The Underwater Window

by Dan Stephenson

Two swimmers, close friends and archrivals, chase after the same Olympic gold medal. Archie Hayes is the best swimmer in the world. Talent and luck have brought him Olympic medals, fame, money and women. Doyle Wilson has reached the end of his career with dreams unfulfilled, but he has a final chance in the 400 freestyle, in which Archie owns the world record. Doyle bets that hard work will enable him to beat Archie just once. He burns all his bridges to focus on his lone goal.

But Doyle can’t be single-minded. Archie is not just his nemesis – they’re best friends. Danger lurks around every corner for Archie, a celebrity athlete with a reckless streak. On a training trip to Hawaii, when Archie is mauled by a wave while bodysurfing, Doyle sees his duty – a purpose in life that transcends self-interest and even friendship. Archie’s incomparable talent must be preserved and nurtured, and only Doyle can do it. Though Archie’s demise would liquidate the main obstacle in Doyle’s path to greatness, Doyle rescues him. Repeatedly.

Doyle’s odyssey to the Olympics teaches him about true friendship and love, the meaning of sacrifice and overcoming obstacles.

Genres: Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Dan Stephenson is an attorney who practices in Los Angeles. He was captain of the UCLA swim team in the 1970s and was a Pac-10 champion and All-American. Dan currently swims in masters competitions and won four gold medals at the 2012 FINA Masters World Championships in Riccione, Italy. He holds two masters world records. Dan lives in Altadena, California with his wife Tracey. He has two grown children and a grandson.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may be a little biased since I met Dan Stephenson, but I have to say it's a great book! It's an insightful look into the life of a dedicated athlete and into the sport of swimming. Even though I was an athlete on a much lower level, I could relate to the mindset of the protagonist. It's also very smart writing. Stephenson's writing gets the reader invested in the character's life. Even someone who has no athletic background would be absorbed. I especially like all the allusions throughout and the great connections between the opening thoughts and the content of each chapter.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Having been a competitive swimmer, I could relate to so much of the book. However, I think it will appeal to non-swimmers as well. It's a good story and well-written.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie vs. Doyle is just like Phelps vs. Lochte! A wonderful swimming novel about friendship, rivalry, determination, hard work and life's rewards!

[Ralph Porrazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swimmers will love. Great read.

[Shalini Ayre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since he was eight years old, Doyle Wilson has swam. It's all he knows. And his ultimate goal - qualify for the USA Olympic Team and win gold.

But at aged 24 he knows he's old. There are younger and faster swimmers than him. Including Hunter 'Archie' Hayes - his friend and rival. Archie has everything that Doyle aspires to. He's already won a few Olympic medals, has a fast car, adored by women, a reckless attitude and no bubble.

Doyle is serious and analyzes things too much. When Coach Curtains notices the bubble on his left thumb, Doyle sees it as one more hindrance. Yet Coach believes that the almost veteran swimmer can make a time of 3.36. Can he achieve it - a time quicker than he's ever swam?

But more than that. This is Doyle's last chance at, what he believes, of making a name for himself, of achieving greatness. His parents are keen for him to resume his education and enroll in medical school. His best friend and possible girlfriend (Doyle thinks his swim commitments doesn't allow for a serious relationship) Molly, just wants what is best for him - and only Doyle can determine what that is. Will he take this last opportunity to make the team or follow another path, one without a black line showing him the way?

Stephenson's novel is packed with emotion. From the frustrations of being up against Archie to bottled up feelings for Molly. The story however is more than just the burn of training. It's about friendship, love, loyalty and having the courage to stick at what you love - for better or for worse. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - and I'm no swimmer! The author's language and expressions make it an easy read. The 'history' of swimming detailed at the beginning of each chapter was a nice introduction and cemented the competitiveness and sheer determination of people within the sport. Overall, Stephenson has crafted a rich novel sure to be inspirational for athletes and non-athletes alike. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! A very exciting read for us, swim fanatics. I enjoyed the technical descriptions, the swimming history "lessons", and the camaraderie between the characters.

***SPOILER ALERT***
Confession: I really wanted Doyle to go into coaching and marry Camille. I did not like unsupportive, whiny Molly at all. I couldn't believe that Doyle still wanted to be with her after her reaction when he told her he was going to train for the Olympics. It was very selfish and I could not get behind her character after that.

[Sabrina Devonshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on competitive swimming I've ever read! This book reads like a memoir from Doyle's point-of-view. The voice was unique, the story a true inspiration. Many of Doyle's swimming experiences made me feel a strong "I've felt like that" connection with the character. So many training, travel, and competition experiences flashed back through my mind as I became immersed in Doyle's story. Expect to identify with this character, particularly if you are or have been a serious competitive swimmer. The italics sections at the beginning of each chapter were wonderful gems of swimming trivia! I enjoyed every minute of this journey with Doyle, who stood out as an exemplary role model, not only in the pool but in his interactions with his friends, family, coaches, and teammates. I love how the author spun a perspective on an all-important race and how it fits in with an athlete's journey afterward.

[Raylea Bagley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Underwater Window was an interesting story about the life of a swimmer and his goal to reach the Olympics. It tells of the incredible amount of mental and physical discipline that these athletes must have to succeed, but on top of that it touches on something much deeper. Though Doyle Wilson is a gifted swimmer, there is something that is stopping him from being the best. Living in the shadow of his best friend, Archie, an Olympic gold medallist, is hard, and though he strove hard for gold, there was something that stopped him every time. Doyle Wilson struggles for a long time with his weakness, but over time, he realises that his weakness made him have to try harder. It taught him perseverance and shaped him into a man of character, a man of substance. Though it is discouraging to fail, The Underwater Window tells us that strength does not come in being perfect and succeeding. It comes when we press on and keep trying even after failure.

[Nicholas Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting to read a book about swimming, by a swimmer. Parts were really good, most of it wasn't bad, and every once in a while the 'explanations' of several swimming-related concepts got to be a bit tedious. But I really liked it overall, especially the ending and the gist of the book.

Oh - one more thing. He asked himself if/how he could have gone a few one hundredths faster. The answer is pretty obvious to me - change your diet. He's constantly scarfing down ice cream sundaes, french fries, and hamburgers. If he really wanted to excel, he should have taken a holistic approach instead of simply trying to train hard. It's amazing how many athletes ignore proper nutrition.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a swimmer, you will love this book. As a swimmer, I could relate to everything Doyle Wilson (the main character) talked about and went through. I liked how he talked about the life's lessons swimming gives to a person. It is exactly what I have believed for years.

In addition, the story (the rivalry between Archie and Doyle) is captivating.

[Dave Moyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book strikes a nice balance between the story of a competitive athlete facing the inevitable end of a career and life's relationships that both help us along and get in the way. A worthy debut effort.

[Maya R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. All swimmers, competitive or not, should read this because it is so relatable. The author does a great job accurately showing swimming and team cultures and relationships. Even if you don't swim, you can enjoy this well written novel.

[Diane]

review to come