A humorous and heartfelt book about the complicated relationship between a mother, a daughter, and a grandmother.
Gabrielle Malone shows up on her mother’s Arizona doorstep with nothing more than a few belongings, her teenage daughter, and a car with no air conditioning (don’t ask). The rest she left behind—her house, everything she owned, and her ex-husband. Her estranged mother Ida, a former Olympic swimmer and current chain smoker, needs her help after a significant health scare. Gabrielle hopes this is their relationship’s opportunity for a fresh start, and a new beginning for her too.
Thirteen-year-old Juniper feels stranded at an old lady’s house she barely knows. She’s frustrated her mom uprooted their entire life for a strange place and misses her dad. Forced to attend the pointless last week of school, she embarrasses herself on the first day and is certain she’ll never make friends again. As if that weren’t bad enough, her mother’s nightly binge-eating and cry sessions are concerning to say the least.
Ida is her own woman, resenting being tethered to the oxygen hoses winding through her house. She looks damn good in the old, framed cigarette ads on her wall, holding her gold swimming medal. Heck, she still looks good. Her neighbor Morton certainly thinks so. She had one little health scare. What’s the big deal? Heart surgery. It’s coming for her. She knows it but likes to pretend she doesn’t.
Ida is shocked to learn her own granddaughter can’t swim. The one legacy she had hoped would carry on for generations is at stake. While her health certainly limits her activities, she knows she must teach the skill that brought her a lifetime of pride. Gabrielle may have laughed at the idea of her frail mother getting back into the pool, but that’s exactly what Ida would do. Teach her to swim.
Learning to Swim is a coming of age novel about three women in different stages of life mending relationships. Shayla Dugan’s debut family drama book is a delightful read full of insight, wisdom, and wit.
Reviews
Tillyyverse, eBookFairs – “I wholeheartedly enjoyed reading this book. I give this book a 5-star out of 5-star rating.”
Reading This Life / Paperback Readers Podcast – “What I loved about this story was the resilience each woman brought to her own life and to her relationships.
Sania, NetGalley – “This book is for girls with mommy issues (me)… it touched my heart.”
Renee, NetGalley – “I really enjoyed this debut novel and hope to read more from this author in the future.”
Abigail, Librarian – “Learning to Swim is a great read that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately feeling uplifted by the power of love.”
Sue, NetGalley – “…grab your floaties and get ready for a wild ride with Gabrielle, Juniper, and Ida—you won’t want to miss it!”
Ulli, Educator – “I felt empathy for each woman as they struggled with life’s problems and came out stronger in the end.”
Agnes, Education – “You are in for a treat.”
Christine, NetGalley – “This was a delightful quick read.”
Sarah, NetGalley – “This debut novel is incredible and I found myself not wanting it to end!”
Gladys, eBookFairs – “Amusing, insightful, and heartbreaking at times.”
Jan, NetGalley – “…a poignant novel about the sacrifices and triumphs of being a mother and a child as well as the strength of female bonds…”
Genre: Womens Fiction. Print ISBN: 978-1-956498-06-6. Paperback and ebook. Publication date: May 1, 2024.
About the Author
Shayla Dugan
Shayla is a native Arizonan and former social worker. She loves to write Erma Bombeck-style essays and other forms of creative nonfiction and is very excited to be making her fiction novel debut with Learning to Swim.
Media and Press
We are actively seeking opportunities to spotlight this book on social media, blogs, podcasts and other forms of media. Message Tess on Instagram to connect.
