I have recently returned to swimming after injury and am loving it, so was intrigued to read this book. It begins with a relatable homage to the joy of swimming, why we love the water so much and some of the physiological benefits for our bodies. (It also lists some of the many unpleasant side effects mostly from open water swimming, ugh) The book unpicked a fascinating history of swimming in the US with an important explanation of when pools were desegregated, how many families began building their own pools to prioritise their families over community. A fascinating piece of racial history that I was unaware of. The author interviews swimmers who have used it for recovery and also those who whilst posted in Bagdad helped teach soldiers and locals alike how to swim in Sadam's pools that were previously off limits. An eclectic mix of perspectives make this an interesting and varied read.
