It's Only Drowning

A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground

By: David Litt

Narrated by: David Litt

NATIONAL BESTSELLER * 2025 BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE SELECTION

A former Obama speechwriter moves to the Jersey Shore and learns to surf with the help of his brother-in-law: a tattooed, truck-driving Joe Rogan superfan.

David, the Yale-educated writer with a fear of sharks, and Matt, the daredevil electrician with a shed full of surfboards, had never been close. But as America’s crises piled up and David spiraled into existential dread, he noticed that his brother-in-law was thriving. He began to suspect Matt’s favorite hobby had something to do with it.

David started taking surf lessons. For months, he wiped out on waves the height of daffodils. Yet, after realizing that surfing could change him both in and out of the water, he set an audacious goal: riding a big wave in Hawaii. He searched for an expert he could trust to guide and protect him—and when he couldn’t find one, he asked Matt. Together, they set out on a journey that spanned coasts, and even continents, before taking them to Oahu’s famously dangerous North Shore.

It’s Only Drowning is a laugh-out-loud love letter to surfing—and so much more. It’s an ode to embarking on adventures at any age. It’s a blueprint for becoming braver at a time when it takes courage just to read the news. Most of all, it’s the story of an unlikely friendship, one that crosses the fault lines of education, ideology, and culture tearing so many of us apart.

Great for our divided time

During the Covid pandemic our divisions have only increased. And our ability to tolerate those who disagree has only worsened. This book helped lay a foundation to begin talking, not just tolerate, respecting, not just ignoring. A friend and Episcopal priest inventions me, “If you want to change the world, make sure you aren’t hanging around with only those who think like you.” Great read!

Hilarious and Entertaining!

the author did an amazing job reading this book. thoroughly entertaining with giggles and laughs all the way! I loved it!

I can relate

As longtime mediocre at best surfer and over-thinker, I felt right at home with the story. Maybe I need to try and get ready for the north shore. But I’m also reminded that getting to know people with a different thought process and benefit you both.

Tiny arrows hit bullseyes

I loved this book in so many ways. It was fun, funny, clever, compelling, sweet, and hopeful. He crafted tiny little arrows that hit their target every single time. I wouldn’t have thought I’d be so engrossed in a story about becoming a surfer. But it was so much more than that. Wish I hadn’t read it, so I could read it!

Take a Lesson on the Fly

Why do we worry and let those worries build a nest and pester us like a nosy neighbor. But what to do? Eat a pie? Give in to sulking and whining? This author recognized a cool confidence and focused on emulating that attitude. He reached WAY out of his comfort zone (even though his worries hitchhiking onto his surfboard at times) and tried something new and unfamiliar. Every time I heard him elaborate on his surfing events, successful and not so much, I realized he was healing inside. The scars helped him recognize and celebrate the victories. Now as for that cool cat, Matt, he's still unbothered, and that is the final lesson.

You can tell that this book touched me in a deeply personal way. I wanted to tell the author he was just fine and that his words were inspiring. I wanted to tell him that we don't need another Matt, the world needs you and your story. Both have a place and can learn from one another.