Gold medalist Amanda Beard describes her love of swimming, the trials and tribulations of becoming a world class athletic, and the physical and mental price she paid for success. Self-doubt, reporters’ comments, and questionable relationships will leave readers wondering if the a few moments on the winner’s podium are worth it. A collection of family photographs show Amanda’s family and friends during various ages is included midway through the book. ( )

In the book, In the Water They Can’t See You Cry: A Memoir, the seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard writes with complete openness and honestly with the help of Rebecca Paley. This book was published in 2012 through Touchstone, in New York, NY. Beard and Paley collaborated nicely to provide a descriptive narrative of Beard’s life. This writing allowed the reader the ability to relate to some of the struggles Beard experienced, such as her parents divorce, and her negative body image of herself, which lead to an eating disorder. In particular, this book was surprisingly less focused her swimming career than it was about her personal struggles, and how it led to her present state. Overall, this book was a page-turner due to the personal style of writing that made it seem like Beard was writing in her diary rather than to an audience, which lead to crying along with her on her downfalls, and smiling with joy on her victories. This book is a relatively quick, and enthralling read for both swimmers, and non-swimmers alike. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in swimming, or the Olympics in general. I would also recommend it to individuals who like reading books where an individual comes out on top after years of personal struggles, and difficulties.

Nicole M. ( )

It is really hard to like Amanda Beard when reading some parts of this book. But if she can help girls and women deal with distorted body image and low self-esteem, then I am all for it. That said, she seems to be struggling with her own self-esteem and confidence which makes her seem aloof and cranky, in and out of the pool. This book is not about how to be an Olympian, but how not to be. Beard references her mistakes to provide an dialogue about these pitfalls, again helpful to swimmers and landlubbers alike. ( )

The is a look into the life of a four time Olympic Athlete. She really bares her soul, and the pain of growing up with a Learning Disability. At first she seems to keep her inner demons under control, and is a fish in the water. We journey with her through all aspects of her life, some good and some so very hard. We go with her through her difficult High School experience, suffering from a type of Dyslexia, and getting relief and achievement in the pool.
I loved how her Dad seem to cherish her, one time recording a book that she was having trouble reading. Of course her whole family were always there to support her when she was competing. She seemed to have it all, and yet she really didn't seem to like herself.
You will feel so sorry for her, and her choices of relationships, where she values herself so very little. This should also be mandatory read by parents with Children at high levels of competition. One You will find this a rather compelling page turner, and I love the ending!

I was provided with a copy of this book by the Publisher Simon & Schuster, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )