pickWhat a joy of a book! Various writers share their experiences swimming through all seasons at the Kenwood Ladies Pond on Hampstead Heath, and each of them brought the sensations to vivid life. These essays are about the pond and the act of swimming, but they're also about tradition, community, family, and our relationship to the natural world. As I tentatively plan a trip to England, a dip in the pond is now firmly at the top of my to-do list!
I love this question. Water has always felt an anchor to me, and many bodies of water have felt like "mine". I was lucky to grow up in Michigan, where no matter you are, you are never further than 6 miles from fresh water, and waterways both great and small- wild Lake Superior, the storied Detroit River, the small lakefront at my childhood summer camp- have become a part of me. What are your ties to the water, Littens? Is there water that's yours?
pickI bought this book because it‘s about swimming, and it has an essay by Margaret Drabble in it. All of the essays were good though and cover topics such as being non-binary, being a single mother, having a cellphone addiction, and having no sense of home. Running through all of them is the need to find a place that provides peace — the Ladies‘ Pond. Bonus: Leanne Shapton, who wrote Swimming Studies, is the author of one essay.
This evening‘s reading while also watching the Olympics. I‘d started it last year, put it down and forgot about it. I was reminded of it while listening to What Abigail Did That Summer; this pond on Hampstead Heath is mentioned.
pickI can‘t resist a book about swimming, and this was lovely. A collection of essays from a variety of lenses about swimming at the Hampstead Ladies‘ Pond in London. I have aspirations to be a cold water swimmer of lakes, so this was inspiring. July #Bookspin complete. #blameitonlitsy
pickA wonderful collection of essays by women connected by their passion for swimming in the Ladies' Pond of Hampstead Heath. I bought this book for myself for Christmas (as a woman in a house full of men, you do what you have to). I waited three days to open it: we open books last, a standing family rule of 50 years because everyone would start reading and the flow of opening gifts would be disrupted. Worth the wait, I devoured it and felt loved.
Book haul post 4 of 4.... two last books.... a small essay collection published by Daunts, ( I read the foodie one last week and loved it)....and the Sophie Ward which somehow still hasn‘t got a US release date! 🤷♀️
I have noticed Cindy, that yet again my
water/swimming obsession is illustrated nicely by these 4 book haul posts! 😂@cinfhen
Just realized that my most recent read, is part of a Daunts books series of essay collections.... So I just ordered this one too.... I love to swim, and this collection sounds unique and lovely.... 🏊♀️🌊💕
pickI thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays but then I love swimming in the lake. This even made me want to try “wild” swimming in the winter. Full review at https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2020/07/review-at-pond-compiled-by-daunt-books....
Taking a break from errands to read these essays about swimming in a ladies only pond in Britain. Margaret Drabble has a essay in this book. I‘m not familiar with the other authors. I miss my pool.
pick🏊♀️ I devoured this book in about three sittings. And that was because I forced myself to pace myself. I loved the sisterhood found at the Ladies‘ Pond (transgender persons welcome too!), the multicultural members who wrote essays on their experiences there, the peace and tranquility found in their words, and the beauty of the pond. It was such an amazing read and I‘m in awe of the winter swimmers. What a lovely read.
#recommend #bookreview
As night falls, we slip into the water and swim out across the mirror. As the water turns black in the dimming light, we open our eyes beneath the surface and suddenly we're not swimmers anymore, but astronauts...
At the Pond: Swimming at the Hampstead Ladies' Pond | 
