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Dryland: One Woman's Swim to Sobriety
For swimming champion Nancy Stearns Bercaw, the pool was a natural habitat. But on land, she could never shake the feeling of being a fish out of water. Starting at age two, Nancy devoted her life to swimming, even qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials in the fifty-meter freestyle event. But nearly two decades later, when she hung up her cap and goggles, she was confronted with a different kind of learning who she was out of the lanes.
In this honest, intimate memoir, Nancy reflects on her years wandering the globe, where tragic events and a lost sense of self escalate her dependence on booze. Thirty-three years after her first sip of alcohol, the swimmer comes to a stunning realization while living with her husband and son in Abu Dhabi—she’s drowning in the desert. Nancy looks to the Bedouin people for the strength to conquer one final alcohol addiction.
In this honest, intimate memoir, Nancy reflects on her years wandering the globe, where tragic events and a lost sense of self escalate her dependence on booze. Thirty-three years after her first sip of alcohol, the swimmer comes to a stunning realization while living with her husband and son in Abu Dhabi—she’s drowning in the desert. Nancy looks to the Bedouin people for the strength to conquer one final alcohol addiction.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2017
About the author
Nancy Stearns Bercaw
3 books9 followersNancy Stearns Bercaw is an NCAA All-American swimmer and national champion. Her writing has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, the Huffington Post, and U.S. News & World Report. She lives in Vermont with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 9, 2018
Really interesting memoir of a champion swimmer who joined the peace corps, taught English in Korea, and wrote and edited all kinds of the things - all under the influence of alcohol. Her turning points comes while she and her husband are working and living as ex-pats in Dubai - the Dryland in the title takes on a double meaning.
Even though she was living in a Muslin country, she could obtain as much alcohol as she craved, but as her health began to deteriorate she knew she had to do something. She was able to apply the training of her swimming success to beating her addiction.
The book is organized with chapters that take place in the present day interspersed with chapters from her very interesting life. It begins to become clear what her traumas and triggers were.
This is a travelogue and a meditation on dealing with your stuff - it's never too late. A fascinating story.
Even though she was living in a Muslin country, she could obtain as much alcohol as she craved, but as her health began to deteriorate she knew she had to do something. She was able to apply the training of her swimming success to beating her addiction.
The book is organized with chapters that take place in the present day interspersed with chapters from her very interesting life. It begins to become clear what her traumas and triggers were.
This is a travelogue and a meditation on dealing with your stuff - it's never too late. A fascinating story.
September 18, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Living in Abu Dhabi is akin to being a minnow in a fishbowl next to a tank of piranhas. You’re safe unless the glass breaks.
I start by brushing my teeth vigorously, as if I’m Lady Macbeth and dental stains are the proof of my crime.
Allan’s hairline has receded in the years we’ve been together, but what’s left still stands straight off his head. He still looks like Einstein and still dresses like a teenage boy in Converse sneakers, snug designer jeans, and rock ’n roll T-shirts.
Walking across the sand with my unwieldy coconut collection, I look like a juggler who’s forgotten what to do.
“Charred pigeon… And it’s mine. I’m taking it home for a snack later.” Habiba was nine months pregnant. The pigeon was all hers. I told her about eating live termites in Kenya and live octopus in Korea. She faked a gag reflex.
My Review:
I seldom read memoirs, as many people who write them erroneously believe that their lives are infinitely fascinating when they just - aren’t… However, this one held my interest as Nancy Stearns Bercaw, whom I had never heard of before, has lived an extremely adventuresome life, whether she was sober or soused. The book started in Abu Dhabi and ended in Iceland, just to give you perspective on the extremes of the wanderlust that was her normal. And in between those places were tales of her stints as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and Korea with additional jaunts all around the dark continent, as well as trips and stays in Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Egypt, and the Taj Mahal.
