Crazy for “Crazy for the Storm”
I just finished a book that I felt I needed to tell you about.
It’s called “Crazy for the Storm;” it’s a story about an athletic 11 year old boy, Norman, and his father who pushes him beyond the limit, so that he can live life to the fullest.
The father and son duo go on adventures to Mexico to surf and to skiing competitions in the California mountains.
Norman’s dad encourages his son to always work harder and to never give up. Often it’s too much for the boy, who would rather be hanging out with the neighborhood kids than going on all these expeditions. Little did Norman or even his father know that this was preparing him for the fight of his life.
Norman was so passionate and amazingly skilled in skiing that he excelled in his division and won a tough competition.
Instead of driving all the way back to the mountain to receive his trophy, a few hours drive from where they lived, Norman’s father decided to charter a plane to get there faster.
They took off; the pilot, Norman’s father, his father’s girlfriend, and Norman in a Cessna. They flew over the mountains, but the mountains were engulfed in a blizzard. The pilot lost his sense of direction and before they knew it, the plane was hitting trees and then crashed into a 8,600 foot high mountain.
After 9 hours on the mountain, the only survivor was 11 year old Norman.
The story is one of the greatest I’ve read, and what’s most amazing about it is that it’s the true story of the author, Norman Ollestad.
In this memoir, Norman describes the many life lessons his father instilled in him about never giving up and about the amazing courage that each of us has deep down inside.
I highly recommend this book. It’s not just a book; but it’s an experience. You’ll be brought through so many emotions will reading it and your faith in the human spirit will be renewed or strengthened.
You can order “Crazy for the Storm” on Amazon or on Barnes and Noble (links are not affiliates).
I also recommend watching the video of the author describing his life and his book. The video is embedded below.
I’d like to mention that the book does have some curse words and adult situations. However, it’s not something that should keep you away from this remarkable memoir.
Edit: Full disclosure - Please note that I do know someone who worked behind the scenes on this book. That’s how I first found out about the story. However, I did go out and purchase my own copy of the book. And I also wrote this review at my own free will.
2 Responses to “Crazy for “Crazy for the Storm””
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Nice write up. I always enjoy stories of people learning to live life to the fullest.
Thanks for the compliment!
I really recommend checking the book out. There’s countless life lessons in it.
-Andrew