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Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride
The ultimate front-row seat to the rise, fall, and rebirth of a band that was—for a time—the biggest in the world, Hootie & the Blowish, and Jim Sonefeld’s shattering and redeeming spiritual path from addiction to recovery and a more fruitful life
For a time, there was no bigger band in the world than Hootie & the Blowfish—rock & roll’s unexpected foil to the grunge music that dominated the early ’90s airwaves. In Swimming with the Blowfish , Jim Sonefeld, drummer and one of the band’s principal songwriters, reveals the inside story of the band’s humble beginnings, meteoric rise, sudden fall, and ultimate rebirth—and in the telling he opens his heart to readers about addiction, recovery, and faith.
Hootie became ubiquitous in the ’90s—their debut album Cracked Rear View was one of the best-selling in the history of rock music; they won two Grammy Awards; their live performances were played alongside the Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., and even Willie Nelson and Neil Young; and they appeared at the biggest venues in the world. Though Jim enjoyed the perks that came with fame—the parties, the relationships, the money, the drugs and alcohol—eventually it all became a camouflage that hid a deeper spiritual malady. As his life was careening toward disaster, he reached out his hands to seek relief in twelve-step recovery, eventually settling into a loving, but by no means uncomplicated, homelife.
A book that encapsulates a band still beloved by legions of fans, Swimming with the Blowfish is much more—an unpretentious, emotional story of one man’s spiritual path to a more fruitful life. Jim’s journey is shattering, redeeming, and ultimately as comforting as your favorite flannel shirt.
For a time, there was no bigger band in the world than Hootie & the Blowfish—rock & roll’s unexpected foil to the grunge music that dominated the early ’90s airwaves. In Swimming with the Blowfish , Jim Sonefeld, drummer and one of the band’s principal songwriters, reveals the inside story of the band’s humble beginnings, meteoric rise, sudden fall, and ultimate rebirth—and in the telling he opens his heart to readers about addiction, recovery, and faith.
Hootie became ubiquitous in the ’90s—their debut album Cracked Rear View was one of the best-selling in the history of rock music; they won two Grammy Awards; their live performances were played alongside the Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., and even Willie Nelson and Neil Young; and they appeared at the biggest venues in the world. Though Jim enjoyed the perks that came with fame—the parties, the relationships, the money, the drugs and alcohol—eventually it all became a camouflage that hid a deeper spiritual malady. As his life was careening toward disaster, he reached out his hands to seek relief in twelve-step recovery, eventually settling into a loving, but by no means uncomplicated, homelife.
A book that encapsulates a band still beloved by legions of fans, Swimming with the Blowfish is much more—an unpretentious, emotional story of one man’s spiritual path to a more fruitful life. Jim’s journey is shattering, redeeming, and ultimately as comforting as your favorite flannel shirt.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 28, 2022
40 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 28, 2022
Jim Sonefeld pours out his heart and soul detailing the highs, lows, and in-between times as a part of the band Hootie and the Blowfish. He describes the inside story of the band’s beginnings, rise to fame, and ultimate rebirth. His detailed story of overcoming self doubt, fame, addiction and recovery leads to a remarkably comforting story of faith, love and redemption.
I was a college student during the Hootie era at The University of South Carolina at the height of their rising fame. As an adult many years later, listening to Jim’s narrative about his struggles privately and professionally, makes me appreciate the music they made even more. I now listen with the knowledge of what it took to inspire, write and perform songs. I now know to consider every verse because they all have deep meaning. I now know to continue to enjoy their music on a much deeper level. A level that puts a smile on the faces of many because these guys rocked their heart and souls out for us, their faithful listeners.
If you love Hootie and the Blowfish you will be encapsulated by this moving memoir. Music lovers enjoy!!
* I received an ARC through NetGalley and Recorded Books. Jim Sonefeld was the author and narrator.
