Crazy for the Storm

The relationship between a father and a son is at the core of one’s journey to manhood. However, the value of a father’s life lessons often go unrecognized until later in life. For Norman Ollestad, his eccentric father’s love, thirst for life and quest for adventure would all come into play at age 11, when he finds himself alone after a plane crash in the wilderness. Crazy for the Storm, A Memoir of Survival, takes us on a dramatic journey into the life of Norm Jr., raised by a father who wanted his son to experience the might and the danger of life, to learn that you can’t surf a perfect wave without also being a little frightened.

In 1979 their chartered Cessna slammed into the side of Ontario Peak in the middle of a winter storm. Norm Sr., his girlfriend and the pilot were killed, leaving Norm Jr. to fight for his life. Stranded and freezing in the wild, Norm Jr. realized that every one of his father’s bold experiences had taught him lessons about strength and self-reliance that would now save his life. Recently named one of Amazon’s top ten books of 2009, this tale of determination, courage and persistence is nearly impossible to put down. www.crazyforthestorm.com

Peter Drucker Book

Many in the business world recognize Peter Drucker as the father of modern corporate management, but Drucker was also a source of wisdom on personal management. Many of his writings on the subject were scattered throughout his books and articles, but Bruce Rosenstein, who studied and interviewed Drucker, has compiled his ideas into a book that challenges us to consider life holistically.

Drucker believed that a fulfilling life was achieved by “living in more than one world” and having a diverse set of interests, activities, and pursuits. He believed this eclectic exposure helps us gain new insights, see the world from fresh perspectives and become inspired by new sources. Rosenstien uses Drucker as both a source and an example, navigating readers through his thoughts on honing your core competencies, developing your main talents, clarifying your values, and managing your time. The short and practical book is a unique presentation of Drucker and his thinking on how to lead a more meaningful life. Amazon, $13.67

Ralph Stanley Book

Ralph Stanley, the godfather of bluegrass music, is, as all mountain musicians are, full of stories. His new memoir, Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times, offers readers a chance to wander along beside him as he details his hard-knock upbringing and the perils of his rise to fame. The book, which not only covers Stanley’s musical journey, but also speaks to the dangers of a minstrel’s life on the road, is resonant with Stanley’s distinctive country-boy dialect and has been praised for its honesty and its insights into country music, then and now. If you’re not familiar with Stanley’s work – he won a Grammy for the highly acclaimed O Brother Where Art Thou? soundtrack – this is a great entry point into his career; if you’re already a Stanley fan, his accounts in Man of Constant Sorrow will only enrich your experience with his music. $18.15.

Image courtesy of How Publishing

There’s no shortage of books for men on manners and style but often these are either so old school they are pretentiously irrelevant or they try to be so modern and macho they seem forced and synthetic. To avoid these two extremes, our pick is the practical and philosophical “The Art of Manliness.” Taking a holistic view of a man, this book doesn’t just address the basic skills of a gentleman but goes into the virtues behind the actions. Themes of loyalty, respect, integrity and courage are apparent as you discover how to tip, ask out a woman properly, clean a fish, teach your kid to ride a bike, give a memorable speech, engage in witty conversation, buy a suit, treat a snakebite, etc. Filled with illustrations and insightful quotes, this tool will help make sure your manhood is defined by more than just your age. $11.55

Each year, the Atlanta Arts Festival brings more than 200 artists to Piedmont Park to hawk their wares – a diverse assortment of paintings, woodwork, photography, clay, pottery, drawing, leather and metalwork. A great opportunity to support hardworking artists and gather some unique, personal gifts – many of which are more affordable than anything you’d find in local galleries – the festival celebrates both well-established and emerging artisans. In addition to the Artist’s Market, which opens at 11 am and closes at 7 pm, the Festival will offer special demonstrations by artists in various fields, a “creation station,” where children and adults can repurpose materials for art’s sake, as well as food, live music and entertainment. September 12-13.