Chasing Water: Elegy of an Olympian by Anthony Ervin and Constantine Markides
NonfictionTruth is stranger than fiction? Yes. This surprising and startlingly honest memoir / biography mash-up tells the stunning true story of Olympic gold medalist Anthony Ervin. The blend of introspective first-person narrative and analytical third-person viewpoint creates a complex and intriguing picture of Ervin, whose life story is nearly unbelievable. After winning a gold medal in swimming in the 2000 Olympics, Ervin vanished from the swimming world, eventually falling into homelessness, drugs, and various high risk behaviors that threatened his life. Then, miraculously, after returning to swimming in 2011, he qualified for the 2012 Olympic team. A fascinating portrait of a philosopher / athlete who lays his troubles bare.