I was a college student during the Hootie era at The University of South Carolina at the height of their rising fame. As an adult many years later, listening to Jim’s narrative about his struggles privately and professionally, makes me appreciate the music they made even more. I now listen with the knowledge of what it took to inspire, write and perform songs. I now know to consider every verse because they all have deep meaning. I now know to continue to enjoy their music on a much deeper level. A level that puts a smile on the faces of many because these guys rocked their heart and souls out for us, their faithful listeners.
If you love Hootie and the Blowfish you will be encapsulated by this moving memoir. Music lovers enjoy!!
* I received an ARC through NetGalley and Recorded Books. Jim Sonefeld was the author and narrator.
June 30, 2022
Who doesn’t love Hottie and the Blowfish. Love the group and this book gives you unknown insight into the group. This is another raw, authentic memoir to the drummer’s high and lows. This is one of my favorite groups and I learned a lot of insights into the dynamics of the group. Great book and thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks to RB Media for an audio version of the book via NetGalley.
Thanks to RB Media for an audio version of the book via NetGalley.
August 4, 2022
In 1995, Hootie obsessed me asked my mom to drive me to the mall. Once there I bought Cracked Rear View on cassette at Sam Goody. I listened to is over and over and over. Fast forward to 2021 I have a daughter and I name her Hannah Jane. If nothing else I love that this book reminded me of the song with that title. I now have a cassette heirloom to pass down. I hope she can find something to play a tape on!
I loved Hooties music, but I didn’t know anything about the band. I loved this raw, deep, insightful look into Jim’s version. The audiobook was read by the author which also really adds to the overall experience for me. His story is complicated and interesting. I would recommend this to fans of the band.
I have also been listing to Cracked Rear View on repeat and reliving my mid 90’s best life.
I loved Hooties music, but I didn’t know anything about the band. I loved this raw, deep, insightful look into Jim’s version. The audiobook was read by the author which also really adds to the overall experience for me. His story is complicated and interesting. I would recommend this to fans of the band.
I have also been listing to Cracked Rear View on repeat and reliving my mid 90’s best life.
January 22, 2024
This was an impulse pickup on Audible. I'll admit it, Hootie and the Blowfish are a guilty musical pleasure of mine. I have a close, personal connection to their debut album and it's catchy pop tunes. I've always loved Darius' voice, and their music was a nice addition to my life's soundtrack at some important times.
I already read Tim Sommer's Only Wanna Be With You, and really enjoyed it. It was more of an in-depth look at the forming of the band. Swimming with the Blowfish is Jim Sonefeld's version of his life with the band, with an emphasis on the partying, his substance abuse problems, and the subsequent relationship issues that followed. When it comes to rock and roll books, I come to expect those stories, but this book left me wanting a little more reflection. Admittedly, I don't expect first class literature from any musician, but if you're interested in the band, and are curious to read yet another tale of a life almost ruined by substance abuse, it's worth a read.
I already read Tim Sommer's Only Wanna Be With You, and really enjoyed it. It was more of an in-depth look at the forming of the band. Swimming with the Blowfish is Jim Sonefeld's version of his life with the band, with an emphasis on the partying, his substance abuse problems, and the subsequent relationship issues that followed. When it comes to rock and roll books, I come to expect those stories, but this book left me wanting a little more reflection. Admittedly, I don't expect first class literature from any musician, but if you're interested in the band, and are curious to read yet another tale of a life almost ruined by substance abuse, it's worth a read.
September 18, 2024
I had the privilege of meeting “Soni” a couple of years ago when I bought this book. As a member of GenX enjoyed reminiscing and I’m amazed at his recovery story. At the end of the book he points to some other memoirs I would like to read As I have not read much from this genre of rockstar memoirs. The audiobook is pretty special because he reads it himself If you get a chance to hear him at Celebrate Recovery near South Carolina take it!
April 16, 2023
For a memoir, a solid 4.5. However, rounded up due to nostalgia (I was at USC with the members of the band ) and 30 something years later, I know and love several of the Bromfelds.
Read
March 22, 2023This is standard fair for a rock star memoir, except for the part where the drummer marries the former wife of the guitar player! I also did not know how big the Cracked Rear Window album was.
September 26, 2022
3.5 stars. I have read many biographies/autobiography’s of musicians. I met Soni when I was student teaching and he stopped by his alma mater. My students were going nuts because “Hootie” was there somewhere. I was older as I changed professions in my 30’s. I’m more of a classic rock guy and with a family and going back to school, I had no idea what a Hootie was and that 1996 and they had one of the top selling albums ever and I missed it. I happened to look out the door as he happened to pass by. I asked to to come in a sec to say hi, which he did. Said a few things, I didn’t know what to ask as I had no clue about his music. The kids just stared. I blurted what you wanna ask, any questions? Nothing. So he left. The kids went nuts as soon as he left. I still didn’t know much about them so when this showed up, I just had to have a read. The good: even though he found religion, he didn’t hit you over the head with it through the book. it was refreshing that he told it as he remembered and felt the experience, no exaggerated or inflated view of what happened. The bad: much was missing between the lines ( good was, he threw no one under the bus).There just seemed to be some depth missing. His divorce from his first wife, came from left field as much as it seemed to have to her. He was fogging along in his drunken state and then reformed ( I know, I know, he said it was hard and he relapsed) and then had to divorce her. Then to move onto his band mates ex wife without much seeming remorse ( for either of them) was what lost it for me. Next is just my observation. If you disagree, I understand but of the biographies and personal encounters with many of the reformed or “ found” people, it seems many of them find themselves but are still the same self centered people to those around them. I cannot say for sure where Soni is as I stated earlier, there are many gaps and I hope like crazy, he isn’t as much as it seems to after reading this book. I like he didn’t dwell on it but I walked away from the book, not sure if the only thing really positive thing is him getting sober and straight. The positive for me, is I borrowed all of their albums from the library and will finally see what they were all about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
Over the last year, I have found myself reading memoirs in a niche genre I have come to call “Drummers in Recovery.” This is one of the best. It belongs alongside Travis Barker’s Can I Say, Patty Schemel’s Hit So Hard, and Joey Kramer’s Hit Hard.
I was a casual fan, at best, of Hootie and the Blowfish. My knowledge began and ended with the radio hits from the first album. I peripherally knew of Darius Rucker’s successful country career in recent years. But that was it.
What I found was a surprisingly engaging read with a strong, clear voice (both in writing style and narration). It was funny, sincere, open, and honest.
The book, in the best way, follows the classic Behind The Music structure: Rise, fall, and rise again.
Sonefeld follows his drinking from fun to excessive to life destroying. He doesn’t change easily. He resists mightily. But, by the conclusion, he has a full decade of sobriety under his belt. So it’s a really story of hope and triumph.
I was glad I gave this book a chance.
I was a casual fan, at best, of Hootie and the Blowfish. My knowledge began and ended with the radio hits from the first album. I peripherally knew of Darius Rucker’s successful country career in recent years. But that was it.
What I found was a surprisingly engaging read with a strong, clear voice (both in writing style and narration). It was funny, sincere, open, and honest.
The book, in the best way, follows the classic Behind The Music structure: Rise, fall, and rise again.
Sonefeld follows his drinking from fun to excessive to life destroying. He doesn’t change easily. He resists mightily. But, by the conclusion, he has a full decade of sobriety under his belt. So it’s a really story of hope and triumph.
I was glad I gave this book a chance.
September 19, 2022
A heartfelt story of one man’s public and professional life. As a student at UofSC 1985-89, and also 1989-91, I could appreciate the story and details of a time I lived in and a band I adored from playing at my sorority’s fall band party to seeing them on the cover of Rolling Stone. I listened to this as an audiobook and appreciated Jim’s narration.
July 1, 2022
If you're sitting down with Jim Sonefeld's "Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride," you're likely expecting the founding member of Hootie and the Blowfish to immerse us in the popular band's rise to fame and for "Swimming with the Blowfish" to be a pop culture page turner.
You would be partially right.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" is, indeed, a journey through Sonefeld's career as the drummer for the band. It's a book, or in my case audiobook, that will likely reveal a wealth of inside information new to even the most diehard Hootie fan. We quickly learn that Sonefeld is a fairly matter-of-fact dude, a guy who's willing to name names and tell stories not so much in a way that feels like gossip but in a way that simply explains, with remarkable detail, the peaks and valleys of Sonefeld's life inside and outside the band.
What may surprise you, however, is that just past the halfway point, "Swimming with the Blowfish" becomes an entirely different book. It's not that Hootie suddenly disappears. However, it's fairly well documented that "Hootie and the Blowfish" enjoyed a meteoric rise with their first release "Cracked Rearview" selling 10 million copies. It's also fairly well documented that they would never come close to rising to that level again. While they are far from one-hit wonders, "Hootie and the Blowfish" went from overnight sensations to a rock and roll nostalgia band fairly quickly. By the halfway point of "Swimming with the Blowfish," Hootie and the Blowfish are on the downward side of the mountain and starting to deal, personally and professionally, with the repercussions of that abrupt rise to fame for seemingly ordinary guys from South Carolina.
Sonefeld himself provides the narration for his audiobook, a fact that provides the book some low-key normalcy but also, at times, hinders the book's emotional impact. While Sonefeld has become somewhat known as a public speaker these days, the truth is his ability to bring "Swimming the Blowfish" to life is at least somewhat muted by Sonefeld's largely monotone narration that lacks, at least for the most part, any tonal shifts or emotional variation. Quite simply, I wanted to more strongly feel Sonefeld's presence within these stories.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" is a fairly chronological journey through Sonefeld's life from his childhood in Naperville, Illinois to his college soccer days in South Carolina to his initial introduction to Hootie and the Blowfish that began, interestingly enough, when an early version of the band passed the hat at a concert after Sonefeld's campus apartment caught fire and he lost everything.
Sonefeld openly shares a wealth of stories from throughout his life with a degree of precision and detail that's honestly impressive since I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday. It's readily apparent early in "Swimming with the Blowfish" that Sonefeld is tiptoeing toward issues with substance abuse and that his personal life is severely impacted by his abrupt rise to fame. While he's far from alone in enjoying the spoils of sudden rock and roll stardom, it becomes obvious that Sonefeld's naturally relentless and addictive personality is getting the best of him.
Refreshingly, Sonefeld shares honestly about the journey toward recovery on which he would eventually embark and the even more surprising journey toward faith for a man who had long held resentments against the Catholic church (and still does to a degree) but who found a different way to live into faith and has since become known for his solo recordings in Christian music.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" spends a good amount of its time living into Sonefeld's redemption story as he committed to recovery and has become an adherent of the faith-based Celebrate Recovery program. While his first marriage ended in divorce, Sonefeld remarried (which had its own controversies) and leaned into becoming the man, husband, and father he'd always wanted to be.
In "Swimming with the Blowfish," Sonefeld often writes with the poetic rhythms evident in his songwriting. This makes the book more emotionally resonant, however, there are also times it prolongs stories that could be a little more tightly edited and leaves gaps in information that would more fully add substance to the redemption story of Sonefeld's life.
As a wee bit of a disclaimer, while "Swimming with the Blowfish" will resonate as an honest testimony of faith and redemption it does contain a fair bit of graphic language, including F-bombs, and Sonefeld refuses to compromise the sometimes graphic truths contained in his life including multiple stories about his drug and alcohol use. I personally found the honesty and rawness refreshing and needed, however, those more sensitive to graphic language should be cautioned.
Despite minor concerns about "Swimming with the Blowfish," I found the book to be an engaging and inspiring story of hope, healing, and redemption and would consider it a must-read for Hootie fans and those who can deeply appreciate meaningful redemption stories.
You would be partially right.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" is, indeed, a journey through Sonefeld's career as the drummer for the band. It's a book, or in my case audiobook, that will likely reveal a wealth of inside information new to even the most diehard Hootie fan. We quickly learn that Sonefeld is a fairly matter-of-fact dude, a guy who's willing to name names and tell stories not so much in a way that feels like gossip but in a way that simply explains, with remarkable detail, the peaks and valleys of Sonefeld's life inside and outside the band.
