To deal with the book at all, you have to assume it really happened. I'm glad it did. Quite an experience. There are a lot of communicate-with-an-animal narratives that are presented more credibly and with more serious implications (try David Abram, for example). The supporting cast, fisherman, life guards, people on the pier, could have been provided by Lawrence Welk--chanting "wunnerful, wunnerful," while all having detailed and empathetic knowledge of whale behavior. Cox may have motivated herself with cliche wisdom during the swim, but it doesn't make for great reading. I doubt that, even offered the opportunity, many swimmers will be motivated to leap into the ocean to help baby whales find their mothers.