"The long path to female equality has involved many byways, and one of them has been in the pool . . . Throughout this fascinating narrative, the author emphasizes the necessary blend of physicality, creativity, and grace, making readers want to pay special attention to the sport in the forthcoming Paris Olympics. With firsthand knowledge, diligent research, and colorful prose, Valosik provides an engaging, energetic history."
― Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Mention ‘swimming pretty,’ and readers of a certain age may associate it with classic Hollywood pageantry in which synchronized swim performances featured glamorous mermaids creating intricate patterns on the silver screen. In this fascinating, extensively researched history, Valosik (who took up synchronized swimming as an adult) addresses a longstanding question: is it art, show business, or sport? . . . a plethora of fascinating facts combined with groundbreaking developments throughout the years will captivate readers curious about a sport that requires skills, stamina, and strength and that deserves respect."
― Booklist, starred review

"‘Women swimmers have navigated tensions between athletics and performance, sport and spectacle, for generations,’ according to this comprehensive debut history . . . An incisive marriage of sports and cultural history, this is well worth diving into."
― Publishers Weekly

"An amazing story about the evolution of swimming, how synchronized swimming became a kaleidoscope of political and social change, and how artistic swimming became recognized as an incredibly athletic, beautiful, and world-renowned sport. I loved this fascinating book."
― Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer

"Swimming Pretty is so much more than a history of a sport―it’s also an engrossing account of how society has controlled and contained women’s bodies and ambitions throughout history. In deft prose filled with bizarre, often startling details, Valosik reveals the trailblazing athletes and entertainers who, in soggy corsets and petticoats, encouraged generations of women to find empowerment in the water."
― M. G. Lord, author of Forever Barbie

"I have long been a fan of movie star synchronized swimmer Esther Williams but never knew she was just one of many pathbreaking pretty swimmers who date as far back as the nineteenth century. . . . Chock-full of history and personal stories, this is a fascinating, eye-opening book."
― Ann Hood, author of Fly Girl

"Swimming Pretty plunges into the colorful, entertaining, inspiring, and sometimes enraging history of strong women who fought for athletic joy and the right to compete―cloaking their power in traditional femininity to do so. It will leave you breathless (and googling synchro videos)."
― Danielle Dreilinger, author of The Secret History of Home Economics