What may surprise you, however, is that just past the halfway point, "Swimming with the Blowfish" becomes an entirely different book. It's not that Hootie suddenly disappears. However, it's fairly well documented that "Hootie and the Blowfish" enjoyed a meteoric rise with their first release "Cracked Rearview" selling 10 million copies. It's also fairly well documented that they would never come close to rising to that level again. While they are far from one-hit wonders, "Hootie and the Blowfish" went from overnight sensations to a rock and roll nostalgia band fairly quickly. By the halfway point of "Swimming with the Blowfish," Hootie and the Blowfish are on the downward side of the mountain and starting to deal, personally and professionally, with the repercussions of that abrupt rise to fame for seemingly ordinary guys from South Carolina.
Sonefeld himself provides the narration for his audiobook, a fact that provides the book some low-key normalcy but also, at times, hinders the book's emotional impact. While Sonefeld has become somewhat known as a public speaker these days, the truth is his ability to bring "Swimming the Blowfish" to life is at least somewhat muted by Sonefeld's largely monotone narration that lacks, at least for the most part, any tonal shifts or emotional variation. Quite simply, I wanted to more strongly feel Sonefeld's presence within these stories.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" is a fairly chronological journey through Sonefeld's life from his childhood in Naperville, Illinois to his college soccer days in South Carolina to his initial introduction to Hootie and the Blowfish that began, interestingly enough, when an early version of the band passed the hat at a concert after Sonefeld's campus apartment caught fire and he lost everything.
Sonefeld openly shares a wealth of stories from throughout his life with a degree of precision and detail that's honestly impressive since I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday. It's readily apparent early in "Swimming with the Blowfish" that Sonefeld is tiptoeing toward issues with substance abuse and that his personal life is severely impacted by his abrupt rise to fame. While he's far from alone in enjoying the spoils of sudden rock and roll stardom, it becomes obvious that Sonefeld's naturally relentless and addictive personality is getting the best of him.
Refreshingly, Sonefeld shares honestly about the journey toward recovery on which he would eventually embark and the even more surprising journey toward faith for a man who had long held resentments against the Catholic church (and still does to a degree) but who found a different way to live into faith and has since become known for his solo recordings in Christian music.
"Swimming with the Blowfish" spends a good amount of its time living into Sonefeld's redemption story as he committed to recovery and has become an adherent of the faith-based Celebrate Recovery program. While his first marriage ended in divorce, Sonefeld remarried (which had its own controversies) and leaned into becoming the man, husband, and father he'd always wanted to be.
In "Swimming with the Blowfish," Sonefeld often writes with the poetic rhythms evident in his songwriting. This makes the book more emotionally resonant, however, there are also times it prolongs stories that could be a little more tightly edited and leaves gaps in information that would more fully add substance to the redemption story of Sonefeld's life.
As a wee bit of a disclaimer, while "Swimming with the Blowfish" will resonate as an honest testimony of faith and redemption it does contain a fair bit of graphic language, including F-bombs, and Sonefeld refuses to compromise the sometimes graphic truths contained in his life including multiple stories about his drug and alcohol use. I personally found the honesty and rawness refreshing and needed, however, those more sensitive to graphic language should be cautioned.
Despite minor concerns about "Swimming with the Blowfish," I found the book to be an engaging and inspiring story of hope, healing, and redemption and would consider it a must-read for Hootie fans and those who can deeply appreciate meaningful redemption stories.
July 5, 2022
Swimming with the Blowfish, written and narrated by Jim Sonefeld, is an honest and ultimately very uplifting story.
If you remember Hootie and the Blowfish you likely have strong feelings about them. Loved then very quickly shunted to the sidelines of the fickle pop music world, their star was very bright for a time. What I remember most about the songs I liked, aside from Rucker's voice, was how they seemed to hit me at a deeper level than many of the other songs on pop radio. Sonefeld actually sheds, for me, some light on why they were so passionate.
