For those who are passionate about swimming and drawn to the water, we’ve compiled a collection of unconventional books that offer a refreshing take on the sport. From inspiring memoirs and thrilling stories of open water rescues to feel-good fiction and delicious recipes, these books go beyond the usual reads. Whether you’re looking for deep insights into the world of swimming or just want to relax with something light, this list has something for everyone. And for a fun twist, we’ve saved the swimmer-themed coloring books for last—perfect for winding down and unleashing your creative side! Dive in and explore new ways to celebrate your love for swimming!
Swimming in the Wild: Beautiful Places to Swim in Nature
1. Lonely Planet he Joy of Wild Swimming
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4.4 stars on Amazon
With 60 in-depth profiles of wild swimming spots, this book showcases stunning photography and personal accounts of swimming in nature. It’s an inspiring guide for those seeking the joy of outdoor swimming. Includes 120 extra must-visit natural water destination! Rates each with difficulty levels.
2. The Nature of Swimming: Unique Bathing Locations and Swimming Experiences
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Dive into the ancient human connection with water. This beautifully crafted book explores outdoor bathing locations around the globe, focusing on the serene act of swimming in natural settings. Beautiful hardcover book.
Cookbooks by Swimmers
1. Cook to Thrive: Recipes to Fuel Body and Soul
By Natalie Coughlin
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4.6 stars on Amazon
Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin shares 80 delicious and nutritious recipes that sustain her active lifestyle. This cookbook is filled with hearty breakfasts, energizing smoothies, and wholesome snacks, perfect for swimmers on the go.
2. The Swim Mom’s Cookbook: The Next Step In Advancing Your Swimmer’s Performance
By Deena Walker Williams
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Dive right into the next step in advanced training for age group swimming- NUTRITION. The Swim Mom’s Cookbook offers recipes that cater to the high protein and complex carbohydrate driven diet, necessary for competitive swimmers.
3. Eat Right, Swim Faster: Nutrition for Maximum Performance
by Abby Knox
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4.5 Stars on Amazon
Eat Right, Swim Faster is the ultimate nutrition resource for competitive swimmers of all ages. It is a smartly written book of highly practical and very accessible information for swimmers interested in what food can do for them in their pursuit of maximum performance in the water.
Katie Ledecky Books for Readers of All Ages
1. Just Add Water: My Swimming Life
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4.7 stars on Amazon | 4.2 stars on Goodreads
This candid memoir from the most decorated U.S. female Olympian, Katie Ledecky, takes readers behind the scenes of her journey to the top of the swimming world.
2. Katie Ledecky Biography For Kids: A Little Big Dreamers Book (ages 6-12)
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5.0 stars on Amazon
This inspiring children’s biography traces Katie’s journey from a young swimmer in Bethesda, Maryland to Olympic champion, making it the perfect read for young dreamers.
3. Who Is Katie Ledecky? (ages 8-12)
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5.0 stars on Amazon
Discover how a young girl’s love for water turned into one of the greatest Olympic swimming careers of all time. Fun and educational, this book is a hit with young readers. Did you know she used to love Irish Dancing and soccer?
U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers
1. So Others May Live: Coast Guard’s Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death
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4.7 stars on Amazon
This gripping collection of stories follows U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers as they embark on heroic missions, from ocean rescues to disaster relief efforts.
2. The Hero Factory: The Untold Story of Helicopter Rescue Swimmer School
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4.6 stars on Amazon | 4.2 stars on Goodreads
A deep dive into the rigorous training of Coast Guard rescue swimmers, this book offers gripping personal stories and lessons in courage and leadership.
Swimming Mysteries
1. The Ice Swimmer (The Oslo Detective Series)
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4.2 stars on Amazon | 4.0 stars on Goodreads
A mystery set in the freezing waters of Oslo, this gripping Nordic Noir novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. The Swimmer: A Novel
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4.6 stars on Amazon | 4.4 stars on Goodreads
A psychological thriller set in the Pacific Northwest, this novel delves into secrets, neighbors, and murder.
Why Are Humans Drawn to Water?
1. Why We Swim
By Bonnie Tsui
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4.5 stars on Amazon | 4.0 stars on Goodreads
This fascinating exploration of human swimming traces its evolution from a survival skill to one of the most popular pastimes today by New York Times contributor Bonnie Tsui.
2. Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier
By Wallace J. Nichols
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This groundbreaking book reveals the psychological benefits of being close to water, combining neuroscience with compelling personal stories.
Stories of Love, Loss, and Inspiration
1. Stolen Dance: An Olympian’s Perpetual Search for Healing From Trauma and Grief
By: Staciana Winfield
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4.7 stars on Amazon
Olympic gold medalist Staciana (Stitts) Winfield offers a raw and heartfelt memoir of her journey through trauma, alopecia, Olympic challenges, and the overwhelming grief of losing her husband, while sharing inspirational advice on healing and finding strength.
2. The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory
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4.3 stars on Amazon
In 1937, a schoolteacher on the island of Maui challenged a group of poverty-stricken sugar plantation kids to swim upstream against the current of their circumstance. The goal? To become Olympians.T hey were the Three-Year Swim Club. This is their story.
Feel-Good Fiction
1. The Sandycove Sunset Swimmers: A Feel-Good Read from Irish Author Sian O’Gorman
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4.5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads
A charming novel set in Dublin Bay, this feel-good story follows Cat Jones as she finds strength through sea swimming and tackles life’s challenges with new friends by her side.
2. Learning to Swim: A Novel
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4.7 stars on Amazon
A humorous and heartfelt book about the complicated relationship between a mother (a former Olympic Swimmer), a 13-year old daughter (who can’t swim), and a grandmother (who thought the love of swimming would carry on through the generations).
Swimming Trivia Books
1. Swimming Trivia Book: The Ultimate Facts Book for Diving and Swimming Lovers
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Dive into the depths of aquatic knowledge with this ultimate trivia book designed for both diving and swimming aficionados of all ages. Packed with over 300 multiple-choice questions, it’s a treasure trove of fascinating facts about the history of swimming, iconic swimmers, and fun tidbits about the sport.
2. The Ultimate Swimming Trivia Book
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Dive into the deep end with The Ultimate Swimming Trivia Book, an exhilarating plunge into the world of swimming, brought to you by Kate Smith, a celebrated historian of the sport. Featuring hundreds of questions, this comprehensive guide spans from the earliest swims to recent Olympic achievements, exploring records, legendary athletes, and the science behind swimming.
Just for Fun: Coloring Books for Swimmers
1. Competitive Swimming Coloring Book For Adults & Teens: Motivational Color In Pages Of Quotes For Swimmers and Athletes
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Let your creativity flow while coloring these motivational quotes and swimmer-themed designs. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, this book offers a relaxing way to stay inspired and focused.
2. Swimmer Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book
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4.6 stars on Amazon
This coloring book is packed with humorous and snarky illustrations, perfect for the swimmer who loves a laugh. A great stress reliever!
3. Art of Coloring Fun: Peace, Love and Swim
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4.2 stars on Amazon
Created by a swim mom, this one-of-a-kind coloring book features hand-drawn illustrations that will captivate swimmers and enthusiasts alike.
Check them out and let us know what you think!