The murder of a coworker in Korea seemed to have left a lasting scar on her psyche. However, her epiphany or Come to Jesus Moment occurred in Abu Dhabi when she was faced with the obscenity of her health status as the result of thirty years of over-imbibing. Facing her demons was not an easy task, nor was it dull for the reader to follow. I was not familiar with the term or concept of “dryland” training, which involves having swimmers perform sit-ups and push-up exercise outside of the pool to learn, “to grapple with the forces of gravity outside their preferred element.” The narrative was often amusing and remained entertaining throughout although it was not ordered in a chronological sequence and tended to swing passionately back and forth through various timelines of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond. Despite this, it was easy to follow and I thought nothing of it as my memories zigzag in a similar manner when I take stock of my own time on this earth, although my history would not be quite as eventful, well-traveled, or honestly expressed. I refer you back to my first sentence in regard to those writing memoirs ;)
Living in Abu Dhabi is akin to being a minnow in a fishbowl next to a tank of piranhas. You’re safe unless the glass breaks.
I start by brushing my teeth vigorously, as if I’m Lady Macbeth and dental stains are the proof of my crime.
Allan’s hairline has receded in the years we’ve been together, but what’s left still stands straight off his head. He still looks like Einstein and still dresses like a teenage boy in Converse sneakers, snug designer jeans, and rock ’n roll T-shirts.
Walking across the sand with my unwieldy coconut collection, I look like a juggler who’s forgotten what to do.
“Charred pigeon… And it’s mine. I’m taking it home for a snack later.” Habiba was nine months pregnant. The pigeon was all hers. I told her about eating live termites in Kenya and live octopus in Korea. She faked a gag reflex.
My Review:
I seldom read memoirs, as many people who write them erroneously believe that their lives are infinitely fascinating when they just - aren’t… However, this one held my interest as Nancy Stearns Bercaw, whom I had never heard of before, has lived an extremely adventuresome life, whether she was sober or soused. The book started in Abu Dhabi and ended in Iceland, just to give you perspective on the extremes of the wanderlust that was her normal. And in between those places were tales of her stints as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and Korea with additional jaunts all around the dark continent, as well as trips and stays in Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Egypt, and the Taj Mahal.
The murder of a coworker in Korea seemed to have left a lasting scar on her psyche. However, her epiphany or Come to Jesus Moment occurred in Abu Dhabi when she was faced with the obscenity of her health status as the result of thirty years of over-imbibing. Facing her demons was not an easy task, nor was it dull for the reader to follow. I was not familiar with the term or concept of “dryland” training, which involves having swimmers perform sit-ups and push-up exercise outside of the pool to learn, “to grapple with the forces of gravity outside their preferred element.” The narrative was often amusing and remained entertaining throughout although it was not ordered in a chronological sequence and tended to swing passionately back and forth through various timelines of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond. Despite this, it was easy to follow and I thought nothing of it as my memories zigzag in a similar manner when I take stock of my own time on this earth, although my history would not be quite as eventful, well-traveled, or honestly expressed. I refer you back to my first sentence in regard to those writing memoirs ;)
June 6, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a friend because of my connection to alcohol addiction and recovery (4 years sober) and the thought I may find this inspirational came to mind at the time. Although I've had the book for some time I just had not yet brought myself to read it.
For me at times it is hard to read other views on the subject as they can and do become 'triggers' for me even after 4 years of sobriety. I must say though, this is nothing like the majority of accounts of ones recovery from alcoholism. The story itself is almost completely memoir, which is how this book is marketed, and alcohol- although mentioned throughout, is not the main focus as many books about the recovery process are.
The memoir is of coming to ones self-realization of a life issue, why perhaps this has occurred in the first place, connections of a previous way of life to a new actualization of ones self in the process.
This book flows beautifully throughout as the settings take us around the globe in an account, in the end- of a personal triumph.
One that I am proud to say I completely understand and appreciate
For me at times it is hard to read other views on the subject as they can and do become 'triggers' for me even after 4 years of sobriety. I must say though, this is nothing like the majority of accounts of ones recovery from alcoholism. The story itself is almost completely memoir, which is how this book is marketed, and alcohol- although mentioned throughout, is not the main focus as many books about the recovery process are.
The memoir is of coming to ones self-realization of a life issue, why perhaps this has occurred in the first place, connections of a previous way of life to a new actualization of ones self in the process.