Life after the group is where the uplifting part of the story takes place, after the not uncommon substance abuse issues. Sonefeld doesn't shy away from telling us about his lows, which no doubt is easier to do now that they are (permanently, one hopes) in the past. For him, a faith-based approach is what helped him. Even if you don't subscribe to any of the various religions, such as myself, there is no denying that his faith helped him. That said, he offers his appreciation and faith without making his story about turning to faith necessarily but about coming to terms in a manner that fits you. I can always respect someone who doesn't try to beat me over the head with what they believe as if I should also believe the same thing.
If there was any drawback to the audiobook it was that even though Sonefeld is the narrator he kept perhaps too even a keel in telling his story. I don't mean to imply he read everything flat, but places I expected some sort of inflection or pitch change there wasn't one, which threw me off. Those moments weren't frequent and didn't detract from the overall pleasure of listening, just a few moments of feeling out of step.
I would certainly recommend this to fans of Hootie and the Blowfish but also to readers who like to read biographies of celebrities who turn their lives around when they see the direction they are going.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
If you remember Hootie and the Blowfish you likely have strong feelings about them. Loved then very quickly shunted to the sidelines of the fickle pop music world, their star was very bright for a time. What I remember most about the songs I liked, aside from Rucker's voice, was how they seemed to hit me at a deeper level than many of the other songs on pop radio. Sonefeld actually sheds, for me, some light on why they were so passionate.
Life after the group is where the uplifting part of the story takes place, after the not uncommon substance abuse issues. Sonefeld doesn't shy away from telling us about his lows, which no doubt is easier to do now that they are (permanently, one hopes) in the past. For him, a faith-based approach is what helped him. Even if you don't subscribe to any of the various religions, such as myself, there is no denying that his faith helped him. That said, he offers his appreciation and faith without making his story about turning to faith necessarily but about coming to terms in a manner that fits you. I can always respect someone who doesn't try to beat me over the head with what they believe as if I should also believe the same thing.
If there was any drawback to the audiobook it was that even though Sonefeld is the narrator he kept perhaps too even a keel in telling his story. I don't mean to imply he read everything flat, but places I expected some sort of inflection or pitch change there wasn't one, which threw me off. Those moments weren't frequent and didn't detract from the overall pleasure of listening, just a few moments of feeling out of step.
I would certainly recommend this to fans of Hootie and the Blowfish but also to readers who like to read biographies of celebrities who turn their lives around when they see the direction they are going.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 26, 2024
Reading Tim Sommer’s book was mostly an exercise in following his involvement in the band and then lack of interest in anything that followed. Happily, Soni’s is a more complete take, as you’d expect, and not even heavily steeped, as some readers suggested, in Christian thought (which I feared more as distraction from the narrative than for matters of personal faith).
Jim Sonefeld was the last member of Hootie & the Blowfish to join the band, but he shared its background as a frat band (everyone always calls it a bar band, but especially as the party culture that was to embroil Jim’s life is concerned, it was absolutely and always a frat band), and as such his journey covers enough history to satisfy fans like me who wanted more than what Sommer provided.
His reflections cover familiar ground but his honesty is fresh. I admit I haven’t read much of recovery literature, so I can’t say how it compares.
But all this being said, Hootie has always been my favorite band, and I enjoyed learning a little more about it.
Jim Sonefeld was the last member of Hootie & the Blowfish to join the band, but he shared its background as a frat band (everyone always calls it a bar band, but especially as the party culture that was to embroil Jim’s life is concerned, it was absolutely and always a frat band), and as such his journey covers enough history to satisfy fans like me who wanted more than what Sommer provided.
His reflections cover familiar ground but his honesty is fresh. I admit I haven’t read much of recovery literature, so I can’t say how it compares.
But all this being said, Hootie has always been my favorite band, and I enjoyed learning a little more about it.
