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As a kid, Michael Phelps was scared of the water. Some 20-odd years later, the water is scared of him and his mutant ability to vaporize water. He's broken 37 world swimming records, earned 16 Olympic medals (14 of those gold), and written one book chronicling it all. Today's side deal gets you full access to the story behind the success: for $7, you get the recently updated paperback edition of Beneath the Surface by Michael Phelps with the assistance of veteran Sports Illustrated writer Brian Cazeneuve. Order multiple copies to give them to swimmers, people who take baths instead of showers, or a pod of underprivileged dolphins.

Beneath the Surface was originally penned in 2004, after a commanding performance in the Athens Olympics, where Phelps won numerous medals and gained recognition in the scientific community as a new genus of marine life. The latest edition includes substantial updates, which cover the years between Athens and the eight-medal Beijing performance heard 'round the world. During this period, he set more records, attended school, and was arrested for driving while impaired—all of which are covered in this edition.

Phelps's honest and mature narrative tells the story of what it takes to reach the peak, and what sort of snacks to bring for when you get there. His personal story obviously ends in triumph, but what it took to get there is the real meat of the biography. This true-to-life tale of practice and persistence is coupled with conversational dialect and compelling anecdotes. Readers will feel as though Phelps is in the room modestly recounting the story of his life, complete with voices and fun homemade costumes.

You will need to enter your shipping address during your Groupon checkout. The book will arrive in 7–14 business days.

Reviews

Amazon reviewers give Beneath the Surface 4.5 stars:

• The authors let the chapters read like recorded oral narratives, with tangents, informal diction, corny jokes. The effect is enjoyable, as if we are listening as Phelps gushes over the aspects of his career. – John F.
• I bought this for my 13 year old grandson which truly loves it [sic]. He has just gotten started reading it when I talked to him but he really liked it as far as he had read. – Vicky M.
• This is one of the best sports autobiographies I've read in a long time. Yes,it's obvious that he had help with the book,but Michael comes across as very mature,intelligent,and articulate.He tells his story very honestly and quite eloquently. – Nicholas A.