Why We Swim

By: Bonnie Tsui

Narrated by: Angie Kane

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

Still learning about swimming!

I have been a swimmer for over 50 years, and love the water. This book shared new thoughts, history and observations and is a must read for my water family! I found myself reminiscing about lakes, oceans, bays and pools of my past.

A Love Affair with Water

Bonnie Tsui puts into words the feelings and connections I've felt with water and swimming my whole life. It was validating to hear someone else talk like this. The book also looks at ideas and history connected to water that I hadn't considered before. Many of the stories are delightful and inspiring, others somber and mindful. It's a survey of some of the most incredible ways in which humans relate to water.

Lifetime Swimmer/Coach

This is the book that I should have written years ago. It’s perfect for any swimmer, swammer, swim coach, swim parent, or anyone enamored with the water. It is SO meaningful and it resonates with my own water-animal soul.

The amazing connections of water and swimming.

Why We Swim was an enlightening, interesting and motivating narrative. Humans are connected by water in so many ways. I look forward to renewing my own experiences with aquatic adventures.

Great book

A wonderfully written book. She captures all the beauty of swimming. Will look for another of Bonnie’s books.