Why We Swim
Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui, published by Algonquin Books on April 13, 2021, is a reprint edition comprising 288 pages. This book explores the multifaceted relationship humans have with water, examining how swimming serves various purposes, from pleasure and exercise to healing. Tsui delves into the stories of diverse swimmers, including Olympic champions and unique swimming communities, illustrating the cultural and historical significance of this activity.
Readers will find an insightful investigation into why swimming captivates us, as Tsui shares narratives that span from the Arctic to the South China Sea. The book touches on themes of health and fitness, as well as the social history of swimming, providing a comprehensive look at how this popular activity shapes human behavior. Through her personal experiences and extensive research, Tsui offers a deep dive into the allure of water and the lessons it imparts.
Official synopsis Publisher
“A fascinating and beautifully written love letter to water. I was enchanted by this book.” —Rebecca Skloot, bestselling author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
We swim in freezing Arctic waters and piranha-infested rivers to test our limits. We swim for pleasure, for exercise, for healing. But humans, unlike other animals that are drawn to water, are not naturalborn swimmers. We must be taught. Our evolutionary ancestors learned for survival; today, swimming is 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 former 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 that seduces us, and why we come back to it again and again.
An immersive, unforgettable, and eye-opening perspective on swimming—and on human behavior itself.
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