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Why We Swim

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Why We Swim

By: Bonnie Tsui
Narrated by: Angie Kane
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About this listen

Humans, unlike other animals that are drawn to water, are not natural-born swimmers. We must be taught. Our evolutionary ancestors learned for survival; now in the 21st century, we swim in freezing Arctic waters and piranha-infested rivers to test our limits. Swimming is an introspective and silent sport in a chaotic and noisy age; it’s therapeutic for both the mind and body; and it's an adventurous way to get from point A to point B. It's also one route to that elusive, ecstatic state of flow. These reasons, among many others, make swimming one of the most popular activities in the world.

Why We Swim is propelled by stories of Olympic champions, a Baghdad swim club that meets in Saddam Hussein's palace pool, modern-day Japanese samurai swimmers, and even an Icelandic fisherman who improbably survives a wintry six-hour swim after a shipwreck. New York Times contributor Bonnie Tsui, a swimmer herself, dives into the deep, from the San Francisco Bay to the South China Sea, investigating what it is about water - despite its dangers - that seduces us, tempting us to come back to it again and again.

©2020 Bonnie Tsui (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Social Sciences Water Sports Sports Swimming Middle East Physical Exercise

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All stars
Most relevant
This is one of the best books I have read/ listened to in a while. So beautifully written & fascinating.

Wonderful!

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I'm a frequent outdoor swimmer, and love the head space and fitness that comes with the activity. This book captures and explores that. The writing is engaging, and the narrator's performance captures the style well.

Fantastic book for the swimmer

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I listened over the course of three runs, which is what I like to do when I'm not swimming. It's an easy listen with a lovely balance of fact, personal experiences and poetic insight into the state of flow that swimming can sometimes induce. Having just signed up for the Polar Bear Challenge, I expect I will be returning to this book over the coming winter.

Sublime evocation of what it means to swim

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this book is full of serenity and joy . it has given me the courage to go back and want to swim again . it is like meditation ♥️♥️

breathtaking

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love this book. I know I will listen to it again. wonderful! I highly recommend.

Beautiful

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