Swim to Me

by Betsy Carter

It's a fresh start for Delores Walker when she boards a Greyhound bus bound for Florida. Leaving the Bronx far behind, she's headed for sunny Weeki Wachee Springs, frayed roadside attraction in danger of becoming obsolete with the opening of Walt Disney's latest creation, only miles up the road. Always more suited for a life underwater, Delores joins a group of other aquatic hopefuls in this City of Live Mermaids, where she discovers a world of sequined tails and amphibious theme shows that even Disney couldn't dream up. It's in this fantastic place of make-believe and reinvention that Delores Walker becomes Delores Taurus, Florida's most unlikely celebrity.

Bringing together an eccentric assortment of outcasts, poseurs, and underdogs, this wise and poignant novel conjures up a time in America when anything was possible, especially in the Sunshine State. A story of family, chasing dreams and finding your way, Swim To Me will have you believing the impossible—even in mermaids from the Bronx.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mermaids, Adult, Book Club, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I am the author of the novel, Swim to Me, which was published in August 2007 by Algonquin Books who also published, The Orange Blossom Special in 2005. My memoir Nothing to Fall Back On was a national bestseller. I write for O: The Oprah magazine, Good Housekeeping, New York, Glamour and Hallmark, among others.
I was a reporter at Newsweek for nine years, and then served as the Editorial Director of Esquire magazine. I was the founding editor-in-chief of New York Woman as well as My Generation Magazine. I was also the Executive Editor of Harper’s Bazaar and editor-in-chief of New Woman magazine. I live in New York City. My novel, The Puzzle King, will be published by Algonquin Books in the fall of 2009.

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dec 17, 8am ~~ Review asap, but DNF after about 100 pages.

Dec 17, 11pm ~~ This book will catch your attention immediately in two ways.

The cover is beautiful, and the first sentence is impossible to ignore:
"She was two years old when her mother dropped her into the shallow end of a lake."

'She' is Delores Walker, who from that point on only feels at home when she is underwater.

So later when 13-year old Delores and her parents take a vacation to Florida and watch a mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs, Delores is entranced and dreams of becoming a mermaid herself.

But from that point on I rapidly lost interest. I wanted to see how Delores became a mermaid, and I lasted long enough for that. But I found it hard to believe that even a mother as incompetent as Mrs. Walker would have told her 16 year old daughter to leave home and take care of herself after Mr. Walker leaves the family. Delores had already been the adult of the house, tending to the After The Vacation baby West.

So when Mom gives her the ultimatum, Delores writes to the Springs, lies in her letter, steals some silver dollars from a bag she found while snooping in her Mother's closet, lies again to Mom that the Springs sent her a ticket and all she had to do was get to Florida and she would have a job. All of her lying bothered me and from then on I didn't care what Delores did. The book began to feel so ridiculous that I gave up.

But that cover is truly beautiful!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but 2 major things really bothered me. I think the author could have completely left out the toy clown, Otto. He was annoying and not necessary to the plot. Also, what happened to the ending. It must have been swallowed up by Otto. It just sort of stopped and hung there. I kept checking the pages left to see if I was missing something. All and all, this was a very enjoyable read minus Otto. It was like taking a warm bath in some Florida sunshine.

[Sonia Reppe · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars. The bulk of this novel takes place in 1972. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE TOLD Betsy Carter that WALT DISNEY DIED in 1966. He wouldn't have been alive to comment on Weeki Wachi! It was a fast read, so I kept going, but I didn't care for the rudimentary prose. Not just the prose, but the plot and the characters also were under-developed. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. Maybe because the point of view kept jumping between so many of them. The good things are that it's clean, (G-rated) and has a happy ending. But some things in the plot are so unbelievable. At one point there is a severe storm, which threatens to become a hurricaine, so people are told to evacuate their homes. Yet when the weather channel people get to the location by the ocean, there is a "little boy playing in the surf"! During a hurricaine? And while the dad is close by? So, he gets swept out and then saved, but we aren't told how he happened to be out "playing" in the first place. So Ok, but the book brings the boy and father back to the news channel for an interview the next day, and we still aren't told why they were out there in the first place! Because we needed a dramatic rescue, that's why.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy Carter is one of those authors whose books seem deceptively simple. Delores leaves her stifling Bronx apartment and her sad frustrated mother and goes to Florida to become a weekie Wachie mermaid at 17.As a period marker, Walt Disney World is just becoming popular in another part of Florida.
The roles of women are explored within the mermaid troupe and the character of Delores's mother is wonderfully complex. But the eccentric director of Weekie Wachie is a character I'd love to see portrayed in a movie by a good female character actor, such as Lillie Tomlin.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a simple, but delicate story. An easy read, but gave you food for thought afterwards. It was a growing up story for all the characters, even the parents. It has a good feel to it. The main character, Delores, is so grown up for a young age, but she also is young in a way that she still doesn't understand her family completely and the fact that she confides in a puppet named Hugo. I believe the only reason that she didn't leave her family for her dream job and never look back, keeping whatever meager salary she got for herself, is first because of the devastation she thought it would cause her mother, and because of her little brother, Westie.

Later on in the book after Delores had left and became very successful, she returned to her family and I personally thought that a mother should never even think about doing just what she did, but if she didn't, I wouldn't think I liked that outcome either.

The book isn't really romantic, she has a romantic past (Which takes up only 1 paragraph to tell the wonderful love story of Delores and Henry from the YMCA.) , she has a romantic future with an acne-attacked face (I guess 1972 is before Proactiv and other acne ridding medicine is invented?) and a rumor of having a mature relationship with a dude that works on the news in Tampa.

Overall, the mermaids have made me want to watch "The Little Mermaid" again and again and go to the pool and pretend to be a mermaid.

[Tamara Elias · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book for two reasons. 1) I was looking for a book--that was an interesting, easy read--to recommend to my book club and 2) I grew up in San Diego and, when I was a little girl, dreamed of being a mermaid like the ones I saw swimming with dolphins at Sea World.



I enjoyed this book, until the very end, which was ambiguous. If you want your stories neatly wrapped up, then this book is not for you. If you don't mind that the ending is somewhat left to interpretation, then I would reccomend this book.



I loved the unique story line. I thought it was well written.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was WEIRD... just weird. It was very poorly written, and most of the time, I found myself not caring about what happens. I do have to give it more than one star, though, because it's kind of about a synchronized swimmerish... in that she wasn't technically a synchronized swimmer... but she kind of was. If you're not a synchronized swimmer you shouldn't read this book... you'll think it's stupid. If you are... yeah, you probably still don't need to read it.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this might be kind of a fun summer read, but it was really sort of a sad story about a family whose members who grow and become better people when they're apart rather than together. The most interesting part of the whole thing was finding out that the kitschy Florida tourist attraction where the story is based is an actual place! I had more fun Googling stuff about that than actually reading the book.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really easy read, but I did enjoy. Not great writing and it seemed to end without resolving some issues, but that may have been the point.

The book takes place in 1972 in Florida at Weeki Wachi Springs (which is a real place)where 16 yr old Dolores has landed after leaving NY City to follow her dream of becoming a mermaid. She leaves behind her overworked mother and toddler brother. Her father left them recently and she has no idea where he ended up until a little later in the book.


I think I found it interesting for two reasons; I visited Disney World in 1973 and one of my favorite coming of age movies back then was "Where the Boys are" (George Hamilton)which has a mermaid show in one of the restaurants where Frank Gorshin (the Riddler from the old Batman tv shows) is fascinated by the mermaids. Very silly.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weeki Wachi Springs was the vacation destination that Delores Walker would never forget: a place devoted to living "mermaids."

When Delores's father walks out on her family, she remembers WWS and decides to apply for a job. Leaving the Bronx for Tampa, FL, Delores leaves an unhappy family situation and starts anew. At WWS, Delores shines, with her combination of strong swimming skills and irresistible good looks.

And just when Delores's life is looking up, an unexpected family reunion changes her life again.

This is a fun, breezy read. I enjoyed the author's use of setting (Weeki Wachi Springs), and I loved Delores.

10/9/07

[Sandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a light read--something fun, and that's what this is. I picked it up at the library because I loved the cover and the blurb sounded interesting enough to give it a try. Set in the early 70's, a teenager from the Bronx goes to Florida to be a Mermaid performer at a water park. Nothing earth-shattering here, but it was entertaining...

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this coming of age novel wound around living out a childhood fantasy. Knowing the "mermaids" were and still are "real" gave the book a grounded quality... As if it could have been a memoir of any one of the teenage swimmers from that era. I found the ending a bit too "open" and unfinished, but a delightful, quick, well written read.

[Hannah Malaby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was tough for me to get through. The story line stayed pretty flat consistently from beginning to end and the ending left much to be desired. That being said, it was an endearing story filled with a young girls growth, just could have used a more developed plot

[Angie Fehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Bronx native Delores Walker first experiences Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Show roadside attraction while on a family road trip when she's just fourteen. By the age of sixteen, she's invited to join the show herself. It's the 1970s, her father has recently walked out on the family, and young Delores eagerly accepts the position but it doesn't take long for her the grittier side of this whole new world she's now a member of. Still a teenager, Delores -- now going by the stage name Delores Taurus --- is already having to deal with lewd men licking the glass at her shows.

Though the cast of ladies brings together a variety of backgrounds, a kind of sisterhood naturally forms, strengthened by the Womens' Lib movement of the era. Behind them all is Thelma, who seems rough on the swimmers but the story later reveals she does truly care about them and has their backs, even if her concern comes out a little on the gruff side. Though she's sometimes left in a tough position when it comes to the business side of things, Thelma does her best to battle sexism against her mermaids. There's also some time spent on Delores's relationship with her father, his anger issues, and Delores's struggle with her mother sometimes being petty and manipulative.

The whole plot is wrapped around a behind the scenes look at a mermaid show, making it a strong pick for summertime reading. Plot moves a little slow at times, but the bonds between the ladies keeps the pace enjoyable even when the action might lag here and there. As far as individual character development, a number of them start out pretty good but many of the characters are not quite fleshed out enough IMO.

In the end, the main theme looks at the idea of everyone having their little secrets and the common thread of everyone having the temptation to start fresh from time to time, that sometimes meaning a new approach to their identity. You might not be able to change where you originally came from, but each day is an opportunity to move one step closer to who you want to be. Story's end resolution is a little weak, but I still had a good time on the ride.

[The Dusty Jacket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delores Walker remembers the moment her mother drops her into the shallow end of a lake. She was just two, but she vividly recalls the water, its temperature, plunging breathless into the water’s depths, and struggling to resurface. It was heaven. Twelve years later, she travels to Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida with her mother and father. It’s 1970 and the mermaids of Weeki Wachee perform a tribute to Apollo 11. They spin, twirl, dive, and glide, and Delores is fascinated and enthralled by these amazing creatures in the water. Now at sixteen, she boards a Greyhound bus to Florida with a suitcase, a handful of silver dollars, a letter from Weeki Wachee, and a dream of being a mermaid.

This book is a loving tribute to those wonderfully glorious quirky, kitschy, and sometimes tacky roadside attractions that are a part of our rich and unique history and culture. I totally immersed myself in this novel and loved reading about these aquatic darlings and their lives both in and out of the tank. Carter ensures a well-rounded story by giving equal attention to Delores; her struggling and self-absorbed mother, Gail; and her absentee and apathetic father, Roy. By offering readers a deeper insight into each of these characters separately, we gain a clearer understanding of their own personal thoughts, feelings, and struggles.

More than a loving wink and nod to days gone by, Swim to Me is a book about endings and new beginnings; about not being defined or confined by your present situation; and about taking what’s given to you and making the absolute most of it.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel both heartbreaking and funny with a touch of whimsy. Working as a teenage mermaid at a popular Florida attraction, the reader follows Delores' journey as she searches for her place in the world. Not only Delores and her friends, but the adults scattered throughout the novel are also still trying to find their niche in the world.

I liked the beginning the best when Delores was the main focus of the story although I didn't mind getting to know her parents and Thelma Foote better. But the book went slightly off the rails when the circus entered into the equation. At that point the story grew a little too far-fetched and ridiculous for me. I did, however, enjoy the digs thrown Disney World's way by the circus owner.

The ending seemed entirely ambiguous. I took it to mean that Delores metaphorically swam away toward her future. But I had a moment of horror when realizing a reader could also interpret it quite literally. And that Delores truly ran away with her little brother or, worse, drowned them both.

The first half of the book was a 5, the second half with the circus and less focus on Delores probably a 2 or 3.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book…some parts were a little disjointed and the storyline was not super smooth and had a abrupt ending BUT the background of Weeki Wachee is was made me enjoy this book…

As a adult I was lucky enough to go to “Sirens of the Sea,” basically adult Mermaid Camp where I swam with a tail in the springs and amphitheater with a dozen other magnificent women. My husband came to watch and he also had fond memories as a young boy coming to see the mermaids perform as well as the circus wintering in FL and his grandma taking him to see the elephants parade back into town after their touring. It was taught by original, older Mermaids from years before who had terrific ..tales ( 😏) to tell of their experiences. It was several days of just being surrounded by strong, assured older women from all walks of life and it remains one of the best things I have been a part of in my adult life. 🧜🏼‍♀️

[Sharon Delevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun. About the real life Mermaids of Wicki Watchee, Florida, this book gives us Delores, practically born in water, who knew she wanted to be a mermaid from the moment she saw them in Florida as a child. She joins this group of young women (really, girls; Delores is 17 when she joins them) and swims and performs and grows up.

The Wicki Watchee Mermaids are an actual thing, even today, though the novel takes place in the 1970's. You can feel the 1970's vibe in the novel. But my favorite part were the characters and how they interacted with each other. Definitely made me want to be a Mermaid.

[Katie O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun combo of grit and hope in a super-quirky melange of settings (Brookly, Weeki Wachi Springs). I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for things to take a dark twist. Yet while nothing is simple for anyone, the reading experience is comfortably engaging. A wide cast of characters to care about - most with realistic foibles and dreams. Some sweet, some smarmy. Great dialogue and beautifully organic plot twists - both large and small. Integrity, family, ambition, and redeeming loss are key themes. And who doesn't love mermaids and elephants?

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book with an interesting premise. It started out strong and then slowed down. I’m not sure why but it bogged down in the middle, maybe because nothing was really happening. It sped up a bit again at the end when the characters began to interact again.

This could have been a somewhat serious novel about a girl who left home to chase her dream at an odd place. Or it could have been a story of a quirky 60s tourist attraction. I wish the author would have chosen one path instead of trying to do both.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a perfect summer read. And it was just ok.
Delores' mom and dad don't love each other very much. So when her dad walks out on the family when Delores is 16, she decides to swim with the mermaids in Weeki Wachee, Florida. As she slowly gains confidence, Delores marched a life for herself, never forgetting about her younger brother Westie, still in New York York their mother.

[Leah Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

What was that ending?! I was truly enjoying this book until the last 20 pages or so when I realized there was still so much left of the story and it left me hanging without much closure. Hyped up this new show to barely explain anything about it. Didn't explain what happened after or anything. Little upset about that. This was a good book until it just ended. I had to check the book to make sure there wasn't pages missing. 💔

[Rrshively · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a romance but a book about a sixteen-year-old girl who joins a mermaid show in Florida in the early '70's. Her experiences there help her mature. Included in her story are her mother who changes her cleaning lady life, her father who ran out on them but ends up as a circus roustabout nearby, her toddler brother whom she loves, the various people at the mermaid show, and an ambitious small TV station owner.

[Linda Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and parts made you think it would have some depth but it didn’t. I had mixed feelings about it. Most of the people were dysfunctional and since it had been promoted by Oprah, I should have known. I liked it up to the part when the circus entered the story. The last part of the book fell apart in an attempt to have a happy ending and then the ending left you hanging.

[Sue Bou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and easy read— hopeful and optimistic. Exactly what I needed! I liked the characters— a clumsy girl who years for something more and the people she meets along the way. A kindness extended here and there, a lesson learned and acted on. A refreshing break.

[Maribeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eternal themes of reinvention run throughout this book. I really enjoyed the setting. I am interested in Weeki Watchee springs and my niece (6) is sure she's a mermaid. Swimming provides an avenue for escape. Some broken family vibes too, her father joins the circus. Overall, I enjoyed it.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was particularly evocative of its place and time period, and the characters were pure joy to read. I loved the concept as well. Recommended!

[Susan White-Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best written book but an interesting story.

[David Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange book. In places it was great, in others it was terrible. Hated the ending: it didn't end, it just faded away. All the questions left unanswered.

[Yvonne Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book