Arshay Cooper

really loved this!! the audiobook was really great!! memoirs are always best read via audiobook because it's nice to have these types of stories read to you. and this book, both the author and audio narrator moved me. i have so much nostalgia for team bonding. i could cry for how much at times i miss those younger busy years of being on a softball team. having a purpose and team/teammates can always make me cry. this was a valuable inspiring memoir. these men were beautiful!! most of them came from broken homes.. they were prime candidates for gang life. and rowing gave these men purpose. strength. motivational benefits. greater friendships. strong team togetherness.… (mer)

A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America’s First All-Black Rowing Team by Arshay Cooper is a 2020 Flatiron publication.

This book is definitely an inspiration, and I am so glad Arshay decided to share his journey with us.

All the way around there are people who support, encourage, pray, and inspire Arshay- but, of course, if he had not been his own determination and willingness to do what his mother asked, what his coaches told him to do, and think for himself at the same time his story could have gone a different way.

While the rowing team is- in and of itself -a testimony of teamwork, hard work, and dedication- with thrilling victories and heartbreaking defeats, it is also about Arshay’s personal life and his faith and belief in a higher power. Arshay, with a huge assist from his mother, who did a complete 180 in her life- grew stronger as a person and learned about sacrifice and leadership.

The rowing team was the catalyst of that- giving him a place to focus his energy, keep him on track, and a goal to work towards. It was too disciplined and hard work, but it also created relationships, broke barriers, and set a positive example for everyone.

Overall, I recommend this book to all audiences.

*Some occasional mild language and limited descriptions of street violence, gangs, and drug use.… (mer)