Oxygen for the Swimmer [Paperback]

Alexandria Mangas (Author), Janet Hommel Mangas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 23, 2009

Oxygen for the Swimmer provides that extra breath of encouragement to head you back to the lane for one more lap. Whether you are a breaststroker, backstroker, freestyler, or butterflyer, and whether you are 6 or 106, you'll find the stories in this book insightful and inspiring.

"Oxygen for the Swimmer is definitely a breath of encouragement." ~Sheila Taormina, Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming, World Champion in the triathlon, and World Cup Standings leader in the pentathlon.

"Oxygen for the Swimmer is full of life stories that talk about victories, struggles, defeats, relationships, values, lessons learned, and how your faith grows through these experiences. Swimming is a reflection of life in many ways. You learn who you are, you learn what is important, and you learn that you are never really alone. I recommend this book to everyone. You will find it both entertaining and uplifting." ~Kurt Hass, Franklin College Swim and Dive Team Coach, seven-time winner of the Indiana High School Coach of the Year.

"Oxygen for the swimmer reminded me why I swim - to give glory to God! It was a great encouragement." ~Melody White, collegiate swimmer at California Polytechnic State University

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

When Alexandria Mangas started on her book as a high school sophomore, she had no idea how it would come together. She didn't dream that cartoonist Cuyler Black would give her permission to use one of his works in "Oxygen for the Swimmer". She had no idea that Paralympian Jessica Long would have time before Beijing to write and submit a story. And Mangas wouldn't have an inkling that Swimming Gold Medalist and 2008 Bejing Pentathlete would submit a story and endorse her book.

But it did come together and was released by Xulon Press, a week before her high school graduation. Mangas' book, a compilation of encouraging swim stories is a book written for swimmers or swimming wanna-be's that are 8-108. From age-group swimmer to collegiate swimmers, to master swimmers, there is a little encouragment for everyone.

Endorsements came from former Franklin High School swim and dive coach and presently Franklin College Coach Kurt Hass. Standout Center Grove HIgh School Swimmer Melody White, who now swims for Cal Poly-Tech also gave Oxygen for the Swimmer high reviews.

From the Author

Top Five Reasons Swim Coaches/Parents and Swim Competitors should purchase "Oxygen for the Swimmer -- A Breath of Encouragement":

1) "Oxygen for the Swimmer" is a creative gift for "swimmer of the week." 2) It's a great encouragement for surviving "hell week training." 3) It's a useful end of the season gift for the entire team. 4) By writing a note inside the book, it's a personalized birthday gift for each individual swimmer. 5) It's written by swimmers for swimmers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Xulon Press (April 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607916037
• ISBN-13: 978-1607916031
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,591,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars From the perspective of a non-swimmer, June 28, 2009

By 

Michelle R. Wright (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oxygen for the Swimmer (Paperback)

A fantastic and inspiring book! I am not a swimmer, but found encouragement on every page for navigating life's calm and tumultuous waters. I laughed and cried my way through this page-turning collection of stories told from below the surface of the pool to the deck to the stands. I was especially moved by the narratives of those who had overcome great obstacles, whether physical or mental, to rise above, meet their challenges head-on and give glory to God for His faithfulness and deliverance.

Some of my favorite moments:

"And when I begin to struggle I remember: Use what I have, not that which I have missing." (p. 30)

"Phoebe had learned the lesson we must all learn. Whether you finish first or last - always, always, always finish strong." (p. 59)

"Perhaps God's telling me it's enough to help others learn how to get to the other side of the pool." (p. 83)

"Actually, I've come to realize life's pain has driven me to a lifesaving dependence on God, my Maker." (p.108)

5.0 out of 5 stars Oxygen For The Swimmer, June 16, 2009

By 

Brian Pastor "Brian" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oxygen for the Swimmer (Paperback)

Oxygen For The Swimmer is a delightful compilation of inspiring stories written by youthful beginners to Olympic champions. Not only is it a wonderful read for the water logged but also for we land lovers. God's presence can be felt within all 130 pages. A mother - daughter masterpiece. Five stars in my book.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lack's Substance, October 26, 2009

By 

L. Holter (Fort Collins, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oxygen for the Swimmer (Paperback)

I'm a masters swimmer. I have two kids that are age group swimmers. I'm also a Christian who is heavily involved in my church. When I ordered this book, I thought it was going to be perfect for me. Instead, I found the stories flat and lifeless. It was as if the author held an essay contest and then didn't get the number of entries she had hoped...and published the best of what she did receive.

Highly disappointed in this book. I think I could probably write something better.