Swimming to Antarctica

This book is an autobiographical account of several extraodinary, record-breaking, record-setting, long-distance, open-water, swims that Lynne Cox performed.

The book was very motivational for me not only because I myself enjoy swimming but because I relate to the physical and mental trials she went through and the goals and ideals she pushed for.  It reminded me of the book “The Cups of Tea” (2006) by Greg Mortenson in that both authors are passionate about Life, non-attached to monetary gains, and fixated on bettering the human condition pushing their own body to get there.

In terms of content and writing; the book absorbed me and I read it in only a few days.  I was especially drawn in at the beginning and my interest was fully sustained throughout 3/4 of the book winding down closer to the end.  This happened because the author goes into a lot of detail about the process of getting her swim across the Bering Strait (introducing countless people, Soviets and Americans) and for her antarctic swim.  I felt something shift in her storytelling, becoming a lot more about the political aspect than about her own life and her relationships – which is something that interests me more than politics.

Despite finding myself skipping lines during those final section I was still very much interested in the story and the book did not lose me.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, particularly for those interested in looking at Life from the perspective of someone who pushed human physical limits.

Enjoy and for more information on the author go to: Lynne Cox