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Why We Swim

Why We Swim

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An immersive, unforgettable, and eye-opening perspective on swimming—and on human behavior itself.

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 natural-born swimmers. We must be taught. Our evolutionary ancestors learned for survival; now, in the twenty-first century, 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 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 about water—despite its dangers—seduces us and why we come back to it again and again.

Details of Book

ISBN13: 9781616207861
ISBN10: 1616207868
Language: English
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Publication Year: 2020
Format: Hardcover

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A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

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  • One Line Summary

    Explores human connection and fascination with water.

  • Who is this book for?

    If you’re curious about why humans are so drawn to water, this book offers an engaging blend of anthropology, adventure, and personal stories. Bonnie Tsui takes you on journeys around the world, revealing the deep evolutionary, cultural, and emotional ties we have with swimming. It's a captivating read for anyone who loves water or seeks a broader understanding of this universal activity.

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