At age sixteen, legendary swimmer Lynne Cox reached her lifetime goal of setting a new world record for an English Channel swim. So she set her goals even higher. She became the first to swim the Strait of Magellan, narrowly escaped a shark attack off the Cape of Good Hope, and was cheered across the twenty-mile Cook Strait of New Zealand by dolphins. Her daring eventually led her to the thirty-eight-degree waters of the Bering Strait, which she crossed in her usual out-fit - just a swimsuit, cap, and goggles. She even swam a mile in the iceberg-choked seas of the Antarctic.
Apart from being an amazing swimmer, Lynne Cox is also a fantastic writer. This book is so fascinating! Growing up in a pool and loving the ocean as well, I cannot even fathom the idea of swimming miles in 50 degree water on top of currents and waves crashing on you, let alone swimming in 30 DEGREE WATER. She is insane, but also incredible in so many ways.
At book club, we discussed how often times, we learn of our talents when they are pointed out by someone else. For Lynne, it was a parent that watched her swimming when she was a young girl and told her she was going to swim the English Channel someday. I thought it was really interesting that others can often see things that we haven't seen in ourselves and inspire us to accomplish dreams we didn't know we had!
We also talked about how Lynne's body was absolutely perfect for long-distance ocean swimming. It is actually incredible how she was just made for this. She was also able to help many researchers with their projects of cold-water and how the human body responds to it.
I had no idea how much went in to these long, deep water swims! There are so many logistics and it requires a TEAM of people. Plus, when you account for weather, tides, currents, food, time of day, and direction, it is a seriously intense endeavor!
This book was amazing! I almost had to put it down when she goes to Egypt though! I won't share why in case you read it, but just be warned! Lynne's voice is entertaining and informative and I loved hearing her thoughts throughout her journey and how she accomplished her goals.
At book club, we discussed how often times, we learn of our talents when they are pointed out by someone else. For Lynne, it was a parent that watched her swimming when she was a young girl and told her she was going to swim the English Channel someday. I thought it was really interesting that others can often see things that we haven't seen in ourselves and inspire us to accomplish dreams we didn't know we had!
We also talked about how Lynne's body was absolutely perfect for long-distance ocean swimming. It is actually incredible how she was just made for this. She was also able to help many researchers with their projects of cold-water and how the human body responds to it.
I had no idea how much went in to these long, deep water swims! There are so many logistics and it requires a TEAM of people. Plus, when you account for weather, tides, currents, food, time of day, and direction, it is a seriously intense endeavor!
This book was amazing! I almost had to put it down when she goes to Egypt though! I won't share why in case you read it, but just be warned! Lynne's voice is entertaining and informative and I loved hearing her thoughts throughout her journey and how she accomplished her goals.
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