Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival

WORTHLESS (2010-08-31) : 1/5
I have never submitted a review before but this book pushed me over the edge! I had a hard time even rating it with one star...that is TOO generous. It's presumptive to even think of calling this a survival story and doing so insults the talent of others who have authored such compelling and well written stories, such as Jon Krakauer.

The disgusting descriptive and boring dialogues every other chapter, had absolutely nothing to do with a "survival story". Those chapters, with the sexual descriptions and the glorification of Norman's athletic endeavors, are what you expect from the mind of a 16 yr old, entering puberty, nothing more, nothing less. What is the relative importance to a "story of survival" about looking up someone's dress, among other "note worthy" life experiences?

Don't waste your time, money or effort on this book, there are way too many good pieces of literature out there. This is not one of those and instead of your library belongs in the trash heap.
Very good (2010-07-21) : 4/5
I enjoyed this book very much. Although I have never been on skis, Mr Ollestad's vivid descriptions of his life, before and after his father, let me feel the cold, the thrills, and his personal heartache as the son of a flawed man. Norman Ollestad's father was determined to live on the edge and take his son with him, kicking and screaming if necessary; but Ollestad's love for his demanding, athletic dad made him go willingly into a survival-of-the-fittest lifestyle that would have wrecked a lot of kids. That Ollestad not only survived, but overcame and thrived, is a testament to his character.
Greatly Enjoyed This Book (2010-07-07) : 5/5
I have a hard time focusing and creating a mental picture while reading. This book made it very easy. It kept my attention throughout the entire book. Would recommend to anyone. Great story and such a sad ending. First book I have actually finished in years.
Great yarn, shame about the editing (2010-05-29) : 3/5
I'm not an impulse buy kinda guy, but a friend of mine told me about this book awhile back (I think he'd heard the author on NPR or somewhere) and, since I love surfing, skiing, and survival stories, it was a "must have" when I picked it up last week. As a parent of kids around the age Ollestad was when the plane crash happened, I certainly wonder "if my kids write a book about me in two or three decades, how will I come across?" This is not an out and out hagiography - it's obvious that Norman Sr and Jr butted heads on more than one occasion. I must say that Ollestad senior cuts quite the dashing figure in this book.

Oddly, the part I enjoyed the most were the scenes of growing up in Malibu and surfing at the mouth of Topanga Canyon. I had no idea that there was a squatters' settlement, there and it certainly sounds like there was plenty of weed and free love going down. Ollestad's descriptions of surfing are far better than the often tedious story of his descent down to the meadow. Of course, perhaps that's the idea - his self rescue was perhaps painfully slow and repetitive. I'd rate it higher - it's really a great yarn - but there's simply too much tortured language that a ruthless editor would have excised (personal disclosure - I have edited these kinds of articles in the past) from the final version.
Crazy stories (2010-05-24) : 4/5
I have recently read the book "Crazy for the Storm," by Norman Ollestad. I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend that you read it. If you like books about adventures, drama, and sports, this book will definitely catch your attention and lure you in. Personally I am really interested in sports and adventure books, and this book met both of my interest.

I chose this book because after reading reviews for this book and others, "Crazy for the Storm" seemed to have the best compliments, and hit home with a lot of people who were close with their fathers.

The author's influences seemed to be pretty standard with his stereotyping and overgeneralization throughout the book when he states, "We marched around the corner and the entire party- maybe twenty- five kids- turned around to see us. Missy the hostess was lounging poolside with her set or rich girls on a gigantic pink towel" (Pg237).

He also was very accurate with a lot of his statements and events that happened through out the book. Such as when he was talking about a skiing scene and I could relate to it. The book states, "I lifted my knees and popped into the air. I came down and the crystals spread away beneath my skis. I steered and there was no resistance, no fluctuation, just one fluid stream of powder" (Pg68)

It seemed as if most of the reviews I read were very much right on key with this book. They all stated that they were touched by the heartwarming story that is being told about this kid and his dad in this book. I agree with these reviews because I did feel the story touched me in the way that my dad and I very close. So if you're someone looking for a very adventurous book that also has a very, very good story line through out, you should definitely read this book.

Casey Stipe, TJHS student