
Learning to Swim: A Novel
by Shayla Dugan
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Pub Date May 01 2024 | Archive Date Mar 30 2024
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Description
A humorous and heartfelt book about the complicated relationship between a mother, a daughter, and a grandmother.
Gabrielle Malone shows up on her mother’s Arizona doorstep with nothing more than a few belongings, her teenage daughter, and a car with no air conditioning (don’t ask). The rest she left behind—her house, everything she owned, and her ex-husband. Her estranged mother Ida, a former Olympic swimmer and current chain smoker, needs her help after a significant health scare. Gabrielle hopes this is their relationship’s opportunity for a fresh start, and a new beginning for her too.
Thirteen-year-old Juniper feels stranded at an old lady’s house she barely knows. She’s frustrated that her mom uprooted their entire life for a strange place and misses her dad. Forced to attend the pointless last week of school, she embarrasses herself on the first day and is certain she’ll never make friends again. As if that weren’t bad enough, her mother’s nightly binge-eating and cry sessions are concerning to say the least.
Ida is her own woman, resenting being tethered to the oxygen hoses winding through her house. She looks darn good in the old, framed cigarette ads on her wall, holding her gold swimming medal. Heck, she still looks good. Her neighbor Morton certainly thinks so. She had one little health scare. What’s the big deal? Heart surgery. It’s coming for her. She knows it but likes to pretend she doesn’t.
Ida is shocked to learn her own granddaughter can’t swim. The one legacy she had hoped would carry on for generations is at stake. While her health certainly limits her activities, she knows she must teach the skill that brought her a lifetime of pride. Gabrielle may have laughed at the idea of her frail mother getting back into the pool, but that’s exactly what Ida would do. Teach her to swim.
Learning to Swim is a coming of age novel about three women in different stages of life mending relationships. Shayla Dugan’s debut family drama book is a delightful read full of insight, wisdom, and wit.
Available Editions
ISBN | 9781956498066 |
PRICE | |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

Learning to Swim is a wonderful story that explores the complexities of family relationships. Through the lens of Gabrielle, Juniper, and Ida, readers are treated to a tale of love, forgiveness, and second chances. What I appreciated most about this book is its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant. As someone who values stories about family dynamics, I found myself drawn to the authentic portrayal of the ups and downs of mother-daughter relationships. Learning to Swim is a great read that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling uplifted by the power of love.

Hey there, bookworms! Get ready to dive into the pool of family drama with Learning to Swim: A Novel! Picture this: a spunky mom, a sassy grandma, and a bewildered teenager all trying to navigate the choppy waters of life under one roof. From laugh-out-loud moments to heartwarming revelations, this book has it all. Whether you're a fan of witty dialogue, touching moments, or just a darn good story, "Learning to Swim" has something for everyone. So grab your floaties and get ready for a wild ride with Gabrielle, Juniper, and Ida—you won't want to miss it!

What sets "Learning to Swim" apart is its exploration of the transformative power of empathy and connection. As Emma and Tommy navigate their shared journey of healing, they learn valuable lessons about love, forgiveness, and the importance of reaching out to others in times of need.
Overall, "Learning to Swim: A Novel" is a beautifully written and deeply moving story that will tug at the heartstrings of readers. With its compelling narrative and authentic portrayal of the human experience, it is a book that resonates long after the final page is turned. Shayla Dugan has crafted a powerful tale that reminds us of the healing power of compassion and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Three generations of women, each with their own stress and upheavals, are brought together when the grandmother, Ida, needs heart surgery. Ida still sees herself as the Olympic butterfly swimmer that she once was, despite the need for oxygen. (I did the research for you: the Butterfly was first swum in the 1956 Olympics.) Gabby, in the middle of the sandwich generation, is close to finalizing her divorce and really just lost. How is she going to take care of her mother when she thinks the woman doesn't even like her? And then Juniper who is forced to change states and schools 3 weeks before the end of the school year. There is a lot going on in this book and Ms. Dugan weaves together all the stories, emotions, and relationship history so very well! Each character has their own unique voice and as the point of view shifts, I could feel myself relate to the narrator only to have the same thing happen when it shifted again! I will admit the resolution was a bit sappy for me, but not eye-rolling sappy. And, honestly, it fit the story instead of feeling forced. This will be a great beach or lazy afternoon read! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Dugan!

I didn’t expect that I would love this story like I did. This was such a beautiful heartwarming story. Highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley and Egret Lake Books for this arc

This isn't my usual read but I wanted to explore the family dynamics and I found it a really heart-warming and easy read overall.

I loved it. It is a very well written, moving and heartwarming story of three strong women who happen to be the three generations of a family. I love reading about the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship and I also love older characters in books. This novel gave me all that and much more. I was really sorry when itended and I had to say goodbye to Ida, Gabrielle and Juniper. I will look out for the next books of the author. I can recommend it to everyone. You are in for a treat.
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