Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival

loved this adventurous memoir (2010-02-21) : 5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed Norman Ollestad's memoir. The storytelling approach, as indicated in the other reviews, was a creative device used to balance the tragic event of the plane crash with the extreme sport skills Norman was taught growing up that ultimately helped him to survive. The love that Norman's father had for him and for life is a lesson for us all. Life goes by so quickly and for some, life is stopped before it should be. Norman tells the story of how his father helped him to savor
the truly special moments, opportunities and feelings that make life grand.

Norman's memoir is touching, real, raw and special. I highly reco it.
Great Book! (2010-02-18) : 5/5
Just an all around good book. Its all about how little things in your life mold you to who you are and you dont even know it until you are forced to look back. I couldnt put the book down.
Better than expected...by far (2010-02-14) : 5/5
This book ruined my life. It basically made me useless for 2 weeks until I finished it, cause I couldn't concentrate on anything else. It kept me up late at night and I payed much less attention to everything else I was doing.

On the other hand, you can't help but be moved by this story if have ever had a father or plan on being one. This book pulled on all the father-son strings I could think of and really made me think long and hard about a few topics I will have to address before having a son of my own.
Great Book! (2010-02-03) : 5/5
I received this book for Christmas and read it in about 2 days. It was engrossing and more than interesting. It's a beautiful tome covering the ups and downs of the father/son relationship. Human imperfection is at the forefront of its themes, and although never expressly addressed, forgiveness, fortitude of spirit, and acceptance loom large. Skiing and surfing are the philosophical vehicle for this memoir.
An Interesting and Affecting Story (2010-01-19) : 5/5
I enjoyed this book. At first I felt that the author was trying insert some filler in order to make this a book length piece but as the story progressed I felt that all the narratives regarding his dad, surfing, ski racing, and his rocky relationship with his stepfather were germane to the survival story, and that it all came together in the end.

I "read" the audiobook version which I believe was read by the author, and I feel he did a good job. He clearly was not a professional reader but his stiffness while reading actually infused the story with some genuine emotion and meaning. I also enjoyed learning so much about surfing and the feelings surfer have regarding their sport. An interesting and affecting story - recommended.