Author John Doolittle has released 'Responding to Save Others: A Story of Duty, Sacrifice, and Courage,' a work of fiction set in the Lake Tahoe basin during a massive winter storm. The novel follows a team of volunteer ski patrollers as they respond to a series of escalating emergencies, including a chairlift evacuation, a search for two missing children, and the extended multi-day rescue effort that follows. The book is available at this link.
The narrative draws on Doolittle's 30 years as a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol, during which he patrolled at a resort in the Lake Tahoe basin from 1979 to 2008. While the storm and characters depicted in the book are fictional, the author has stated that the events reflect the range of incidents, personalities, and working conditions he encountered over his patrol career. The book's title is drawn from a motto Doolittle developed during his years patrolling.
The National Ski Patrol was founded in 1938 by Charles Minot 'Minnie' Dole and today comprises more than 30,000 members across over 640 patrols worldwide. Doolittle's novel offers readers an account of the training, procedures, and teamwork involved in mountain search-and-rescue operations.
'Responding to Save Others' is Doolittle's second book. His first, 'Khoda Hafez…Goodbye Iran,' now in its second edition, is a nonfiction account of his family's move to Tehran in 1978, where he witnessed the onset of the Iranian Revolution and the final months of the Shah's rule. More information about the author and his works is available at https://johndoolittlebook.com/.
The release of this novel is significant for readers interested in adventure fiction and for the outdoor recreation industry, as it provides a rare, authentic glimpse into the high-stakes world of volunteer ski patrol operations. With over 30,000 members worldwide, the National Ski Patrol plays a critical role in mountain safety, and Doolittle's firsthand experience lends credibility to the narrative. The book also serves as a tribute to the often-unheralded service of volunteers who risk their lives to save others. In a time when natural disasters and extreme weather events are increasingly common, the themes of resilience and teamwork resonate deeply. Doolittle's portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges faced by patrollers may inspire greater appreciation for their work and encourage support for volunteer organizations. Additionally, the book's focus on search-and-rescue procedures could educate the public about mountain safety and emergency preparedness. For the publishing industry, the novel represents a promising entry in the adventure genre, backed by a unique author platform. Published by Prime Publishing Labs, the book is poised to reach a wide audience. Doolittle's distinguished career—including 30 years of patrol service, recognition with the Distinguished Service Award and a National Appointment, and his retirement as a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve—adds depth and authority to his storytelling. As readers seek stories of courage and duty, 'Responding to Save Others' offers a compelling and timely narrative that underscores the importance of community and sacrifice.