This book flows beautifully throughout as the settings take us around the globe in an account, in the end- of a personal triumph.
One that I am proud to say I completely understand and appreciate
April 18, 2017
I read this book with great interest, as I have a personal connection to some of the events. It is a very honest look at living life both inside your head and outside, in the world.
I feel like the story was unfolding as it was written, as it is so raw and real and not contrived at all. Nancy was able to make very personal and individual happenings palpable, definitely striking a chord in me.
While there are multiple themes: swimming, murder, addiction, love, and travel, they are woven seamlessly together, and while the road is rocky, the tapestry that results is smooth and somehow soothing.
Dryland is a great read for just about anyone who lives a life and contemplates the journey at all.
I feel like the story was unfolding as it was written, as it is so raw and real and not contrived at all. Nancy was able to make very personal and individual happenings palpable, definitely striking a chord in me.
While there are multiple themes: swimming, murder, addiction, love, and travel, they are woven seamlessly together, and while the road is rocky, the tapestry that results is smooth and somehow soothing.
Dryland is a great read for just about anyone who lives a life and contemplates the journey at all.
April 19, 2017
This memoir is so much more than just a journey to sobriety. The author has led an unusual life, living and working in a variety of different countries. I found her stories and struggles to be real and fascinating. A quick and interesting read - and a positive tale of moving on after coming to terms with human weakness. I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
July 16, 2017
I really ended up not liking this book. My opinion is that the author and subject of the book is a profoundly unlikable person, and that made the book even harder to finish. It's very self-congratulatory, without actually putting any time into explaining what helped her overcome her drinking (besides vague allusions to swimming metaphors and "the bedouins"). She comes off as an extremely selfish and self-centered person, and her smug, dismissive attitude (towards the very end of the book) when she sees a man on a bus who she assumes is hungover, really disgusted me. I had to force myself to finish this, but it seems like the majority of people who read it did enjoy it, so at least she's getting the pats on the back and gold-stars that she's obviously looking for.
September 19, 2017
""I drink the way I used to swim: all or nothing. Truthfully, "nothing" was never an option. It was always "all.""
Nancy Stearns Bercaw is an alcoholic, swimming champion and expat living in Dubai. I can already tell we have some problems coming up. Nancy tells her courageous compelling story of her road to recovery in her memoir, DRYLAND: One Woman's Swim to Sobriety (GrandHarborPress).
Like a lot of alcoholics, Nancy never quite felt like she fit in. She started swimming at two years-old, and eventually was in the pool for a minimum of two hours, six days per week. But even when qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials in the fifty-meter freestyle event, she felt like a fish out of water. And once the fans stopped cheering, she was faced with a new challenge: trying to figure out who she was.
In DRYLAND, Nancy tells her story of roaming the world with her best friend, alcohol and how her dependence on drinking grew in order for her to face the day. Thirty-three years after her first sip of alcohol, while living in Dubai with her husband and son, Nancy realizes she's drowning in the desert.
I could completely relate to Nancy's story. Her narrative which includes her past, present and hopes for the future, draw upon her strength to face her demons and in the process, she discovers what it means to win at life. DRYLAND is a story which will inspire anyone, alcoholic or not.
Nancy Stearns Bercaw is an alcoholic, swimming champion and expat living in Dubai. I can already tell we have some problems coming up. Nancy tells her courageous compelling story of her road to recovery in her memoir, DRYLAND: One Woman's Swim to Sobriety (GrandHarborPress).
Like a lot of alcoholics, Nancy never quite felt like she fit in. She started swimming at two years-old, and eventually was in the pool for a minimum of two hours, six days per week. But even when qualifying for the 1988 Olympic Trials in the fifty-meter freestyle event, she felt like a fish out of water. And once the fans stopped cheering, she was faced with a new challenge: trying to figure out who she was.
In DRYLAND, Nancy tells her story of roaming the world with her best friend, alcohol and how her dependence on drinking grew in order for her to face the day. Thirty-three years after her first sip of alcohol, while living in Dubai with her husband and son, Nancy realizes she's drowning in the desert.
