A Lubbock resident is making national headlines for a book that blends history, identity, and the bond between a father and son. Norman M. Shulman has been named a Finalist in the 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards for Love, Norm: Inspiration of a Jewish American Fighter Pilot, published by Texas Tech University Press. For a first-time author, that’s a huge deal–and it shines another bright spotlight on the talent coming out of West Texas.
A Story Rooted in Service, Identity, and Family
The award Shulman is nominated for comes from the Independent Author Network, which has been celebrating excellence in independent publishing for over a decade. His book was selected as a finalist in the Non-Fiction: Military/War category — fitting for a story that explores both Jewish military history and the personal journey of his stepson, Air Force fighter pilot Captain Greg “Glick” Levenson.
Credit: Maryglenn M. Warnock
Credit: Maryglenn M. Warnock
The book began as a series of fifty weekly letters Shulman wrote to Levenson in 2005, when Greg entered Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base. Feeling isolated as one of the few Jewish airmen among hundreds, Greg opened up to Shulman about the spiritual challenges he faced. Those letters–heartfelt, encouraging, and filled with stories of Jewish military heroes–became the foundation of Love, Norm.
Honoring Jewish American Military History
What makes Love, Norm so unique is how Shulman blends the deeply personal with the historical. Each letter includes profiles of Jewish fighters going back centuries–from Judah Maccabee to modern-day military aviators. The goal wasn’t just to teach Greg about the people who came before him; it was to anchor him in an identity that has weathered stereotypes and adversity.
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The book also tells Shulman’s own story: growing up as the son of Jewish immigrants, navigating identity, and learning how to hold onto heritage while embracing the American experience. It’s a narrative about service, courage, and the strength that comes from knowing where you come from.
Critical Praise and How to Get the Book
Reviewers have embraced Love, Norm with enthusiasm. Indie Reader called it “a Jewish love letter to all who feel persecuted by their own backgrounds,” while Readers’ Favorite said it belongs in every high school classroom–and maybe even on film someday.
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Now in its second edition, the book is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats wherever quality books are sold. Shulman, originally from Syracuse but now proud to call Lubbock home, continues to share his story and connect with readers nationwide.
For more, visit LoveNormByNorm.com.
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