July 27, 2022
This book has it all. So special to hear first hand the mindset of a young musician wanting to just express his talents , with no road map, just a passion and gift for writing and rhythms. Through hard work, unbreakable friendships, and fate, and maybe a little good fortune create a most memorable sound track not only for their own lives, but millions of fans . Success, failures, and rebirths all wrapped and intertwined through the stories told and sung in this book. You will laugh and cry as you yourself swim with the blowfish. I’m not a big reader but I am a big music fan. Thanks Soni for giving us this insight to your personal journey. Proud of all your accomplishments but most proud of the man you continue to strive to be. Keep up the battle and keep the faith. You are a great example for all of us
October 25, 2022
Having recently read "Only Wanna Be With You" by Tim Sommers, I picked up this memoir by Jim "Soni" Sonefeld. The two books together are like the macro/micro versions of the same story - the first gives the sweeping arc of the band's rise and the 90s culture that it captured, while the second gives a first-hand account of the highs (literally and figuratively) and lows of fame and fortune. I am amazed at Soni's story of recovery and his ability to stay sober for so long now, even if the writing isn't terribly strong in some parts. God is good.
One question - how do you pronounce his nickname?!?! Is it Soni like sunny, or Soni like so-knee? Just a little thing that has driven me crazy for the last 25 years or so...
One question - how do you pronounce his nickname?!?! Is it Soni like sunny, or Soni like so-knee? Just a little thing that has driven me crazy for the last 25 years or so...
February 20, 2023
I'm always impressed when someone - Jim Sonefeld in this instance - is not only able to become self-aware and learn to grow from their flaws but also able to confidently and competently self-reflect on their journey in a memoir for the world to witness. Jim does a great job of humbly recounting his childhood, rise to fame, subsequent slow descent from it, and his complete reinvention as a sober, religious father & stepfather.
My mother - an author herself - picked this book up for me as an autographed gift at her local coffee shop in Chapin, SC. And though it doesn't reflect on the content of the book, I appreciate Jim taking the time to both speak with my mother and grant an appearance to a small, local business that's not exactly on the beaten path in his new journey as an author.
My mother - an author herself - picked this book up for me as an autographed gift at her local coffee shop in Chapin, SC. And though it doesn't reflect on the content of the book, I appreciate Jim taking the time to both speak with my mother and grant an appearance to a small, local business that's not exactly on the beaten path in his new journey as an author.
September 27, 2025
3.5 stars I had just finished Darius Rucker's Life's Too Short: A Memoir I really loved hearing Darius narrate his memoir, but I wished there was more talk of Darius being able to quit drug use and heal the reasons for needing them. This book satisfied that disappointment. Jim was able to tell that part of the story. I'm happy that he was able to find sobriety and that he was able to be there for his family. I am thankful for all the music that Hootie and The Blowfish made.
December 8, 2022
I recently listened to Swimming with the Blowfish book on Audible and it was an incredible experience. As a fan of Hootie and the Blowfish, I was excited to get an inside look into the dynamics of the group and learn more about their story. The book was raw and authentic, and I was able to gain insight into the highs and lows of the band's journey. It was a great read and I'm so grateful to the drummer for sharing such a personal story. If you're a fan of Hootie and the Blowfish, this book is a must-read!
August 6, 2024
I enjoyed the history of Sonefeld's life and the band, but he spent so much time and space detailing his addiction that the comparatively little devoted to the process of recovery felt inadequate. I imagine it was awkward to write about his divorce and getting involved with his band mate's ex-wife, so maybe that had something to do with the rushed treatment of that time period. In the end, he seems to have accomplished what he set out to do (per the final notes), which is to compile a lot of stories from his life.
August 16, 2024
I did NOT read the Kindle edition, but apparently there is no other version on Goodreads.
Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised. Sonefeld has a fine writing style that like the music he made with Hootie & The Blowfish pulls you in and makes one want more. It was hard to put down, especially for a book of its type.
There are some surprises, too. No spoilers in this review, though.
The book ends with Hootie's reunion Group Therapy tour that ended at Columbia, SC in 2019. A gripping read and one that ends well.
Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised. Sonefeld has a fine writing style that like the music he made with Hootie & The Blowfish pulls you in and makes one want more. It was hard to put down, especially for a book of its type.
There are some surprises, too. No spoilers in this review, though.
The book ends with Hootie's reunion Group Therapy tour that ended at Columbia, SC in 2019. A gripping read and one that ends well.
July 5, 2022
A raw, emotional glimpse into the life of Jim Sonefeld, drummer for Hootie and the Blowfish and musician in his own right. I didn't know much about the band despite having listened to their music and was surprised by the whole partying atmosphere that surrounded them (although I probably shouldn't have been). I found Sonefeld's story very honest and inspiring and loved how he was able to find a new normal.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭, 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭!
I saw this tittle and I knew I had to read it, I grew up with their songs and listening to this story was a great experience. An emotional and inspiring story about fame, love, addiction, healing and music.
Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for this gifted copy.
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 by Jim Sonefeld released June 28, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
I saw this tittle and I knew I had to read it, I grew up with their songs and listening to this story was a great experience. An emotional and inspiring story about fame, love, addiction, healing and music.
Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for this gifted copy.
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵 by Jim Sonefeld released June 28, 2022.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
September 20, 2022
As a Hootie and the Blowfish fan (and USC graduate) this book was FABULOUS!!!!! I loved getting the background of how the band got started and especially Jim Sonefeld’s personal story of becoming a member of this amazing group. I literally did not want to finish his book! The determination and perseverance it took to turn away from various addictions and face life and it’s challenges head-on, makes Jim’s story both inspiring and motivational. God is good and He uses it all!
November 21, 2022
This was an interesting peek into the history of a person and a band. Jim Sonefeld has led an unexpected life as a D1 soccer player, musician, songwriter, Blowfish (as in Hootie and the), husband, Dad, and recovering addict. Listened on #audio during a long road trip and paused periodically to listen to a mentioned song. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in paper form but enjoyed hearing his honest, kind, and loving story in this way.
February 7, 2023
This book will help a lot of people. If a rock star can get clean and stay clean, most anyone can. This was a super interesting story of the life and times of the band from one member's perspective. It was interesting to read about how songs are written and produced and how tours are put together. My hometown is near the author's hometown and I went to grad school where the author went to college. I love his band and I was ready to love his book. It did not disappoint. What a story.
August 12, 2023
This is a pretty standard musician memoir save for the surreal last fifth of the book. I'd like to hear the whole band's perspective, because it seems like he is convincing himself of things that he maybe shouldn't be convincing himself of. It doesn't help, also, that they cut out most of his born-again life. The omission makes it seem like his faith and even that he is superficial. Including his spiritual life would probably have made this a great book, but as it stands, it is fun and good.
July 12, 2025
I read this book right after finishing Darius Rucker’s autobiography. The first half of the book was much the same (childhood, family life, forming the band) and had me questioning why I read these back to back. But the second half of the book was the true story. Soni’s addiction and the pain it caused, the realization of a problem, and the journey to a better place was on another level. This is truly a story of redemption that has a feel good happy ending.
September 17, 2022
Not great. Not bad. I am a huge fan of Hootie & the Blowfish and I loved hearing about the band's rise and fall. Wasn't aware of some of the details he shared about his personal life and am grateful he shared. The book talks about his faith, but it doesn't read like a testimony... Which I personally appreciate.
October 22, 2022
I was with friends with the band members in our college years. I have been one of their biggest fans since and was at a Group Therapy Tour concert. Soni’s story is enlightening - the music process, getting caught up in the excess, the wind, the losses. He gives an insider view. If you are a Hootie fan, then this book will speak to you.
October 27, 2022
What a ride! This is absolutely what one wants from a rock-and-roll memoir: stories from the early years, in depth recollections of the songwriting and recording process, personal stories, and shocking surprises. I literally couldn’t put it down - read it in one sitting.
Jim Sonefeld bares all in this wonderful book.
Jim Sonefeld bares all in this wonderful book.
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