I could completely relate to Nancy's story. Her narrative which includes her past, present and hopes for the future, draw upon her strength to face her demons and in the process, she discovers what it means to win at life. DRYLAND is a story which will inspire anyone, alcoholic or not.
August 23, 2017
Mama Says:
If you like your memoirs steeped in humor and dressed in delicate subjects, you'll enjoy Dryland. Most of the TLC Book tours I sign up for are for fiction, but I like to mix it up once in a while and I'm so glad I signed up to read this stirring story.
Nancy Stearns Bercaw took us on a whirlwind exploration of her deep truths and dark moments, while giving us bits of inspiration and positivity. That is to say that this was very well balanced, and though it could have been very depressing, it never reached that place.
Her sense of humor and use of a more literary style made this memoir stand out from others, and much more enjoyable. I felt like I learned about so many more subjects than just swimming, or just alcoholism, or just being alive. It was not only informative, but also relatable, in a way I really didn't expect.
I'd absolutely read more by this author and hope that she explores the recesses of the human journey further. Thanks again to TLC Book tours and Grand Harbor Press for the review opportunity.
If you like your memoirs steeped in humor and dressed in delicate subjects, you'll enjoy Dryland. Most of the TLC Book tours I sign up for are for fiction, but I like to mix it up once in a while and I'm so glad I signed up to read this stirring story.
Nancy Stearns Bercaw took us on a whirlwind exploration of her deep truths and dark moments, while giving us bits of inspiration and positivity. That is to say that this was very well balanced, and though it could have been very depressing, it never reached that place.
Her sense of humor and use of a more literary style made this memoir stand out from others, and much more enjoyable. I felt like I learned about so many more subjects than just swimming, or just alcoholism, or just being alive. It was not only informative, but also relatable, in a way I really didn't expect.
I'd absolutely read more by this author and hope that she explores the recesses of the human journey further. Thanks again to TLC Book tours and Grand Harbor Press for the review opportunity.
May 29, 2017
The author is living in Abu Dhabi where she needs a certificate to prove she is a non-native that can purchase alcohol in a country that forbids it consumption. The former swimming champion finally faces the fact she is an alcoholic and has to stop drinking. The story jumps between her days training to become an Olympic level swimmer to those as a married woman, mother of a son, working in a foreign country. She used determination that helped her become a world-class athlete to deal with psychological and physical impediments to become sober.
I was randomly chosen through a Goodreads Giveaway to receive this book free from the publisher. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I was randomly chosen through a Goodreads Giveaway to receive this book free from the publisher. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
January 26, 2019
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I upgraded to the audio version. I am picking up more memoirs recently and was excited to win one. I have not read very many memoirs, but I hope ones I pick up in the future are as interesting as this one. I enjoyed getting to know Nancy through the years. I found the format of filling us in on her history mixed in with the present to be insightful as she did a great job of weaving in triggers in the present with stories of her past. In reading this, I felt like a close friend that she was sharing her secret inside thoughts with. I found myself worrying about her. I am glad she fought her way to sobriety and was willing to share such a personal journey.
April 20, 2017
Great read
I liked this book very much and in fact, I read it in 2 days straight. Nancy writes with such honesty and in specific detail. I could relate to her observations of expat life as I have been one for while. She also writes very well and I enjoyed her writing style as much as the story itself. I would consider using it in a life stories writing class that I teach. Well done, Nancy.
I liked this book very much and in fact, I read it in 2 days straight. Nancy writes with such honesty and in specific detail. I could relate to her observations of expat life as I have been one for while. She also writes very well and I enjoyed her writing style as much as the story itself. I would consider using it in a life stories writing class that I teach. Well done, Nancy.
April 28, 2017
Dryland is a fantastic memoir that is brave and is full of great stories. The author, Nancy Bercaw does not shy away from the mistakes in her life and her descriptions of her emotions, tribulations and strength she has found are honest and credible. This is one of the best descriptions of addiction I have come across, one that helps explain the compulsion and the effects on the author and those around her. She will have many adventures ahead and I hope to read more from this talented writer.
July 11, 2018
This is powerful memoir about addiction and sobriety and finding the strength to anchor yourself. I can't recommend it enough.
November 21, 2018
Nancy Stearns Bercaw knows how to tell a tale. She's swam, traveled, and worked in many parts of the world and, through it all, she drinks to excess. Now that she's in Abu Dhabi, she's decided it's high time to quit, and brings us along for the treacherous, heartbreaking journey. The book goes back and forth in time, from her present predicament in the middle east, to her days as a champion swimmer, Peace Corps volunteer, beach-seeker, newlywed, new mother, dance champion, and other assorted crazy adventures. Bercaw is a clever writer, tossing in analogies and allusions and metaphors and bon mots as if she keeps some spares in her pocket. She is beyond funny. Most importantly, she is sincere. There is nothing more enjoyable than reading a memoir filled with excruciatingly painful, yet exquisitely riveting, anecdotes. Bercaw hides nothing, and, for this, I am grateful. What great ride!
July 15, 2019
Many addiction memoirs focus primarily on the author's battle with the substance. This one, though, has a lot more going on: her life as an athlete, her relationship with her father and his Alzheimer's, her world-wide journeys and life living abroad. She also offers a sympathetic portrait of her experiences as an American living in the Middle East, something American literature can use more of. These topics, as well as writing and effective structure, kept me engrossed.
October 26, 2022
Interesting experiences to read about, especially about how to cope in life in the Middle East while recovering.
An example of how addiction can be overcome by finding that motivation which is unique to each individual.
An example of how addiction can be overcome by finding that motivation which is unique to each individual.
August 8, 2017
I have to tell you right up front that I don't drink alcohol. Not at all, ever. My biological father was an alcoholic and I remember learning about genetics and being predisposed to things like alcoholism in high school. It terrified me. The more I got to thinking about it the more I realized I likely would never know when I had crossed that line from casual drinker to alcoholic, can any addict tell you when they officially became that person? I didn't think it would be possible, to tip toe to that line and beat a genetic fate so I just never did it. I have friends who are in various stages of recovery, some who won't seek help, and even more who can casually drink and not let it become a problem. Truly, I think everyone can relate to this book.
Nancy is an accomplished swimmer from a young age, constantly trying to win at winning, and is also an alcoholic. The book follows her from present day living in Abu Dhabi, deep in the throes of addiction and mental illness, and her rise to greatness beginning as a child. The greatest part about this book is the way Nancy shares her story, while most of us can't relate to being a competitive swimmer or being an American in a foreign land, it doesn't matter. She is so raw, and so unflinchingly honest that you feel like you're talking to a friend confessing the rock bottom of her life. Her mission to just get a medication refill that turns into a medical journey that prompts her to make changes and embark on the hardest race of her life, sobriety.
Overall? I really enjoyed this book, a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Her life living in different countries, being a part of the Peace Corps, her childhood and seeking validation through success and achievements, and her life as an alcoholic, I think so many women will identify with her. It's a fast read, it's around 250 pages but I was able to fly right through it easily and quickly. And of course, if you are on the road to sobriety, I think you'll enjoy this and hopefully see this as a positive beacon of hope.
Nancy is an accomplished swimmer from a young age, constantly trying to win at winning, and is also an alcoholic. The book follows her from present day living in Abu Dhabi, deep in the throes of addiction and mental illness, and her rise to greatness beginning as a child. The greatest part about this book is the way Nancy shares her story, while most of us can't relate to being a competitive swimmer or being an American in a foreign land, it doesn't matter. She is so raw, and so unflinchingly honest that you feel like you're talking to a friend confessing the rock bottom of her life. Her mission to just get a medication refill that turns into a medical journey that prompts her to make changes and embark on the hardest race of her life, sobriety.
Overall? I really enjoyed this book, a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Her life living in different countries, being a part of the Peace Corps, her childhood and seeking validation through success and achievements, and her life as an alcoholic, I think so many women will identify with her. It's a fast read, it's around 250 pages but I was able to fly right through it easily and quickly. And of course, if you are on the road to sobriety, I think you'll enjoy this and hopefully see this as a positive beacon of hope.
August 16, 2017
Very hard going at first, reading how this driven, bright, successful athlete almost destroyed herself with alcohol but eventually got a grip. As she transitioned out of her high school/college swimming life and increased her drinking, it was probably her intellect (or sheer force of will) that allowed her to continue to hold teaching jobs while either hungover, depressed or inebriated. It was painful to witness the activities of her post-college years of being in the Peace Corps and working overseas as a teacher. As a young, attractive, single woman, she put herself in situations that had me raising my eyebrows. I thought I would recognize the expatriate lifestyle of heavy drinking on the weekends, but she was drinking every night, often by herself, and hiding the evidence from her husband. He's a saint for having stuck with her through it all. I enjoyed the fact that it was set in Abu Dhabi, but a more recent time, so she mentioned many places that did not exist when we lived there. As a memoir, it had an interesting construction, alternating between vignettes from her youth that brought us to the present (at a slower pace through time), and a single day where she is attempting to refill her anti-depression medication in a foreign country, and thereby facing how much her body has deteriorated as a result of alcohol. The one thing that wasn't fully explained was her need for the anti-depressants. I suspect that if I hadn't been an expat in Abu Dhabi myself, it might have been easier for me to focus on the fact that this memoir is the result of a successful climb out of a deep hole, and I applaud her for that. The expat angle added extra dimensions that made this read a much deeper experience.
August 22, 2022
I've read a few books about people overcoming alcoholism - both novels and memoirs. I don't have a drink problem myself, unless falling asleep after half a glass of wine counts as a problem, but I'm interested in accounts of great human achievement. Sometimes overcoming addiction can be as fascinating a read as climbing mountains or escaping political persecution.
The problem with this book is that it reads as much more of a homage to the author's drunken glory days than as a 'how to' guide to giving up the demon drink. It's a very long way into the book before she eventually decides to stop drinking and the process seems to be a lot easier than I would have expected. After decades of drinking unhealthy amounts, Bercaw seems to just go cold turkey, supported only by the love of her family. Can it really be that easy?
There are two great things about this book: she's a fantastic writer and she's not afraid to show her life in all its seedy and greedy shades. She travels the world doing good things with the Peace Corps whilst taking her pleasures hungrily. This isn't a book designed to make any reader think she was living a staid or average life. She's an all or nothing girl - whether that's swimming, drinking, sex or partying.
As an account of a life lived in technicolour through a haze of booze, it's great. As a guide to how to get your life back together after addiction, it's weak. At least we don't have to go through hundreds of pages of her preaching at us like a born-again sober person.
The problem with this book is that it reads as much more of a homage to the author's drunken glory days than as a 'how to' guide to giving up the demon drink. It's a very long way into the book before she eventually decides to stop drinking and the process seems to be a lot easier than I would have expected. After decades of drinking unhealthy amounts, Bercaw seems to just go cold turkey, supported only by the love of her family. Can it really be that easy?
There are two great things about this book: she's a fantastic writer and she's not afraid to show her life in all its seedy and greedy shades. She travels the world doing good things with the Peace Corps whilst taking her pleasures hungrily. This isn't a book designed to make any reader think she was living a staid or average life. She's an all or nothing girl - whether that's swimming, drinking, sex or partying.
As an account of a life lived in technicolour through a haze of booze, it's great. As a guide to how to get your life back together after addiction, it's weak. At least we don't have to go through hundreds of pages of her preaching at us like a born-again sober person.
September 1, 2017
Dryland was a relatively quick and easy read for me. I don't usually read a lot of nonfiction, when I received the invite from TLC Tours I felt this one had potential.
While living in Abu Dhabi the author finally come to terms with her addiction to alcohol and stops cold turkey. The story went back-and-forth in the time, from the day she made her decision to quit and then backtracks to her life story and how she got to where she was. So you really need to pay attention to the chapter dates to avoid confusion.
