Title: Crazy for the Storm
Author: Norman Ollestad
First published June 2, 2009
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780061766787 (ISBN10: 006176678X)
Rating: 3.64
Overview
Prepare to be captivated by Crazy for the Storm, Norman Ollestad’s courageous memoir of survival after a plane crash at the tender age of eleven. Through the lens of his complex bond with his adrenaline-seeking father, this New York Times bestseller paints a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations of man versus nature.
With echoes of Jon Krakauer and Sebastian Junger, this literary masterpiece will leave you breathless. Don’t miss out on this heart-stopping tale that novelist Russell Banks hails as “a beautifully written story that will undoubtedly be passed down for generations to come.”
About the Author
Meet Norman Ollestad, a talented author who has made it to the New York Times’ bestsellers list. He honed his writing skills while studying creative writing at UCLA and also attended the film school there as an undergrad.
You may have already read his work in Outside, Men’s Journal, or Time. Norman is happily married and proud to be a father of two children, a son, and a daughter.
He currently resides in Venice, California.
Editoral Review
Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival by Norman Ollestad is a riveting and heart-wrenching account of a boy’s struggle to survive a tragic plane crash in the wilderness, and the aftermath that follows. Ollestad is an American writer and filmmaker who is known for his intense storytelling and remarkable experiences.
He has written two books and directed numerous films, including The Rider & The Wolf and When We Were Knights. First published in 2009, Crazy for the Storm is a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into several languages.
The memoir is a blend of adventure, tragedy, and coming-of-age themes. The book is set in the 1970s, when Ollestad was a young boy living with his father, Norman Sr., in Malibu, California.
Norman Sr. was a former professional downhill skier who was passionate about adventure and the outdoors. He pushed his son to excel in sports and adventure, often taking him on daredevil trips that tested his limits.
However, the ultimate test came when the two of them and a friend boarded a small plane to go skiing in the San Gabriel Mountains, which resulted in a horrific crash that killed everyone on board, except for Norman Ollestad.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of the events leading up to, during, and after the crash.
It also delves into the emotional and psychological impact that the traumatic experience had on Ollestad’s life. He explores themes of grief, survival, family dynamics, and the search for identity.
The book is a raw and honest account of his journey to come to terms with the tragedy and find a way to move forward.
One of the strengths of Crazy for the Storm is Ollestad’s lyrical and evocative prose.
He is a natural storyteller, and his narrative flows seamlessly from one event to another, capturing the reader’s attention and drawing them into the story. He also does an excellent job of character development, particularly in the portrayal of his father.
Norman Sr. is a complex and multi-dimensional figure, and Ollestad paints a nuanced portrait of him that reveals both his strengths and weaknesses. Through his descriptions and anecdotes, readers get a sense of his father’s passion for life, his love for his son, and his flaws that ultimately contribute to the tragedy.
Another strength of the memoir is its exploration of the father-son relationship. Ollestad’s relationship with his father was complicated, and the crash forced him to reconsider his father’s role in his life.
Throughout the book, Ollestad grapples with questions of loyalty, love, and trust. He tries to understand his father’s motivations and figure out where he fits into the larger scheme of things.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the nonlinear structure of the narrative a bit confusing, as it jumps back and forth in time.
Additionally, the memoir may not appeal to those who are not interested in outdoor adventure or coming-of-age stories.
In conclusion, Crazy for the Storm is a powerful and engaging memoir that will appeal to readers who enjoy adventure, tragedy, and personal growth stories.
Ollestad’s masterful storytelling, vivid descriptions, and poignant reflections on life and death make this memoir a must-read. However, readers who are looking for a straightforward narrative or who are not interested in outdoor adventure may not find it as compelling.
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
