This book tells the story of Sarah Gerhardt, who began surfing at a young age in Hawaii and became the first woman to conquer the Mavericks surf break in 1999. It highlights her determination and perseverance in a male-dominated sport. The book is beautifully illustrated by Sophie Diao and includes a timeline of the history of women in surfing.
In American Chinatown, Bonnie Tsui delves into the vibrant stories of Chinatowns across the U.S., exploring their history, culture, and significance to both their inhabitants and the broader American landscape. The book offers a personal and insightful look at these communities, highlighting their unique experiences and contributions to American society.
In 'Why We Swim,' Bonnie Tsui examines the multifaceted relationship humans have with water. The book is propelled by stories of Olympic champions, a Baghdad swim club, modern-day Japanese samurai swimmers, and an Icelandic fisherman who survived a six-hour swim after a shipwreck. Tsui, a swimmer herself, investigates what it is about water that seduces us and why we return to it repeatedly. She explores the therapeutic, communal, and transformative aspects of swimming, drawing from personal experiences, historical contexts, and scientific insights. The book is a cultural history of humankind’s relationship with bodies of water, highlighting the benefits and dangers of swimming and its impact on human behavior and well-being.
In 'On Muscle', Bonnie Tsui explores the significance of muscle in human life, delving into its role in physical and mental health, cultural perceptions of beauty, and personal narratives of strength and endurance. The book combines science, culture, and immersive reporting to redefine our understanding of muscle and its impact on our lives. Tsui shares stories from her childhood and encounters with remarkable individuals, such as the first female weightlifter to lift the Scottish Dinnie Stones.
This book recounts Cathy Freeman's journey from a little girl who loved to run to a world champion athlete. It includes her experiences growing up in a loving family, her relationship with her severely disabled sister who inspired her, and her rise to the top in athletics. The book also touches on the challenges she faced, including racism and personal losses, and how she overcame them through hard work, self-belief, and the support of her family. The narrative is honest and simple, making it relatable to young readers. The book is accompanied by black and white photos, some of which are family shots, adding a personal touch to the story[2][4].
What moves you through the world? In the most literal sense, it's the same answer for all of us: muscle.
In On Muscle, Bonnie Tsui brings her signature blend of science, culture, immersive reporting, and personal narrative to examine not just what muscles are - but what they mean to us.
Bonnie attended Harvard University, where she rowed crew, snowboarded, and studied American literature. She came to surfing in her late 20s after relocating to California.
Today, Bonnie lives, swims, and surfs in the Bay Area and contributes regularly to the New York Times.
She is the author of four books: American Chinatown: A People’s History of Five Neighborhoods, Why We Swim, Sarah and the Big Wave, and her latest, On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters
Bonnie talks us through the purpose of the brain (!), learning to surf as an adult, the gendered cultural narratives around strength, the name of a whale's powerful butt muscle, and the inevitability of age related muscle loss (and what we can do about it).
More about Bonnie here & here
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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich
Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander
Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll
Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray + Ben J Alexander
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