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Uncommon: A Black Man's Journey
As the title suggest, Mel King has had many "uncommon" experiences and this book only begins to document the beginning of them. In high school, he held an elected office, made the honor roll, lettered in sports, and wrote for the school newspaper-all while having a part time job and contributing to the family household. He is a Black American and in high school, his friends didn't use the word, uncommon, but often said that he was different. Growing up in center city Los Angeles, he didn't smoke, drink, or take drugs, yet he was frequently asked to go out with the gang. As Mel entered the Air Force, during the Vietnam War, he continued to break grounds for people of color. At every assignment, in some form or fashion, he had been recognized for performance, dedication and his leadership ability.
132 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 27, 2023
Mel's journey begins back in his high school days in center city Los Angeles, and right from the start, you can see he's a force to be reckoned with. He excels academically and holds an elected office, all while navigating through the challenges of being different and staying true to himself amidst all the pressures of society.
As I continued reading, I was utterly uplifted by Mel's resilience and determination. He's a true role model for all of us. Throughout the book, I found myself in awe of Mel's strength of character. Despite facing temptations and challenges in his surroundings, he chose to stay away from smoking, drinking, and drugs. That's a testament to his unwavering commitment to his principles. Mel's journey through the Air Force during the Vietnam War was nothing short of groundbreaking. He earned recognition for his performance, dedication, and leadership abilities at every turn, which speaks volumes about his talent and impact. As a Black American, Mel's experiences shed light on the hurdles he faced and the barriers he bravely broke for people of color. His story is not only empowering but also an essential reminder that we can overcome adversity and make a positive difference.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of courage, perseverance, and the power of staying true to oneself.
As I continued reading, I was utterly uplifted by Mel's resilience and determination. He's a true role model for all of us. Throughout the book, I found myself in awe of Mel's strength of character. Despite facing temptations and challenges in his surroundings, he chose to stay away from smoking, drinking, and drugs. That's a testament to his unwavering commitment to his principles. Mel's journey through the Air Force during the Vietnam War was nothing short of groundbreaking. He earned recognition for his performance, dedication, and leadership abilities at every turn, which speaks volumes about his talent and impact. As a Black American, Mel's experiences shed light on the hurdles he faced and the barriers he bravely broke for people of color. His story is not only empowering but also an essential reminder that we can overcome adversity and make a positive difference.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of courage, perseverance, and the power of staying true to oneself.
August 10, 2023
Uncommon: A Black Man’s Journey by Mel King is an absorbing and insightful nonfiction account chronicling King's extraordinary ventures, thoughtfully shared with the reading public. As a black man during his high school years, King's peers did not merely consider him 'uncommon,' but rather perceived him as truly distinct. Alongside his influential friends Greg and Red, he held a significant sway on the school campus. The book delves into King's remarkable experiences in the Vietnam War, where he served in the airforce, and his tireless efforts to effect positive change for black individuals. Mel King's contributions were rightfully acknowledged, lauding his exceptional performance, unwavering dedication, and remarkable leadership qualities.
King's writing exhibits a captivating blend of intrigue and humor. One amusing instance is when he recounted a rather surreal episode where he mistook a rice bug for a gunshot wound. His vivid narrative left readers amused yet empathetic as he described the pain and the subsequent urge to retaliate against the tiny intruders. Beyond the humor, King's writing style is refreshingly lucid and conversational, akin to engaging in an enlightening chat with a close friend. Throughout the book, the author effortlessly explains complex aircraft details with an approachable and knowledgeable tone, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with military aviation. Additionally, King expands his narrative to encompass other places he served, such as the Philippines and Bangkok, enriching the reader's understanding of his global experiences. Having delved into Mel King's compelling narrative, I found myself forming a strong connection with the author. His candid storytelling provided genuine insight into his life and character, making me feel as though I had personally gotten to know him. Mel King's gifted writing skillfully portrays his 'uncommon' adventures, ensuring a rewarding reading experience for any audience.
It is evident that Mel King's endeavors made a meaningful impact, and his life's journey is both enlightening and inspirational. I recommend this book to everyone seeking a compelling narrative that exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Uncommon: A Black Man’s Journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the significance of making a difference in the world.
King's writing exhibits a captivating blend of intrigue and humor. One amusing instance is when he recounted a rather surreal episode where he mistook a rice bug for a gunshot wound. His vivid narrative left readers amused yet empathetic as he described the pain and the subsequent urge to retaliate against the tiny intruders. Beyond the humor, King's writing style is refreshingly lucid and conversational, akin to engaging in an enlightening chat with a close friend. Throughout the book, the author effortlessly explains complex aircraft details with an approachable and knowledgeable tone, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with military aviation. Additionally, King expands his narrative to encompass other places he served, such as the Philippines and Bangkok, enriching the reader's understanding of his global experiences. Having delved into Mel King's compelling narrative, I found myself forming a strong connection with the author. His candid storytelling provided genuine insight into his life and character, making me feel as though I had personally gotten to know him. Mel King's gifted writing skillfully portrays his 'uncommon' adventures, ensuring a rewarding reading experience for any audience.
It is evident that Mel King's endeavors made a meaningful impact, and his life's journey is both enlightening and inspirational. I recommend this book to everyone seeking a compelling narrative that exemplifies the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Uncommon: A Black Man’s Journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the significance of making a difference in the world.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews