Customer Reviews

In Lane Three, Alex Archer

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At twelve years old, Alex begins thinking that she might be a good enough swimmer to represent New Zealand in the Olympics in 1960, when she is sixteen. Juggling high school, other extracurricular activities, and competitive swimming is tough, though. It becomes especially tough when Maggie, who has been competing since she was two, moves nearby and begins training at Alex's pool. Maggie has an overbearing mother and an absolute dedication to swimming that means she mostly wins her events against Alex. Alex remains certain that she will be able to come out on top at the Olympic trials, though.

As that time comes closer, Alex becomes less and less certain of herself, and she finds herself getting more and more overwhelmed by the events in her life. Will she be able to set everything aside in order to focus on what may be the most important swim of her life?

This was a decent story about swimming and about the pressures of high school, which haven't really changed all that much in the last forty years. However, I was disappointed by the predictability of the storyline with Andy. On the second page of the prologue, before we had even officially met him, I already knew exactly what happened. It was a letdown when my suspicions ended up being true.

Unlike many of the customers reviewing this book, I am not a swimmer. As far as I can tell, this book can and should be read by anyone no matter what you are interested in! It has everything you could want in a book; drama, comedy, and most importantly, an intrigueing story! Like another reviewer, this is the first book I have ever read that made me cry. I could, and probably will, read this book many times through without tiring of it. I encourage EVERYONE, not only swimmers, to read this wonderful, exciting, and beautifully written book.

I am 12 years old and I chose theis book to read after reading the back cover in library and reconizing that it was a movie I had seen recently on T.V.. I enjoyed reading even after I had seen the movie. I would highly recommend this to any person any age.

I just want to tell anybody who hasn't read this book that they have never seen a great author at her best! Tessa Duder, you have really inspired me with your work. I love to read and hope that maybe I become a writer one day. A book never seemed to touch me as much as your did though. I thank you for your effort to writing this book. Thanx a million!

This is a great book for a teen swimmier. I myself am 12 years old and a swimmer and read this book last year. It encoarages you to fight through to the last stroke. It really gives a realization of the dedication it takes to go to the Olympics even after losing a loved one. I love this book and encourage you to read this book.

This book was a great book. If you are a swimmer you can relate to all the training and the time you have for everything else. If you have ever dreamed of going to the Olympics this book shows you what you have to need and go through. Alex shows courage and faith in this book. The book also gives examples of a swimmer's friendships and dreams. "In Lane Three, Alex Archer" is a really good book, it tells the story of a swimmer's life when she is training and trying to have fun.

I read this book over and over again. It's well-written and handles emotions more complex than most books for this age group.

I have almost ruined this book! I have cried all over the pages, gripped it tightly in excitement, and read it so many times that the spine is very broken in. I noticed many reviews were made by younger readers. I am a college student, and I love it at my age also. It grabs onto emotions you didn't know you had! I love it! It's beautifully written and inspiring!

I loved this book because the characters are so real and you really can relate to Alex Archer. As a swimmer myself, it is really hard to find good books about swimming that aren't really cheesy and lame. The only other author who seems to do this well is Chris Cruncher in the book Stotan!. I give this book 5 stars, and recomend it to everyone who has ever been a swimmer.

I am 14 years old and I chose this book to read from my library in my school.At first I wasn't happy with the idea of having to do a book-report on a book with a swimmer.Then,after I read the 0utstanding,Stupendous,Marvelous book i changed my mind.This is the first book I have ever read that actually made me cry.The agony of losing Andy in the horrible car wreck was truly heart wrenching. I think every one should read this book for support,understanding,and just for a good read.=)