my desire to reduce his feelings of identity disconnection.
Q: The book includes letters to Greg, as well as stories of Jewish military heroes. How did you come up with the idea for the book’s structure?
A: I thought that an overview of Jewish military history would provide the characters needed to provide Jewish heroes he could identify with. I used the internet and several subject-related books (with able editorial assistance) to structure the book’s format.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: My hope is that readers will appreciate Jewish military contributions to the countries they represented with as much courage as their Gentile peers. I endeavored to address a destructive anti-Semitic stereotype of Jewish cowardice and avoidance of military service.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Texas Tech Press has approved of an expanded second edition to be published later this year. Additions include significant incidents which occurred after the initial publication. About 30 vignettes have been integrated into the original narrative.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I have started a second book entitled Art and Science of Psychotherapy: Myths, Misunderstandings and Mockery. which is a lay person’s guide to comprehending mental illness and behavioral problems including addiction, all intended to end the mystery surrounding psychology.
More info about me and Love, Norm can be accessed at lovenormmemoir.com.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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