The Do-Over: My Journey from the Depths of Addiction to World Champion Swimmer

The Do Over is an amazing true story about overcoming odds, the courage to be better, and achieving greatness.What an inspiration Karlyn is to summon the strength to put pen to paper and relive the demons of her dysfunctional and addictive past. The book is beautifully written and one of those books that you won't be able to put down once you start.Having grown up with alcoholism in my own family, I could relate to many of the stories of survival and allowing the past, to be the past, but taking the knowledge to build us into the individuals we are today. This book gave me insight on the very difficult journey one must take to recovery, with the help of the 12 step program, a program that my own family member could not (or would not) do.Karlyn is a true testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This book shows her zest for life and is unbelievably motivating.

My father passed away because of alcoholism and I could never understand why he couldn't just stop. It bothered me to see him as he slowly slipped away from us. We used to discover his not so cleverly hidden bottles and would throw them out only to have them replaced. Even went to the extent of having him committed because of it. Little did we know that he didn't want to quit and wasn't looking for help to do it. This book has helped me better understand what he was going through. It was very emotional for me while I was reading and relating it to my own experience with the disease. Highly recommend especially if you or a loved one has had a similar experience.

I could not put this book down! The fact that Karlyn got help, before the alcohol killed her....THEN she was able to have the strength, courage, and drive to get back into the water and train to be the world class swimmer that she is, is extraordinary. So many people give up, not Karlyn. That takes more courage than I know. Her story of a "Do Over" can apply to everyone in their life, no matter how big or small of a do over that they are taking on!! This story also applies to life in general, not just a substance addict. Great read! Thanks for sharing your bold story, Karlyn Pipes.

Only 60 pages in....super honest story. Sincere and genuine. Insightful plus honest. Very informative.

It’s heartbreaking at times, but motivating in the end. And you don’t have to have an addiction – we all have feelings of low self-esteem and hopelessness... and then the strength, courage and drive will apply to anyone who wants to make changes in life. If you haven’t made your new year’s resolution yet, it’s not too late to start. This book will put any excuse you have to shame and inspire you!

Her story was totally engaging believable and touching. It must take great courage to let the world know about your secret places, especially when your impression of her is one of someone who has lived a charmed life. I have had the privilege to meet and take a swim class with her, and she is an amazing coach and person. I would recommend this book to anyone!thanks Karlyn!

Karlyn shares her story of a slip & fall from the blocks, to getting up, dusting herself off &, not only resuming her swimming prowess, but performing amazing feats of record breaking accomplishments ! All the while coming to self realization resulting in an overcoming of her past difficulties & issues !!A true testament of Courage, Strength, Willpower & Resolve !!

Thanks for sharing your life with me and the rest of the world. I cringed at the similarities in our lives and am happy that you are finding peace too. I wondered about the gap in your competitive history... now I understand. I turn 55 years old on March 10, 2016, but my first real birthday is in two weeks.

Karlyn’s record setting swims are well known the World over and that’s how I came to meet her.First watching her swim in a meet, then being instructed by her.I started reading her book to find out what makes her tick in swimming and in her business that she runs so successfully but through its pages I learnt of her struggles with alcoholism and how she wrestled with her demons in order to turn her life around. I read it on my way to work every morning and at times had to fight back the tears.Through her book she shows that no matter how hard you’ve fallen, it is always possible to get up and start afresh. It’s never too late to change and it gives hope to anyone looking for a way to overcome obstacles.It helped me to put everything in my life into perspective and to realise that whatever difficulties I may be facing, “this too shall pass” and better days will be ahead. Thank you for inspiring me.

Well worth a read and insight into Karlyn Pipes road to ruin and fortuitous rescue from the brink. One step further and the story would never have been told.....

Great book - a must read!

A good book with plenty to interest and inspire the reader.

Remarkable story. What an amazing career this swimmer has had. Loved the book and so great to seeher achieve recognition In the hall of Fame.