Why We Swim

by Bonnie Tsui
Why We Swim cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Nonfiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6623
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781643750514
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2020-04-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Why We Swim is a captivating journey into the human obsession with swimming. Author Bonnie Tsui, a swimmer herself, explores the diverse reasons why people around the world are drawn to water, from survival to recreation. The book is filled with compelling stories, from Olympic champions to a unique swim club in Baghdad, and even an Icelandic fisherman's incredible survival story. Tsui's personal experiences and extensive research provide a unique perspective on the cultural and psychological significance of swimming./n/nThe book delves into the science and history of swimming, revealing how humans have evolved to embrace water despite not being natural swimmers. Tsui's immersive storytelling takes readers from the San Francisco Bay to the South China Sea, offering an eye-opening look at the universal appeal of swimming. Whether for fitness, healing, or adventure, Why We Swim offers an unforgettable exploration of human behavior and our enduring connection to water.

Reviews
Samanne Elizabeth's Blog · 2023-02-20
informative 3.00

The author's personal connection to water is evident, making the book engaging. However, some parts feel slightly disjointed.

The reviewer notes that the author's personal experiences with water are compelling and make the book enjoyable to read. They appreciate the depth of the author's connection to swimming, which is evident throughout the book. However, they also mention that the book sometimes strays from its central theme, which can make it feel a bit disjointed. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book to be an engaging read for anyone interested in the topic of swimming.

Quick quotes

    Tsui is very drawn to water and easily explains how much it's been a part of her life since childhood.

    In many ways, she's like a lot of people who find solace and joy in the water.

    The book sometimes strays far from directly answering the question raised in the title.

Outdoor Swimmer · 2022-09-06
enjoyable 4.00

The book is wide-ranging and informative, though it occasionally veers off topic. It remains interesting throughout.

The reviewer highlights that the book covers a broad range of topics related to swimming, making it a comprehensive read. They appreciate the informative nature of the book and find it interesting, even when it strays from the main question posed by the title. The reviewer suggests that the book's wide scope is both its strength and its weakness, as it can sometimes feel unfocused. Overall, they find the book to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of swimming.

Quick quotes

    This is a wide-ranging book, sometimes straying far from directly answering the question raised in the title.

    But always informative and interesting.

    It's a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from those who swim for fitness to those who swim for the sheer joy of it.

A Triathlete's Diary · 2022-03-21
captivating 4.50

The book captivates the reader and keeps their interest throughout. It is highly recommended for swimming enthusiasts.

The reviewer finds the book to be captivating and engaging, with a lot of interesting information that keeps the reader's attention. They appreciate the depth of the author's research and the personal anecdotes that are woven throughout the book. The reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone who loves swimming, as it offers a unique perspective on the sport and its many benefits. They also note that the book is well-written and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Her book captivated me and kept my interest in learning more.

    If you love to swim, I would highly recommend buying this book.

    It's a book that will inspire you to get in the water and experience the joy of swimming for yourself.

Appears in Lists