Swimming Studies

by Leanne Shapton
Swimming Studies cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9792
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781846144943
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Swimming Studies is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's unique path from a competitive swimming background to becoming a renowned writer. The book is filled with humorous and poignant stories that offer a glimpse into the author's creative process and personal growth. Through vivid descriptions and witty commentary, the author explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of passion. The memoir is not just a personal narrative but also a reflection on the broader human experience, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and life. /n/n The book is praised for its engaging prose and the author's ability to weave together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and entertaining whole. It offers a unique perspective on the creative journey, making it a standout in the genre of memoirs. The author's distinctive voice and insightful observations make Swimming Studies a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Books Are My Favourite and Best · 2012-10-29
enjoyable 4.00

It's a memoir focused on the period of the author's life when she was training for the Olympic swimming trials. The book is a quick, easy read, perfect for a vacation but still deeply enjoyable.

The reviewer from Books Are My Favourite and Best finds 'Swimming Studies' to be a captivating memoir that focuses on Leanne Shapton's time training for the Olympic swimming trials. They describe it as a quick and easy read, ideal for a vacation but still deeply enjoyable. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of text and visuals, which together create a compelling narrative. They highlight the book's ability to capture the routines and rigours of competitive swimming, making it a relatable and engaging read for anyone interested in sports memoirs.

Quick quotes

    It's a memoir by Canadian writer and artist Leanne Shapton, focused on the period of her life when she was training for the Olympic swimming trials.

    It was a quick, easy read - more a vacation read, but still really enjoyable.

    Amazing. I also really enjoyed the illustrations and photographs.

The Guardian · Kate Kellaway · 2012-07-21
exquisite 4.50

The account of an ex-competitive swimmer's lingering obsession with life in the deep end is exquisite. It is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal exploration of the sport and its impact on the author's life.

Kate Kellaway of The Guardian delves into Leanne Shapton's 'Swimming Studies', praising its exquisite prose and the unique way it captures the essence of competitive swimming. The memoir is not just a recount of events but a deeply personal exploration of the sport's impact on the author's life. Kellaway highlights the beautiful watercolours, photographs, and portraits that complement the text, making it a visually stunning and emotionally resonant read. The reviewer appreciates the raw honesty and the detailed routines that define the swimmer's life, making it a compelling narrative for both swimming enthusiasts and general readers.

Quick quotes

    An ex-competitive swimmer's account of her lingering obsession with life in the deep end is exquisite.

    It is a beautifully crafted and deeply personal exploration of the sport and its impact on the author's life.

    The memoir is a fusion of cool, clear-eyed prose and watercolours, photographs and portraits.

The New York Times · 2012-07-16
pointillistic 3.50

The book is described as “pointillistic,” composed of flickering sketches rather than a proper memoir. It offers a unique and meditative exploration of the sport and its routines.

The New York Times review of 'Swimming Studies' describes the book as “pointillistic,” composed of flickering sketches rather than a traditional memoir. The reviewer appreciates the unique structure and the way it captures the details and routines of swimming. They highlight the book's ability to explore the sport in a meditative and introspective manner, making it a compelling read for those interested in the deeper aspects of competitive swimming. The reviewer also praises the visual elements, which add depth and context to the narrative, making it a visually and emotionally engaging experience.

Quick quotes

    With 'Swimming Studies' she's composed a volume that is less a proper memoir than a collection of flickering sketches.

    There really is no better metaphor for the book. Rather than describing a linear narrative, it offers a series of vignettes.

    The book is a unique and meditative exploration of the sport and its routines.

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