This is masterpiece. There is no other way to adequately describe the experience of reading this. Every word is purposeful, it's like Nelson is begging you to slow down, listen, and savour. This is a love story, but it is also a love letter to Black art, and the sanctity of black spaces. It's about how trauma gets in the way of life, of love. At its core, it's a story of a black man seeking the freedom of open water. One of my many favorite quotes is:"perhaps that is how we should frame this question forever; rather than asking what is your favorite work, let's ask, what continues to pull you back?". Caleb Azumah Nelson's voice pulled me in from the first page and the tender poetry of Open Water will continue to pull me back.