The Three-Year Swim Club

"A brightly told story of the triumph of underdogs... exuberant, well-researched...tense, vivid, and inspiring."

"If the basis for the book doesn't sound amazing enough, how the story unfolds--Japan vying for the Olympic games, Pearl Harbor being bombed, WWII changing the world forever--allows the story and characters to evolve in uplifting and heartbreaking ways...it is evident that Checkoway's ability to set a scene is uncanny and accomplished...Depicting determination, discrimination, hope, anguish, hard work, and hard choices, Checkoway has created a sports history that is singular in its own right, and a fitting testament to the over 200 youths who swam for many reasons toward one goal: 'Olympics First! Olympics Always.'"

"Remarkable real-life account...about as underdog as it gets."

"An inspiring true tale of grit and determination... Checkoway skillfully weaves vivid scenes into a larger narrative with a varied cast of characters to create a stirring, though exhaustive, account ...Pair this with The Boys in the Boat."

"This story of one (at first) seemingly unremarkable man and his effect on camp children and the world of swimming is both inconceivable and dazzling. You won't want to miss it."

"This captivating nonfiction, featuring engaging individuals and portraying a tumultuous time in history, chronicles Hawaii's second golden age of swimming. Sports and history enthusiasts will enjoy this title as much as book clubs and general readers."

"Checkoway carefully weaves together facts into a sweeping historical tapestry."

"Checkoway's story of youthful perseverance will earn a place on the shelf with The Boys in the Boat."

"Save the story she has, through exhaustive research and sparkling prose."

"[A] reverent tale...Through meticulous research, Checkoway brings crisp focus to a fuzzy time in American history...The book carries hints of The Boys in the Boat...Checkoway stays true to her salvage mission. She unearths characters flawed and fetching and shines an unflinching light on race and class...glorious storytelling and a triumphant, unpredictable finish."

"Shows that sometimes all you need to start something epic is a dream."

"Checkoway takes on an incredible story of overcoming obstacles and defying the odds...poignant."

"This story of one (at first) seemingly unremarkable man and his effect on camp children and the world of swimming is both inconceivable and dazzling. You won't want to miss it."

"A good and graceful writer."

"A made-for-the-screen story."

"Exceptionally well-researched and well-written."

"A wild, improbable story that makes for popular Hollywood movies but rarely happens in real life. But this story's real."

"This true story is entertaining and absorbing and good for the soul."

"A classic underdog story...Had [Checkoway] not written this book, their exact story might have never been told, but instead, American swimming's most fascinating chapter gets the shine it deserves."

"Lively, at times history reading more dramatic than fiction...surprises wait in both the pool and in the story of these remarkable characters."