The traveling to different places was interesting and showed the different cultures the author was able to experience. I appreciate her honesty here and being so open, letting readers into all that she has been through. While I commend the author for her decision, she never really came out and said she was an alcoholic and my overall impression felt like it was too easy a thing to give up and realistically I am not sure that is the case normally. Showing more of the physical and mental struggles she went through would have really enhanced this memoir. But all in all a nice read.
Thanks to TLC tours and Netgalley for an e-book copy
While living in Abu Dhabi the author finally come to terms with her addiction to alcohol and stops cold turkey. The story went back-and-forth in the time, from the day she made her decision to quit and then backtracks to her life story and how she got to where she was. So you really need to pay attention to the chapter dates to avoid confusion.
The traveling to different places was interesting and showed the different cultures the author was able to experience. I appreciate her honesty here and being so open, letting readers into all that she has been through. While I commend the author for her decision, she never really came out and said she was an alcoholic and my overall impression felt like it was too easy a thing to give up and realistically I am not sure that is the case normally. Showing more of the physical and mental struggles she went through would have really enhanced this memoir. But all in all a nice read.
Thanks to TLC tours and Netgalley for an e-book copy
January 1, 2019
Defying the odds, finding the gods
Nancy Stearns Bearcaw was a competitive, elite swimmer until she graduated from college, when she started what was, in essence, another competitive sport involving liquids. But this time she swallowed them, alcoholic beverages of all kinds, whenever she could and whenever she wanted. She was a functioning alcoholic, successful in her career, until she took a good hard look at what she was doing (drowning her fear of the Alzheimer's disease that took both her father and his before him) and realized that she was not content to drink herself to death.
Told in back and forth in time increments, the reader finds him or herself living in Nancy's skin - at least I did, because she's such a gifted writer. I loved this book and appreciate her willingness to strip herself down to bare bones and share her story in this excellent book. Highly recommended.
Nancy Stearns Bearcaw was a competitive, elite swimmer until she graduated from college, when she started what was, in essence, another competitive sport involving liquids. But this time she swallowed them, alcoholic beverages of all kinds, whenever she could and whenever she wanted. She was a functioning alcoholic, successful in her career, until she took a good hard look at what she was doing (drowning her fear of the Alzheimer's disease that took both her father and his before him) and realized that she was not content to drink herself to death.
Told in back and forth in time increments, the reader finds him or herself living in Nancy's skin - at least I did, because she's such a gifted writer. I loved this book and appreciate her willingness to strip herself down to bare bones and share her story in this excellent book. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2023
You Can Sink or You Can Swim
This follows the journey of a middle aged woman’s journey to sobriety but it is much more than that as Becaw takes us on a journey through a fascinating life of travel, charity work and finding herself.
I loved the unapologetic, no nonsense prose in this book and thought the insight into being an emigre in so many different places was quite fascinating but it gives the book great depth and complexity.
If you’re looking for a book that explores individual experience over life’s trials and tribulations, then this is an interesting and easy read, but if you are looking for a book that has the answers as to how to escape addiction, this may not be the most useful for that. Though this book has such a profound and heart warming message: love conquers all!
This follows the journey of a middle aged woman’s journey to sobriety but it is much more than that as Becaw takes us on a journey through a fascinating life of travel, charity work and finding herself.
I loved the unapologetic, no nonsense prose in this book and thought the insight into being an emigre in so many different places was quite fascinating but it gives the book great depth and complexity.
If you’re looking for a book that explores individual experience over life’s trials and tribulations, then this is an interesting and easy read, but if you are looking for a book that has the answers as to how to escape addiction, this may not be the most useful for that. Though this book has such a profound and heart warming message: love conquers all!
July 11, 2018
Amazing Strength of Character
I enjoyed this read, it left me in awe of the places travelled and people met along a journey. Nancy's strength of willpower left me in awe and her self imposed discipline are true mind skills learnt early in life have held in good stead for all the interesting encounters she has had and will continue to do so. I love her father, his goal would make him proud with all she has managed to achieve via her swimming career, her work ethic, her writing career and being present now for her family. I wish her all the very best for what lays ahead and to Alan who has been a huge rock to have in your back pocket when you are not even sure yourself what your next step should be.
