Lisa Congdon is an artist, illustrator, and an author I admire SO much. She’s one of my art heroes not just because her art is so amazingly beautiful but also her way of being in the world – hardworking, honest, compassionate, and always challenging herself creatively – resonates with me so deeply.

I’m so honored to be contributing this review for her latest book The Joy of Swimming today!  It’s due to be released a week from today on April 19 from Chronicle Books.

In this book, Lisa shares in depth about her passion for swimming and her love of being in the water. Lisa fell in love with swimming as a child and has been a lifelong avid swimmer herself. She has swum competitively for many years with very impressive achievements I might add!

While she was working on the book, I was catching the glimpse of her work on her Instagram feed and grew very curious about her path as a swimmer. Since I started following her work a couple of years ago, I’ve gotten to know more about her life as an artist. Naturally as an artist myself, there is so much I can relate to and learn from.

But it’s always so fascinating to learn more about the person I admire and learn what else drives them and gives them the strength and inspiration.

So, I was very excited when I received my copy in the mail! I took it out of the mailer and immediately noticed the beauty and the details of the book itself. I don’t know about you, but I do judge the book by its cover! All the time. A beautifully designed cover can add so much to the reading experience, don’t you think?

Lisa’s illustration and hand lettering on the cover drew me in right away. I had to just admire it for a couple of minutes before I dove in (pun so intended!) to the contents.

The highly saturated colors and the simple, bold design is so eye-cathing. It’s also textured with a slightly raised pattern, so you get the added sensory experience while you hold the book in your hands. Swoon!

Once you open the book, you’ll be overwhelmed by the charming watercolor portraits of the swimmers, along with the beautifully photographed collections of vintage swimming paraphernalia, Lisa’s hand-drawn infographics about swimming history around the world, illustrations of vintage swim gears, and encouraging handlettered quotes about swimming.

Of course, the majority of this book is filled with fascinating stories of swimmers, from world-famous to everyday.  And each swimmer’s story is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor portrait Lisa created, which adds so much warmth and personality.

When you’re reading the profile of each one of the swimmers, you’re not just learning about swimming – you’re learning how ordinary people from all walks of life find who they are and become empowered to achieve their full potential both physically and mentally.

Many of the swimmers in this book share how the water acts as an equalizer, and I can totally relate to that.

Growing up, I was not very athletic and couldn’t run fast or jump high to save my life and dreaded every P.E. class. Except, I felt somewhat average in the swimming pool. I wasn’t a fast swimmer by any means, but I felt more comfortable moving around in the water and didn’t feel as clumsy or inadequate while swimming. I even looked forward to the P.E. class during the summer because I actually enjoyed swimming!

As an adult, I joined an aquarobics class at a local community pool and worked out in the water for a couple of years after repeated injuries from jogging.

Aquarobics was so much fun! I was able to participate in a vigorous workout without the fear of re-injuring myself. I felt empowered and invigorated every time I worked out in the water.

But more than anything, I appreciated the friendship I made with the ladies in the class. As you might have guessed, aquarobics attract people who have some mobility issues or otherwise unable to do high-impact workout. Naturally, there were mostly older women in the class, and I felt like I gained a bunch of moms and grandmas all of a sudden!

I’ve since transitioned to working out on the dry land, but I still cherish the fond memories of my aquarobics days ❤

I’m so grateful that The Joy of Swimming has reminded me of what I’m capable of and the fun memories I had created in the water.

You can place your pre-order now or purchase the book on Tuesday April 19 on The Joy of Swimming Book website (note: the “Buy the Book” button on the upper right will give you options of where to get your copy.)

Lisa’s also going to be touring with the book! You can check out the schedule here and be sure to go say hi when she visits a bookstore near you 🙂 You can also sign up for her book newsletter here so you won’t miss any updates about the book!

Whether you’re a swimmer or not, The Joy of Swimming will bing you joy, delight, and inspiration for your eyes and the heart ❤

Enjoy!

xo Yuko