Book Review: Deep

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Candice Landau

Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves
Book by: James Nestor
Originally published: 2014

Before reading this book, my knowledge of freediving encompassed only those few techniques we’re taught in scuba diving. If, like me, you’ve always wondered why someone would bother with freediving when scuba diving exists, well this book should answer the question.

That said, “Deep” isn’t so much about freediving as it is about science/observations conducted by those who practice it. As such, much of the book is about the author’s various expeditions with other freedivers and their observations diving with whales, dolphins, sharks, etc.

Considering there isn’t really all that much to write about the act of free diving — or at least not that the general public would be captivated by — the author does a pretty good job of making the topic interesting.

I finished the book with a strong desire to give this peculiar sport a try. I’m giving it a 4 star rating because it was a little slow and at times admittedly a little boring. Otherwise, worth the read.