I enjoyed this read, it left me in awe of the places travelled and people met along a journey. Nancy's strength of willpower left me in awe and her self imposed discipline are true mind skills learnt early in life have held in good stead for all the interesting encounters she has had and will continue to do so. I love her father, his goal would make him proud with all she has managed to achieve via her swimming career, her work ethic, her writing career and being present now for her family. I wish her all the very best for what lays ahead and to Alan who has been a huge rock to have in your back pocket when you are not even sure yourself what your next step should be.
October 26, 2025
At first it felt weird and uncomfortable to be reading an alcoholics thoughts. I almost put the book down cuz I didn’t want to hear it
Then the story turned more to her life which was super interesting, she traveled the world, was an athlete, and experienced loss/love/joy/etc all while being an alcoholic
I appreciated how much traveling she does and the book covers it all, really interesting
When she finally gets sober it’s so special to hear how it changes her. You think it might feel bad and worry about withdrawals, or basically just the unknown for her. But she really begins feeling so much better and it’s very hopeful. I was glad I read this book.
I also appreciated the swimmer aspect of this story because I love swimmers
Then the story turned more to her life which was super interesting, she traveled the world, was an athlete, and experienced loss/love/joy/etc all while being an alcoholic
I appreciated how much traveling she does and the book covers it all, really interesting
When she finally gets sober it’s so special to hear how it changes her. You think it might feel bad and worry about withdrawals, or basically just the unknown for her. But she really begins feeling so much better and it’s very hopeful. I was glad I read this book.
I also appreciated the swimmer aspect of this story because I love swimmers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2018
This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but that isn't exactly a bad thing. I have a hard time with memoirs, they can be a hit or miss for me, depending on the interest I have in the person. I probably wouldn't have picked this up if I hadn't have won it in the giveaways but I sure am glad I won. I always like to read people's journey to sobriety but this book was actually more than that, it was a true memoir filled with travel and life experience, but sobriety and drinking just happened to be a part of it. As I said I wouldn't have picked this up myself but it was certainly worth the read and I'm glad I won it.
February 22, 2018
I like memoirs, and I liked this book until about halfway through or so. The last half dragged on a bit. She has some good insights into our alcohol drinking culture and just how soaked in alcohol we Americans are. I have to agree with her on those points. She jumps around in time with every chapter, and I found that to be a little tedious and hard to follow at times. I found it humorous that when she hit rock bottom with the drinking she talks about having all this fear while at the same time she was traveling and living in some dangerous places like Korea and the Middle East. Huh? Anyway, the book kept my attention ok but it was so so.
June 2, 2017
A memoir that was so fantastical with experiences at times it paced like fiction. The author's life is an interesting look into someone who has had a wealth of opportunity and experiences combined with tragedy. Her description of the evolution to choose sobriety is heartening. Also pretty eye opening to think about the ways/times/places that alcohol consumption is found when quitting drinking. Maybe not the book I thought I was going to read, but the journey in this book is enjoyable, thoughtful, and profound. I received my copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
June 21, 2017
A stunning look into the mind of a worldly nomad with a thirst for "more." How wonderful it was to read and vicariously live through the amazing adventures that Nancy experienced, while also battling demons that are common and relatable on so many levels. This book is a must-read for those who are struggling with addiction and/or sobriety, as well as for those who want a peek into places and cultures that they would otherwise not discover. An absolutely enthralling read!
April 26, 2021
3.5🌟. Memoir by a woman who was a world class swimmer in her youth. As an adult she lives in locations all over the world, first as a Peace Corps volunteer and eventually with her husband. They both are able to work in their fields in various locations. She finally begins to comes to terms with her own alcoholism and the rest of the story tells what she ultimately did about it and how it changed her life.
July 23, 2017
I received a free Kindle copy of this book through Goodreads. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. If you're looking for a book that goes deep into the struggle for sobriety, this is not it. If you might like hearing about a woman's world travels and her struggles with alcoholism as the underlying theme, you may find this intriguing as I did.
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