TALES...SUMMER BOOK REVIEW EVENT SPECIAL

TALES FROM THE WEST TEXAS DUST 5/1/2001

SUMMER BOOK REVIEW EVENT SPECIAL

Beal, Chandra Moira; "Splash Across Texas!: The Definitive Guide To Swimming In Central Texas"; La Luna Publishing, Inc. [Austin, TX: 1999]

I thought that we'd do a little something different than what's normally done for this forum week in and week out. Granted, I am reviewing a book--but it's DEFINITELY a different stripe that what's done here. But part of the purpose and intent of what's done here in TX C&P is to try to give you a taste for ALL the different parts of culture here in the Lone Star State--even if it does involve a type of culture that leans more towards the aquatic kind.

Let's establish something to start off with in regards to the perspective in which I do this particular review. I CANNOT swim even to save my own life--and have a VERY deep phobia of EXTREMELY deep water. Yes, I know--another facet of my complex personality finally revealed at last. When it came to swimming as a child, the basic attitude of my folks was usually, "If you can't swim, don't go in the water."

I TRIED several times--I say TRIED--to learn how to swim--but have NEVER managed to get past wading close to shore. (Plus, I never seemed to get the hang of breathing underwater. It always seemed to be my worst problem in this. I guess it was my allergies, etc. that made me afraid to do it. Let's say the fact that my own mother could barely afford to keep groceries on the table, much less have money available for me to go swimming at the local swimming pool, didn't help my phobia much neither--a phobia I STILL suffer from to this day.) Therefore, a book about swimming holes would not normally get a second glance from me. But in an brazen attempt to reach swimmers in the audience, I plod on with this review for them as a public service.

Ms. Beal attempts in "Splash..." to get a very comprehensive guide to various swimming places and attractions within Central Texas. Her focus is primarily geared towards places within the immediate Austin area--so right away you can tell that this book may not necessarily be the best reference guide if you live in a town that's not in the immediate vicinity of I-35. The breadth that Beal covers of the Austin area would be properly sufficient if you live there--and there is also adequate coverage available of various major water-related attractions throughout the state (for example, Schlitterbahn and the Six Flags-owned theme parks). It does provide those interested in going to those particular places a reasonable idea of what to expect in terms of prices, rules , regulations, and various suggestions to better enhance your swimming experience.

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic