Why We Swim

Author Bonnie Tsui is an avid swimmer and an enthusiast for the sport, with an incurable thirst for knowledge about the aquatic activity. In this remarkable series of essays, she buoyantly introduces the reader to the history of swimming, the story of its varied practices in different world regions, the many champions of this sport, and the personalities of those engaged in this activity whether for sport, delight, or survival. Her writing flows with information dealing with the anthropological finds of ancient swim sites from the once watery basin of the Sahara Desert to the rigors of swimming demanded by the historic Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Modern-day seaboard nations such as Holland and Iceland demand swimming fitness in full dress. Meet the many personalities, all luminously painted, such as the human seal of Iceland, or a military official orchestrating swimming lessons in the ornate swimming pool in one of Hussein’s palaces. Connect with several of the world’s champion swimmers in both frigid and usual temperatures. Her stories are knit together with contemplative introspection, while her message shares her rapturous enthusiasm for our piscine attachment to water. The story is captivating, the writing fluidly engrossing, and the reading can release the endorphins.