Monday, July 13, 2009
Thirty years ago, 11 year old Norman Ollestad was on his way to a skiing event when the small plane carrying him, his father, and his father’s girlfriend crashed into the San Gabriel Mountains; he was the only survivor. In his new memoir, Crazy for the Storm, Ollestad relives the terrifying descent he made alone down the 8,693 foot peak, and recounts the special, but sometimes painful relationship he had with his father who pushed him into extreme sports and may have taught him the necessary skills to survive this horrific ordeal. Last week, public radio host Ira Glass was named the recipient of the 2009 Edward R. Murrow award. In honor, we revisit Bob’s conversation with Ira about his award-winning radio and television show “This American Life.”
Thanks for the mention, Bob! Your readers may want to know that Norman keeps a very awesome official website, where news videos about the crash are posted, as well as pictures not included in the book:
http://www.crazyforthestorm.com
Enjoy!