[4.5 Stars] It’s Only Drowning by David Litt is a candid and heartfelt memoir that blends personal transformation with the pursuit of joy in the most unlikely of places: the ocean. At 35, Litt, a former Obama speechwriter, finds himself struggling with a sense of personal and societal malaise in the wake of the COVID pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. During this period, Litt stumbles upon surfing, a pastime (and lifestyle) he knows little about but which his brother-in-law, Matt, an electrician with a love for heavy metal and Joe Rogan, has embraced.

The story follows Litt’s journey of learning to surf on the Jersey shore, a pursuit that slowly becomes a form of refuge and escape from the overwhelming state of the world. Through his surf sessions with Matt, Litt delves into his own personal growth, discovering how this challenging sport serves as a metaphor for life itself—full of falls, facing fears, perseverance, and moments of unexpected clarity. The relationship between Litt and Matt forms the emotional core of the memoir, with the contrast between their personalities—Litt’s intellectual, reflective nature versus Matt’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to life—adding both humor and depth to the narrative.

As someone who learned to surf at the age of six, the lessons and experiences shared by the author resonated with me. I could completely empathize with getting pummeled by a huge set, riding the best wave of your life, and feeling all the emotions in between. The struggle of giving yourself up to the ocean—letting go of the need for control—is a powerful but important life lesson. Living in Maine, it’s been a while since I’ve surfed, but this book has inspired me to get back out there, and to bring my daughter along for the ride. She's five now, and I think it’s the perfect time to expose her to the invaluable lessons the ocean has to offer for those brave enough to answer the call.

David, I hope you keep surfing. Your journey is one that many will relate to, and for anyone considering picking up this book, I highly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were perhaps a few too many analogies, but even so, it was an enjoyable and heartfelt read. Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books, and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book!