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NORVEL: An American Hero Paperback – April 17, 2021

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

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NORVEL: An American Hero tells the incredible story of Virginia's first Black Olympic gold medalist.

Norvel Lee is a man whose unwavering determination and courage allowed him to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Born in a time of racial discrimination. Norvel faced numerous challenges early in life. However, he refused to be defeated and used his intelligence and athletic abilities to propel himself towards success. As he grew into a young man, Norvel continued to face adversity but his commitment to his community, country, and family never waivered. His unprecedented achievements in business, sports, and military service makes him a true representation of the American dream. This inspiring and uplifting story of perseverance is a must-read for anyone in need of motivation and a reminder of the power of the human spirit.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The author displays a deep understanding of his lead character's biography, and provides convincing exploration of his life circumstances, from his segregated childhood to his WWII service; his development as an athlete; and his civil disobedience in the face of Jim Crow laws." The BookLife Prize


"This is a must-read for anyone who wants to know the stories that weren't told during the Jim Crow era." - Dwayne Yancey, editorial page editor, The Roanoke Times


"Ken Conklin's book on Norvel Lee is in a league by itself. . . Lee touched all the bases - Veteran - Mentor and Leader. This book is a must read for all generations." Rear Admiral Terry McKnight, USN (Retired), author of Pirate Alley - Commanding Task Force 151 off the Coast of Somalia


"NORVEL tells the remarkable story of Norvel Lee who challenged Jim Crow and earned gold in the Olympics. . . that is detailed in Ken Conklin's novel that combines solid prose with meticulous research." Nelson Harris, former mayor of Roanoke, Virginia


"Conklin has written a compelling tale about an honest Black man who fought gracefully amid chronically dishonest institutions and times." David S. Mitchell, author of We Hold These Truths


"It is truly astounding to believe that everything captured in this novel is authentically about one great man, a man who should've been more well known before this masterpiece and deserves nothing but acclaim and recognition." Victoria Whitehead, VineVoice

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kenneth F. Conklin LLC (April 17, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734480726
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734480726
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.19 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.92 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 121 ratings

About the author

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Kenneth F Conklin
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Ken Conklin, a native of Los Angeles, lives in southwestern Virginia.

He was awarded a 2022 Kegley Preservation Award by the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation for bringing the extraordinary life of Norvel Lee to the public's attention in his debut book: NORVEL: An American Hero. NORVEL was also a Finalist in the 2021 Next Generation Book Awards. His essays have been published in the Roanoke Times and other publications such as the Victoria Advocate, Easy Reader, and Microwave Journal. A collection of his poems are published in The Zen of Ken.

Although always a writer, he made his living in the technology industry as a business development and general management executive. In those roles he had the opportunity to travel throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. The experiences from those travels inform his writing.

Aside from working on his next book, Ken and his wife enjoy spending time with their family and friends, going to live music events, golfing, and hiking the beautiful trails of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Ken continues, however, to root for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ken is a member of The Authors Guild and The Poet Society of Virginia.

To learn more go to his website at www.kennethfconklin.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
121 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and compelling. They describe it as a well-written, clear, and concise biography that captures the life of an American hero. Readers praise the author's portrayal of Norvel Lee as amazing and captivating. They appreciate his military service and impressive career in business, sports, and education. Overall, customers find the book a great read about a man for all seasons.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

28 customers mention "Inspirational content"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and well-researched. They appreciate the personal insights into Norvel Lee's life and the story of an American hero. The book captures the character and the power of the human spirit through its research, articles, pictures, and other elements.

"...and meticulously researched biography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Norvel Lee, a man who defied the constraints of a segregated society..." Read more

"This is a powerful and inspiring story about how they faced discrimination and challenges and how his resilience and perseverance led him to become..." Read more

"NORVEL is an inspirational read about Norvel Lee, an Olympic gold medalist in boxing among so many other things...." Read more

"Norvel by Kenneth F. Conklin is a powerful story of an American Hero, Norvel Lee. A man who faced discrimination and endured...." Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-researched. They describe it as an inspiring story that reads like a remarkable work of fiction. Readers say it's a must-read for boxing or history fans.

"NORVEL" is a compelling and meticulously researched biography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Norvel Lee, a man who defied the constraints..." Read more

"...This man lived a full, wonderful life and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to learn about him...." Read more

"...Norvel Lee before, but this book presented a life definitely worth being documented and read about...." Read more

"...Definitely worth a read." Read more

16 customers mention "Storytelling style"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the compelling storytelling style. They find the story inspiring and well-written, with a thrilling plot that thickens with each word. The book is described as an interesting life and a good read.

"...Inspiring, motivational, personal, it is the story of a man from difficult beginnings who rose above them to become a true hero, for his country,..." Read more

"This was a well researched book on Norval Lee. He lived a very inspirational life and rose above so many adversities. Definitely worth a read." Read more

"Norvel Lee's story is full of determination and courage. He faced so many challenges but never gave up...." Read more

"...who live in the south should read, mark and inwardly digest this magnificent story and life of a man for all seasons ." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find the book well-written, respectful, and concise.

"...The book was well written and it didn't seem to pile on the information in a boring way. My only complaint, if you will, was the narration at times...." Read more

"...The book is well-written, from what I can tell it's well-researched, and the subject matter is engrossing...." Read more

"...This is well-written as well as well researched! This is important when writing a biography...." Read more

"...The author obviously did a lot of research on the subject, and the writing is clear and concise...." Read more

5 customers mention "Portrayal"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the portrayal of the man engaging. They say the book captures his life well, even though he can seem civil at times.

