Preview
  • Why We Swim

  • By: Bonnie Tsui
  • Narrated by: Angie Kane
  • Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (604 ratings)

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Why We Swim

By: Bonnie Tsui
Narrated by: Angie Kane
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Publisher's summary

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
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What listeners say about Why We Swim

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

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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.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great book

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

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4 people found this helpful

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Beautiful

Just beautiful! Touching, informative and inspiring. Bonnie Tsui gifts us with a deeply personal exploration of water and life. Angie Kane’s narration is spot on and seems connected to the author herself.

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Great stories and fun facts

Such wonderful storytelling! I found her tales fascinating and thoughtful. Great reflections on our attraction to water. And she has a wonderful, calming voice. I really enjoyed listening to this book on long, contemplative walks.

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Nice

Nice book about our connection with water. Last chapters of the book were best! If you liked ENDURE by Alex Huchinson, may find some nice cross over info.

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This is your book if you love water

A must for the love of swimming stories and powerful insights about the meaningful lessons of water and swimming.

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excellent read

excellent read, interesting and inspirational
loved the science, global, folklore and historical references Thanks

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Incredible listen

The stories and history of swimming are fantastic. Learned so many interesting things about a sport I’ve participated in for years.

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My Gratitude

Really enjoyed as a swimmer mi really relate to many things in the book. Thanks Bonnie Tsui, and Angie Kane.

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