Drawn to the Rhythm: A Passionate Life Reclaimed

Several weeks a friend sent me an e-mail concerning a book entitled Drawn to the Rhythm by Sara Hall.   I read his comments and was skeptical at first because I did not feel I would enjoy a memoir about a woman in her 40s who became a world-class sculler. But I bought the book anyway. Was I pleasantly surprised!   Sara has written a very exciting book depicting her life on the water and off.   She is an excellent writer and is able to capture the reader's interest with her story.   At times it's a very depressing story and then suddenly rockets to excitement, victory, and happiness.   Sara has transformed a very interesting biography into a "page-turner".  She is focused on two challenges in her life: first in her life with her family, and then in her time on the water with her rowing.   It amazes me that she's able to mold these two very different facets of her experience into a very intriguing story.   My guess many of you will despise the husband because he is such a jerk.   As my English Lit  professor might have said, the word jerk is strictly a euphemism in this instance!  I won't try to convince any of you to buy this book, but I think if you do, you will hear and experience the incredible story of a woman whose life totally changed over the last 6 years.   I was flabbergasted in the last chapter where she even shows gratitude to her former husband, because if life with him had not been so difficult, she probably never would have pushed herself so hard in this new life and adventure.  This is a moving and inspirational book, so if you don't have the time to read it, then at least buy a copy for your wife, sister or niece.   In fact, I am sending my copy to my niece in Concord NH because I think it will give her some real inspiration and she will enjoy reading Sara's story.

There are two distinct components to this book. The first, and the reason I bought it, is a very interesting and inspiring story about a woman who, in her 40s, transformed herself from a sedentary housewife to a world champion sculler. The second is a heart-felt, sincere yet self-indulgent story about a woman who after many years of marriage becomes dissatisfied with the lifestyle she, by her own admission, chose and decides to make some major changes.I describe the personal growth theme of the book as "self-indulgent" not out of disrespect for the author's personal struggle, which is heart-felt and compelling, but because the narrative seems to lack balance. Some reviewers portray the author's ex-husband as a chauvinist jerk, but as the story unfolds it appears his major failing seems to be that he was upset and confused by his wife's apparently sudden dissatisfaction with the way of life they had established together for many years. By the author's own admission, she was a partner in building the lifestyle she later abandoned, but in the telling of the story her complicity is downplayed while her husband's failure to embrace her change of heart is portrayed rather unsympathetically. That's understandable, but at the same time I can't help but feel the husband may not have been treated fairly, and because that story is such a significant part of the book, it diminished my overall appreciation and enjoyment of it.I would recommend the book, with the above caveat, because it is interesting and pretty well-written. However, prospective readers should understand what the book is about.

I just finished “Drawn to the Rhythm” and am sitting in silence, amazed at Sara Hall’s journey of becoming fully herself. Her struggle, her vulnerable honesty, her “resolute” passion, and the beauty of her images & words are a real gift. It’s amazing how her passionate for rowing and her connection with other rowers with a similar passion pulled her through such an abusive marriage.Sara wrote that she hoped her book would inspire and encourage women searching for their voice and strength. She has done that with her book and the life she created.

Ostensibly about a mid-life woman's "falling in love with a boat" and her struggles toward a realization of her personal gifts. Very feminine yet gender-neutral in its lessons, this memoir is an intimate look at a personal transformation achieved in emotional hardship but propelled by a sense of love, a sense of G-d's guidance, hardheaded Rocky-like stubborness, and lessons learned from childrens' stories like Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid. This book is a very good read and possibly personally transformational. Be prepared to get wiser as you read. I just bought it for my Gen X daughter. It's the sequel to REVIVING OPHELIA that I bought for her 8 years ago.

A must read for anyone who has been facing the dead ends life seems to present at times. A wonderfully written report of following a passion fearlessly and overcoming all obstacles in the process of recovering strength and freedom. I couldn't put this book down.

Great storytelling about an unexpected challenge, help from within and others. It's all about the journey

she writes beautifully

I found the book terribly tedious both in regards to the details of sport and her struggles. I couldnt relate to this book on any level

If this is another "rowing is more than a metaphor for life" books its one of the best I've read.It's well written, with some nice understatement and humour.. but inside its pretty serious stuff.. I suspect there'll be few men who read this book and dont feel a twinge of guilt about their relationships.