"...certainly a man everyone should learn about and this book captures his life wonderfully...." Read more

"...He’s a captivating man although sometime he comes across as a civil rights icon and not a real person...." Read more

"This was clearly a well researched book and it captures the character and honor of Norvel Lee so poignantly that you wish you had known him...." Read more

"An astounding man captured so timelessly..." Read more

4 customers mention "Military service"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's military service. They mention he was a Tuskegee soldier, an Olympic athlete, and educator.

"...His achievements in business, sports, and the military are truly impressive. I’d recommend it to anyone needing a boost of motivation.." Read more

"...He was an Olympic gold medalist in boxing, had a distinguished military career which included being a Tuskegee airman, an educator, a businessman,..." Read more

"...dive into the life of an American boxer overcoming prejudice, serving his country, and growing into a world-class Olympic heavyweight boxer...." Read more

"...He was an amazing man, a soldier, an olympic athlete and educator...." Read more

3 customers mention "Life"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the life story. They say it's wonderful to learn about a great life lived by a man of true character.

"...read, mark and inwardly digest this magnificent story and life of a man for all seasons ." Read more

"...It is wonderful to learn about a great life lived by a man of true character." Read more

"...What an amazing man and an amazing life!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    NORVEL" is a compelling and meticulously researched biography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Norvel Lee, a man who defied the constraints of a segregated society to achieve greatness. Growing up in the segregated Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Norvel faced significant hurdles, including Jim Crow laws and limited educational opportunities, yet his determination led him to remarkable accomplishments. From his training as a Tuskegee Airman and service in World War II to becoming a national boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist, Norvel’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. The book's unique perspective on his multifaceted life—spanning military service, education, and mentorship—provides a powerful narrative of resilience and success. One of the standout moments in the book is the intimate scene where Norvel and his wife, Leslie, explore the Lincoln Memorial, reflecting their shared journey and future aspirations. "NORVEL" not only highlights a remarkable individual’s achievements but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of overcoming adversity.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    This is a powerful and inspiring story about how they faced discrimination and challenges and how his resilience and perseverance led him to become an Olympian boxer. There is a path for everyone if you just push through the challenges, life is a struggle, sadly more so for some due to prejudices. But this book is uplifting for anyone who is struggling in their own path.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2020
    NORVEL is an inspirational read about Norvel Lee, an Olympic gold medalist in boxing among so many other things. This man lived a full, wonderful life and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to learn about him.

    He overcomes many obstacles in this story - such as his race and his speech impediment. Yet, he never seems to bat an eyelash at these things. He carries on, striving to be the best version of himself. This is certainly a man everyone should learn about and this book captures his life wonderfully.

    The book was well written and it didn't seem to pile on the information in a boring way. My only complaint, if you will, was the narration at times. I felt as though it was more of an explanation of his life rather than a biographical story.

    Overall, this is a great read that everyone should pick up at some point.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
    Norvel by Kenneth F. Conklin is a powerful story of an American Hero, Norvel Lee. A man who faced discrimination and endured. This book dives into the life of Norvel. At the beginning of the book with a segregationist-style trial, I was hooked. This is a page-turner, and it is captivating. A man who had many obstacles placed in front of him, Norvel persevered. The book dives into his early childhood to graduating from the Tuskegee program. He faced a stammering problem, and this prohibited him from fulfilling the duties of an airman. This exclusion led him to be stationed in the Pacific in WW2. His life would endure more obstacles, but he would find himself as a boxer. He would become a champion and an Olympian. Eventually, he would become an educated man. Overall, this is an inspirational read that is for anyone.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    I had never heard of Norvel Lee before, but this book presented a life definitely worth being documented and read about. Inspiring, motivational, personal, it is the story of a man from difficult beginnings who rose above them to become a true hero, for his country, his family, and himself. Worth reading!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    This was a well researched book on Norval Lee. He lived a very inspirational life and rose above so many adversities. Definitely worth a read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2020
    I really liked the storyline of this book
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
    Norvel Lee's story is full of determination and courage. He faced so many challenges but never gave up. His achievements in business, sports, and the military are truly impressive. I’d recommend it to anyone needing a boost of motivation..

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tony Walker
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Triumph of Spirit: From Jim Crow to Olympic Glory
    Reviewed in Italy on July 20, 2024
    I was blown away by Norvel Lee's incredible journey. This book had me hooked from the start, vividly portraying Lee's rise from a segregated Virginia community to Olympic boxing gold. What struck me most was his unwavering determination in the face of discrimination and hardship.
    The author's storytelling puts you right there with Lee, from tense courtroom scenes to thrilling boxing matches. I could almost feel the sweat and hear the roar of the Helsinki crowd. But it's not just about sports – Lee's dedication to education and community service after his athletic career really touched me.
    I loved the details about Lee's personal life too. His romance with Leslie adds warmth to the story, and their visit to the Lincoln Memorial was particularly moving.
    If you need a dose of inspiration or a reminder of how far we've come (and how far we still need to go), pick up this book. Norvel Lee's life is a masterclass in resilience and grace under pressure. It left me feeling both humbled and fired up to make a difference.