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Believe: Journey from Jacksonville

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"BELIEVE"..Is an inspirational story of survival..........

How Ken went from being on top of the world, to near death's door. It focuses on overcoming, and adapting to life's obstacles , not being able to walk and just barely able to talk. Ken Norton is an amazing man who wouldn't let life's worse moments get him down. With a strong mind, the love of god, family and friends Ken has survived and is quite the inspiration. "BELIEVE" Journey From Jacksonville is a MUST READ

Although this book is about a well known boxing champion and I don't consider myself a follower of the sport, I found it to be an easy read and very inspirational. Mr. Norton's struggle and determination to overcome the catastrophe that life dealt him was very moving. It gave a message of hope for any of us that may have faced or may come to face a similar situation, that with the right attitude and will to survive, we too, can overcome any obstacle life chooses to throw in our path.

'Believe..' is an incredible journey of former heavyweight champion Ken Norton's life after a near-fatal car crash. This unique journey of survival draws the reader into a world of struggle, conflict and doubts while readjusting to what fate has intervened. It will resonate well with anyone who has had to reexamine the direction of one's life and will serve as an inspiration to persevere and never give up.

If I hadn't had the privilege of spending a little time with Ken Norton, it would be difficult to imagine that anyone could withstand what he has and still exude charm and humor. Donald Hennessey and John Amodeo tell this story in a way that makes Kenny's struggle and triumph tangible for the reader. It's inspirational.

I read this book to look for life lessons from one of my heroes growing up - Ken Norton. Norton has real class and was a credit to boxing. What was significant to me in reading this book was learning about what helped Norton to succeed - such as the lessons and values he learned from his parents, Aunt Mary and coaches and their support that helped him realize his potential and handle adversity. The key thought - the core of this book and one of the chief characteristics displayed by Norton, is the importance of facing up to problems and/or challenges with hard work, sacrifice and determination - when you get knocked down, you need to get back up and learn how to handle adversity and go on - stay right there and keep going and don't quit. This book also discusses that Ken Norton's favorite book, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, was a foundation of inspiration for him on the road to the heavyweight championship.

Ken Norton influenced me in my level of faith. He showed as a Christian you don't have to check your masculinity at the door. Norton is a great guy, a rugged guy - a guy's guy. I was never interested in the sweet kind of Christianity, so to speak. I didn't identify with something like that. But Norton said he believed in God and I related to that - there had to be something to it because he's a man's man. I could see Norton's belief in God held him to be accountable. That doesn't mean he's straight and narrow - but he believes in God - he focuses on a personal relationship with God.

Norton is a warrior. His persistence to overcome severe adversity from a near-fatal car accident reminds me of one of the songs in the Rocky movies. A line in the song says, "In the warrior's code there's no surrender. Though his body says stop, his spirit cries NEVER!" If you have ever been discouraged, if you have had difficulties to overcome, if you have ever been afflicted, remember how Ken Norton handled adversity.

P.S. In an interview with EDMAGIK TV, Norton discussed important, all embracing information on principles of success and how he handled severe adversity. Norton stressed the importance of faith in God, positive thinking and believing in yourself to achieve goals and handle adversity. Norton shared that he was inspired by Napoleon Hill's book (Think and Grow Rich) as well. The interview can be seen on YouTube.

P.P.S. I also recommend the following as companions to Think and Grow Rich: 1) Everything I Needed to Know About Success, I Learned in the Bible (And So Can You!), which uses principles of success from the Bible and Think and Grow Rich; and 2) Earl Nightingale's The Strangest Secret. This is an excellent work from 1956 that can help people in all walks of life to succeed. Earle Nightingale was a radio legend and a student of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. See Earl Nightingale Reads Think and Grow Rich.

P.P.P.S. Power For Living by the Arthur S. DeMoss foundation explains how to have a personal relationship with God. It was offered free of charge on TV infomercials by celebrities during the 1980s and 1990s.

Being a big fan of Ken Norton, I thought I knew his story pretty well.
Boy was I wrong! The man who beat Muhammad Ali (and broke his jaw) is so much more.
You will be amazed at the sacrafice Ken went through as a single father. At the time when he should have been devoting all of his energy to his boxing career, he was also a devoted father. And your heart will swell when the son he raised grows up to care for his father at the time when he needs it the most.
'Believe' also tells the story of Ken's manager, also the book's author. His own personal story is just as powerful.
The Nortons really are an amazing family. Their story would make for a GREAT motion picture. But until that happens, "Believe, The Journey From Jacksonville" is the next best thing.
If you are a boxing fan, a football fan or just need to be inspired, this is a super book.