Books like Crazy for the storm by Norman Ollestad

From childhood, Norman Ollestad lived under the demanding shadow of his charismatic father, who thrust him into competitive downhill skiing and surfing. The relentless pursuit of adventure shaped the boy who would later be known as “Boy Wonder.” In February 1979, a chartered Cessna carrying Norman, his father, his father’s girlfriend, and the pilot crashed into the San Gabriel Mountains during a blizzard, killing the elder Ollestad. The eleven‑year‑old Norman was left alone to navigate the treacherous, icy terrain and survive the ordeal. This candid memoir explores the complex bond between father and son, the psychological impact of competitive pressure, and the resilience forged through loss and survival. Set against the backdrop of late 1970s Malibu surf culture and the competitive skiing circuit, Ollestad’s narrative offers an intimate look at family, ambition, and the will to endure.

First publish date: 2009