Leap In

May 22, 2017
Heminsley (Running like a Girl), books editor for Elle UK, explores the world of amateur open-water swimming in this thoughtful memoir and how-to guide for the novice swimmer. Heminsley had a fear of open water, but the excitement of getting married motivated her to “leap in” to the sea on her wedding day in Brighton, England. Having initially overcome her fear, she wants to go further, and begins to practice in a lap pool. As she gets stronger she searches for open water—whether she is winter swimming in her home waters of Brighton or crossing between islands in the mythic waters of Ithaca, Greece. New swimmers may find solace in Heminsley’s painstaking descriptions of her adult swim classes and find gems of wisdom in them. For instance, Heminsley discovers that with proper breathing technique, she can reduce stress. She humorously recounts her trials, from the claustrophobic struggle of getting into a wet suit for the first time to later being annoyed and intimidated by a group of boisterous male triathletes donning the latest gear. Transcendence arrives for Heminsley when she finds herself alone for the first time in the open water, herself her own “boat, cargo, and crew.” She writes, “To discover a new skill as an adult is like noticing a door, deciding to open it and finding an entire room in your own home that you never knew you had.” In this informative and inspirational memoir, Heminsley shows us that sometimes a room of one’s own can be the whole ocean. Agent: Zoe Pagnamenta, Zoe Pagnamenta Literary.

May 15, 2017
Having conquered land as a serial marathoner, the author turns her athletic attentions toward the sea.In Running Like a Girl (2013), Elle UK books editor Heminsley detailed her physical transformation: "Within five years I had gone from someone for whom any sort of exercise was theoretical--a nice idea, but something for others, for the 'sporty types'--to someone who had run five marathons"--and someone whose example had encouraged others. At the very least, armchair exercise, like armchair travel, has its own bookish appeal. Seeking another challenge, Heminsley decided on open-water swimming. A little too neatly, she chronicles how her new adventure began on the day she was to "leap in" to marriage, and the immediate aftermath was so calamitous it made her more determined: her betrothed lost his wedding ring to the waves, and flooding filled their flat. She saw the sea as "the enemy. Thief of rings, wrecker of homes, menace to married life....It was the sea versus me, and I would throw everything at this fight, so determined was I not to be the loser." The fight would involve swimming lessons, pools, rivers, and ultimately competition in the open waters. The author would discover that swimming presented a different set of challenges, perspectives, and techniques to master than running had and that some of what she had developed as a runner would work against her in the water. While she was becoming more adept at swimming in the open water, she and her husband were trying to conceive, so there are plenty of parallels on the body's potential and one's mastery over it--and plenty of inspirational exhortations--e.g., "I breathe, I push, I pull. I am." Yet details of her swimming progress can only engage for so long, and the author devotes the last third of the book to swimming miscellany: the history of swimming, how to learn, what sort of suit and equipment to buy, other books to read, etc. A lighthearted book to appeal to fellow swimmers.

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June 1, 2017

Following up on her previous memoir about learning to run (Running Like a Girl), journalist Heminsley takes on the sport of open-water swimming in this autobiographical work. As a novice swimmer, Heminsley recounts her many challenges in learning to cover long distances in the cold waters of Brighton, UK. From the hazards of tight wetsuits to the difficulty of proper breathing technique, the author lays bare the physical struggle of mastering a confounding new sport. Heminsley's pursuit of athletic prowess is a metaphor for her desire to overcome anxieties and self-perceived limitations, as she and her husband eventually face a larger struggle with potential infertility and IVF treatments. While early chapters sometimes feel unsubstantial, with occasional lengthy descriptions, this work offers inspiration for swimmers ready to take the plunge into the unknown. Included are sections on the history of swimming, stroke technique, and recommendations on swimming equipment. VERDICT Best suited for aspiring swimmers or hesitant athletes who will likely relate to the close link between increasing physical fitness and strengthening emotional resilience and for fans of Diana Nyad's Find a Way.--Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2017
Learning to swim as an adult can be a painful and rather embarrassing experience, but Heminsley embraces the challenge with gusto and self-deprecating humor. She dedicates herself to learning to master freestyle, breathe (and exhale) properly, and conquer fears of not knowing what lurks below when swimming in a river or the sea. Among the funniest scenes is when she squeezes into a wet suit. During the period when she was learning to swim, she was also navigating life changes as a newlywed and the emotional roller coaster of trying to become pregnant. Sure to give confidence to open-water newbies who will relate to the squeamish trek through mud to a race start and navigating salty seas with leaky goggles. Those who enjoyed Heminsley's Running like a Girl (2013) will want to read about her latest journey of self-discovery. Includes a Q&A section and a suggested reading list for anyone interested in expanding their swim experiences to include the open water.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)