Find a Way by Diana Nyad

Find a Way by Diana Nyad is an inspiring memoir that chronicles the author's extraordinary journey to achieve her lifelong dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida. Nyad, a world-class swimmer, made history in 2013 when, at the age of 64, she became the first person to swim the treacherous 110-mile stretch from Havana to Key West without a shark cage. The book not only tells the story of that historic swim but also reflects on her life's challenges, both in and out of the water.

The narrative is divided into two main themes: Nyad’s quest to accomplish her Cuba-to-Florida swim and her reflections on the lessons she learned throughout her life. She recounts her early passion for swimming and her struggles in her professional career, as well as her previous failed attempts at the Cuba-to-Florida swim, which took place over several decades. Each attempt came with its own set of obstacles—physical exhaustion, jellyfish stings, and the limitations of her body—but Nyad’s determination never wavered. Her persistence, optimism, and belief in her ability to achieve the seemingly impossible are central themes of the book.

Through vivid storytelling, Find a Way explores the power of human resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks. Nyad describes her long, grueling swims, the immense physical and mental endurance required, and the incredible support system she had from her team, who played a crucial role in her success. The book also reflects on the inner journey of self-discovery, the mental toughness needed to overcome fears, and the profound emotional and philosophical insights she gained along the way.

Nyad’s journey is not just about swimming; it’s about the power of never giving up on one’s dreams, regardless of age or obstacles. Her story is one of breaking barriers, challenging the limits of what is possible, and proving that it is never too late to achieve something great. Not only did she stop swimming for decades, but she picked up the sport again with gusto and perseverance. Among the many roadblocks that did not stop her goals were life-threatening jellyfish, sharks, storms, and the pressure from everyone around her to give up. Surely, this was not humanly possible, and certainly not by an Older Woman!

In our book club discussion, we focused on the keys to her success, both internal and external. What traits does a person need to have to accomplish a feat like this? How much did selfishness play in her success? Could she have done it without being selfish or egotistical? We also discussed the validity of her swim, with some in the swimming community believing she cheated or didn't complete it unassisted. Generally, our group really enjoyed the book. It was very inspirational, particularly to see a woman (and someone who is technically a senior citizen) accomplishing a goal that younger folks could not. The perseverance was unmatched!

Fortunately, this also has a movie associated with it! So, we piled up together with snacks and enjoyed the film, featuring Anette Bening and Jodie Foster. If you don't have time to read the book, the movie is certainly worth a watch.

Group mean rating: 8.8/10