Writing a history of Bayern Munich that avoids both vitriol and glorification is no mean feat. Uli Hesse has done both with a fascinating book that stands apart from the host of forgettable Bayern-related publications.

[A] smashing account.

Masterful

A real page-turner . . . captivating and deeply moving

The authenticity is compelling, the stories inspiring . . . impossible to put down.

Whilst undeniably a book about climbing, it manages to be more than that . . . Perhaps the most gripping moments in the book happen away from climbing altogether . . . One of the most insightful climbing books of recent times, The Push comes highly recommended.

Totally captivating . . . beautifully constructed and passionately written

Exquisitely detailed ... The Push achieves the rarest of adventure reads: it thrills with colourful details of courage and perseverance but it enriches readers with an absolutely captivating glimpse of how a simple yet unwavering resolve can turn adversity into reward ... Caldwell is not just unflinchingly forthright in The Push, but his writing flows with the grace that defines his climbing ... While Caldwell excels at vividly illuminating his exploits - descriptions of climbs, his awe of nature, the physical challenges - his writing shines brightest as he examines his inner life ... he shows that pursuing a life pursuing adventure should inspire anyone

You always know that Caldwell's going to make it to the top of that 3,000-foot hunk of Yosemite granite. The book's raw honesty helps it transcend the hackneyed sports-autobiography genre

Charming and different; a lovely, brilliant memoir. What a boy! What a feat!

Gregory convinces us that for all his flaws, Bullett (who died of a stroke not long after the swim) was an extraordinary, inspirational man. He seems less willing to acknowledge that there is something even more remarkable about a chubby eleven-year-old fuelled by chocolate Digestives and Heinz tomato soup, with the sound of "Together in Electric Dreams" in his head, swimming in temperatures of around 16 degrees for 11 hours and fifty-four minutes. But A Boy in the Water allows the reader his own private amazement.

'Reading this and it's extraordinary. The challenge and the exhilaration of open water swimming brilliantly evoked. A really different and interesting read.' Clare Balding

An extraordinary story ... his account of his swim is certainly a tough read ... A Boy in the Water is a fascinating study, at its core there remains an extraordinary achievement by a dogged, huge-hearted kid. Reading this, you have to remind yourself that this was just a little boy, smothered in grease, who was bobbing about in one of the world's busiest maritime routes, battling the tide, waves and wind.

A lifelong journey begins with an incredible swim

Just part of a story that began at a swimming pool in south London, where one man changed countless young lives

An 11-year-old boy slaps on the grease, adjusts his goggles and plunges into a grey, cold sea in an attempt to become the youngest person to swim the Channel. This is Tom Gregory's true story about the events that led him to this chilly endeavour.

A memoir about the power of a good teacher, about family, about loss, about growing into the man you are meant to be

A Boy in the Water is an uplifting and truly remarkable story of innocence, dedication, and commitment

This book really struck a chord with me and I couldn't put it down until I read it all . . . amazing, a must read

'Written beautifully through the eyes of a child yet to enter his teens, 'A Boy in the Water' resonated strongly taking me back to my own childhood. A fascinating story full of innocence, achievement, ambition and trust.' Ellen MacArthur

"I am absolutely in awe; a mindblowing and phenomenal feat. A Boy in the Water will challenge ideas of what is possible".
Chrissie Wellington OBE