By: William Jones
In Twice Over A Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life, Orv Kimbrough invites readers on a deeply personal journey of resilience, struggle, and eventual self-realization. Kimbrough’s memoir isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s a vivid exploration of identity, purpose, and the unyielding pursuit of a life that strives to be lived on one’s own terms.
From the very first pages, Kimbrough offers readers a raw and honest look into the challenges he has faced, drawing from his own life experiences to illustrate the complexities of finding oneself in a world that often feels unforgiving. With a style that blends humor, vulnerability, and poignant reflection, Twice Over A Man stands as a testament to the power of persistence.
A Story of Persistence and Transformation
Kimbrough’s journey is marked by several pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of his life. As he reflects on his past, he acknowledges that much of his story revolves around the theme of not giving up, no matter how many times life knocked him down.
“I’ve always said, if you can’t get up after falling down, then you’re not really living,” Kimbrough shares. “The hard part isn’t the falling—it’s the getting back up. But once you do, it’s like something shifts inside you. You realize you can do anything.”
This philosophy is central to the book, as Kimbrough recounts how he battled through personal struggles, including issues of identity, relationships, and career, with an unwavering determination to keep moving forward. Whether dealing with difficult family dynamics or navigating the often-challenging world of work, Kimbrough’s ability to push through adversity is what ultimately defines him—and his memoir.
Redefining Identity: “I Had to Become Who I Was Meant to Be”
One of the compelling aspects of Twice Over A Man is Kimbrough’s exploration of identity. Throughout the book, he grapples with the question of who he truly is, shedding layers of external expectations to get closer to his authentic self.
“I spent so many years trying to fit into boxes that weren’t made for me,” Kimbrough explains. “There was always a disconnect between who I was and who I was told I should be. Writing this book, I had to confront all of that—embrace the parts of me I had tried to hide.”
Kimbrough’s reflections on his struggle with identity are deeply relatable, particularly for readers who have faced similar challenges in understanding themselves in the face of societal pressures. His story is not just one of personal growth, but of shedding expectations in order to discover who we really are, rather than who we are expected to be.
“Self-discovery isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a lifelong process,” he says. “You don’t just wake up one day and know who you are. You have to go through experiences that force you to ask tough questions, challenge your own beliefs, and ultimately make peace with the fact that you’re always evolving.”
The Power of Resilience: “It’s Never About What Happens, But What You Do With It”
Photo Courtesy: Orvin T. Kimbrough
Another theme that resonates strongly throughout the book is the idea of resilience. Kimbrough makes it clear that his success wasn’t born out of some magical formula but from his relentless determination to push through even the hardest moments.
“It’s never about what happens to you,” he says, his voice reflecting the wisdom of someone who has lived through hardship. “It’s about how you respond. Life will throw all sorts of curveballs, but your ability to adjust, to get back up, and to keep going—that’s where the real power lies.”
Throughout Twice Over A Man, Kimbrough reveals how the toughest times in his life were often the most transformative. From dealing with personal loss to overcoming professional setbacks, he shares how each setback became a stepping stone toward greater self-awareness and purpose.
“Those were the moments that defined me. Not the wins, but the losses. Because in those losses, I found my true strength,” he writes.
Humor, Heartache, and Humanity
While Twice Over A Man is undoubtedly a powerful story of overcoming adversity, it also contains moments of levity and humor, reflecting Kimbrough’s ability to find light even in dark times. His wit is sharp, and his ability to find humor in life’s most difficult situations is one of the book’s many endearing qualities.
“I think it’s important to laugh,” Kimbrough reflects. “If you can’t laugh at the absurdity of it all, you’re going to drive yourself crazy. Life doesn’t make sense half the time. But if you can find a way to laugh, you’ve already won.”
It’s this combination of humor and resilience that gives the memoir its unique charm. Kimbrough doesn’t just tell you about the challenges he’s faced—he brings you into them, letting you experience the ups and downs with him. The vulnerability he offers in his storytelling makes the book feel less like a distant narrative and more like an intimate conversation between friends.
A Memoir That Speaks to Us All
Ultimately, Twice Over A Man is a story about the universal human experience of striving to find meaning and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic. Kimbrough’s ability to relate his personal journey to broader themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and resilience makes his memoir not just a compelling read but a relatable one.
“I want people to understand that it’s okay not to have it all figured out,” Kimbrough says. “The point isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to keep asking the questions and to keep moving forward, even when you don’t know exactly where you’re going.”
His message is one of hope and inspiration, a reminder that no matter the obstacles we face, we all have the ability to rise, to change, and to redefine our futures on our own terms.
