This fascinating book about the beneficial effects of water on the human body and mind is based on the stories of real people. Among them are Olympic champions, modern followers of the samurai style of swimming, Nihon Eiho, and an Icelandic fisherman who miraculously survived after spending more than six hours in icy water. New York Times regular Bonnie Tsui has been a swimmer herself since childhood, and her personal experiences—from swimming in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay to swimming across Lake George on her own engagement day—have been the subject of equally gripping pages. To find the answer to the question why water, despite all its dangers, attracts us humans so much, and we strive to find ourselves in it again and again, Bonnie Tsui goes with readers to ponds and lakes, to swimming pools and ocean spaces... She reminds we know that man has evolved from creatures that inhabited the watery expanses of the Earth millions of years ago, and that is probably why he is inevitably drawn to this element. Sometimes swimming is a “wormhole” through which you can escape from the crushing machine of everyday life. Swimming can take on different forms, have different moods and different functions depending on the time of day, time of year, time of life. It can shed light, filter it, or turn it off completely. It can invigorate or weaken. For whom: For those who are passionate about swimming, including athletes. For those who are going on vacation at sea. For people prone to frequent illnesses, as well as those who have chronic pain. For those who cannot swim. For those who find themselves in a difficult life situation. For those who are looking for a new source of inspiration.