The Saltwater Cure

 The Saltwater Cure by Ali Gripper

Book One 2025

I picked up The Saltwater Cure over the Christmas break, and it turned out to be the perfect read to ease back into reading after life had gotten a bit hectic. Ali Gripper has written a book that feels like a collection of conversations with people who share a deep connection to the ocean—whether it’s for healing, adventure, or simply a way of life. It’s an easy, engaging read that had me reflecting on my own memories growing up by the sea.

The stories are incredible. Tim Winton, Layne Beachley, Jessica Watson, Valerie Taylor, and so many others talk about how the ocean has shaped their lives. I remembered following Jess’s journey when she sailed around the world as a teenager—so much life lived in such a short time, and hearing about her partner passing away was heartbreaking. And Layne Beachley? Her story hit me hard. I haven’t stopped talking about it since. The resilience, the mindset—it left a massive impression.

One story that stood out was about the burkini. What a game-changer. It was such a pivotal moment in history, making the ocean more accessible to more people. I love sharing stories like that, especially ones that highlight how the ocean really is for everyone. It reminded me of a surf documentary I watched years ago about kids in India breaking all the surf 'rules'—dropping in on each other left, right, and center—but what really stuck with me was how girls were basically told no more surfing once they hit 10 or 11. The Saltwater Cure captures that same idea: the ocean doesn't belong to any one person or group; it’s a place of freedom for all.

And of course, Valerie Taylor’s story was just as fascinating as you’d expect. A lifetime spent in the water, contributing to conservation while working on Jaws—it’s wild to think about how they used their diving skills to create something iconic while also dedicating themselves to protecting the very creatures the film made famous.

The book doesn’t just share stories; it gently nudges you to remember how important it is to care for the ocean. It’s a reminder that the sea is more than just a holiday backdrop—it’s a source of calm, strength, and connection.

If you're an ocean lover, or even if you just want something light but meaningful to dip into, this one's worth a read. It’s like standing on the shore, taking a deep breath, and remembering what really matters.