Swimming in the Sink: An Episode of the Heart

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lynne Cox, for your book, _Swimming in the Sink_. This cuts right to the heart of what it means to be human and vulnerable and strong and courageous. Your struggle to heal from aFib and deal with the grief of your parents' and your dog Cody's passing is so honestly, humanely described that it brings me to tears...and laughter too, as you retain your vitality of spirit and humor. Having gone through the loss of my parents, I know that pain, know the grieving process.As a runner and swimmer, I know how well that training has served me in difficult times--and yet at the same time how hard it is to let go and acknowledge vulnerability when we want to focus on our strength. You do that with such sensitivity and grace!

I like the way that Lynne Cox describes herself and her journey in her very introspective manner. Her cold water swim journey seem almost superhuman to me like she was just born to swim. I've followed her career for a long time and have always been in such awe of her. I think it's great that she shares her frailties with us.Her book was a great companion to another book I read by an open water swimmer, Mile Humphrey who humorously explains the struggle to achieve his open water goal as well as his failures in achieving them.

This book is definitely worth reading. I had no idea that someone as strong and fit as Lynne would ever encounter very serious heart problems. It’s a well-written account of the heart issues she faced and overcame.The premise is that her heart problems were a result of broken heart syndrome due to the deaths of her parents, and her dog. She finds a new love interest and the book ends.I don’t think there was a definitive conclusion by cardiologists that the cause was broken heart syndrome. I think the book needed to examine other factors. I think there are too many unanswered questions I this book.Did years of grueling swims in cold waters contribute to her condition? Did swimming in 26 F. waters in Greenland, swimming over a mile in Antarctica, swimming to Russia, and 12 hour cold water channel swims damage her heart? Was there electrical shock damage to her heart by freezing waters that would later cause defibrillation?Also, her height and weight are 5”6” and 190 lbs. Even though she needed the extra fat for insulation and flotation in freezing waters, is her high BMI a contributing factor?I’m surprised that these medical questions weren’t discussed because Lynne’s social and professional world is made up of mostly doctors.

Amazing story of overcoming overwhelming odds, in the past her life has been about doing swims no one has ever done, against all odds, this story is about life and death, rediscovering joy and passion in life not just recovering but exceeding all expectations of the medical world. An inspiring story that we all can learn from when the pain and hardships in life overwhelm us, Lynne's story proves that there is always hope through love. Love this book ! Love Lynne, she is an encouraging angel!

While a compelling story, there is a naivety that comes through the writing that borders on childlike, rendering it rather unexpected and not altogether unenjoyable.

I've read every book written by Lynne Cox, a world class swimmer and a world class person.This is her inspirational account of overcoming the odds in the face of personal and health struggles. It's full of lots of insights we can all learn from.I couldn't put it down, and will probably read it again soon.I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

Amazing true story. Inspiring and encouraging that so much is possible in life when we know ourselves, understand our bodies, have faith , and people who love us . The author is now a favorite!

Anyone who has read SWIMMING TO ANTARCTICA will be cheering for Lynne as she confronts a daunting new challenge. She's a world-class athlete every step of the way. And reading her first-person description when she is in the water is the golden nugget.

I loved this book. I always love Lynne Cox’s books. She radiates a warm and passionate love for life that just pours out through her words and this book does that. She writes about a tough time and terrifying health challenge with full emotion but not self pity, rather gratitude at her medical team, her close knit friendships and family who she adored. I read this just after loosing my dad who so adored and who loved to see me swim and an illness so her words were supportive. She also reminds me how good humans can be and how much of her life is about building positive connections and community. The fact that Gorbachev thanked her for helping break the Cold War is testament to that.

All about ill health and step by step recovery. Not enjoyable