The Surfing/Real Life Based Drama Book of the Year. Life has its up's and down's; similar to the ocean, it has mostly calm days, but without any warning, an unexpected storm can roll in and destroy everything in its path. A Surfer's nature is to rise to the challenge and head directly into the storm to conquer its brutality. However, there comes a time when the storm pins the person underwater and has to fight for survival. Life can be symbolically compared to surfing as told in this story. Steven is not average by any means and is exceedingly passionate about all aspects of life. At a young age, he grabbed a handful of E-tickets, jumped in the front seat and sped forward as his life became a thrilling roller coaster ride that never stops. He has seen the world through many eyes. First as an entrepreneur who was instrumental in changing the course of the music industry in the early 1980's. His daring ideas paved the way for a new era of music as the original manager/co-creator of the iconic band Slayer. Years later, he became a world-renowned artist and a champion in fiberglass warfare. Steven is interviewed for a film documentary about his historic involvement in the music industry. He is asked, "If you can attribute one thing that makes you who you are and what has led you into achieving things that most could not even dream about or are too scared to attempt, what would it be?" Unexpectedly, he replies, "Surfing." When the economy crashes in 2010, he, like so many others, quickly loses everything that he worked all his life to obtain and rapidly loses many people he loves. His life goes into a downward spiral headed toward the pit of hell where there is no return. Nearing the point of giving up, Steven reaches deep into his soul in an attempt to reclaim what it was about his youth that made him into the man he became before life broke him into pieces. Steven remembers his answer during the film interview and sits down at a computer to write his beginnings with the hope of finding himself again before it's too late. Fast paced and masterfully written with two storylines running parallel to each other. The Storm is in the present (by Desiree Clemence) as Steven's life crumbles out of control, and the other, A Surfer's Tale, from the past, a classic surf story of youth, friendship, and love (by Steven Craig), both racing against time to meet for a climatic ending. Real life stories from Surfers have mass appeal to the public whether they have set foot in the ocean or not. People don't need a connection or an interest in the sport of Surfing to get emotionally invested in this story of fighting for survival. Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton was the first in the set. Then came Making Mavericks (Chasing Mavericks) by Frosty Hesson - both of which are best-selling books made into major motion pictures. Next in the lineup is Riding the Storm. "A fun read that rides waves of emotion. Truly inspirational." - Amber Thorn "What an enthralling adventure. Although I'm not a surfer or entrepreneur, the struggles in this novel tug at heartstrings I didn't even know I had. The drive and motivation found in every page seeps into my hands and begs me to get my own life started. Amazing, inspirational read." - Eliseo Velasquez