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Hanging on to My Dreams: Bouncing Back from All Rejections
"Hanging on to My Dreams" is an inspiring autobiography that follows the first 23 years of Arnold Henry, a West Indian basketball player who overcomes many hurdles and disappointments on the road to fulfilling his American hoop dreams. The story starts with a portrayal of Arnold's Caribbean childhood in a difficult household where sports provided a dream and a means of escape. After becoming the first basketball player from Saint Lucia to be awarded a full basketball scholarship as a freshman as the highest level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States, Arnold Henry's victory lap took a dark turn as he saw more school leagues that he expected after being accused of a crime. This stirring narrative also deals with Arnold's struggle to integrate into the American culture and sports systems. Arnold Henry's will to succeed and his strength to hang on to his dreams illustrates how we can all attain our goals-no matter what society throws at us.
- GenresNonfiction
ebook
First published May 11, 2011
2 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Arnold Henry
11 books18 followersArnold Henry, (February 11, 1985), former NCAA Division I basketball player, is now a proud father, a children's author, an entrepreneur, a social media influencer, a motivational speaker and a skill development basketball trainer. He is currently residing in Canada with his wife and their two sons. Growing up on the rough streets in Saint Lucia, he excelled in Track and Field, representing the island at numerous regional sports meet. Later, he grew a desire for basketball, becoming an island champion at the 2000 Inter-Secondary Basketball Tournament. Just before graduating from High School, Mr. Henry was a recipient of the 2001 National Junior Male Basketball Player of the Year award. After only spending one year at a Community College (2002-2003), Mr. Henry accepted a basketball scholarship at Massanutten Military Academy, a prep-school located in Woodstock, Virginia USA. In 2004, he accepted an offer from the University of Vermont, where Mr. Henry became the first Saint Lucian to earn a full basketball scholarship at the NCAA Division I level.
In spring 2009, Mr. Henry obtained his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. It was then he started chasing his passion for writing and transforming his journals into a memoir. His debut publication, Hanging On To My Dreams, was published in 2011, followed by the sequel, Rebirth, which was published in 2015—two books that caters to youth empowerment and rising against all odds. Before becoming a published children's author in 2018, Mr. Henry had to face a harsh rejection letter that stated, “…stories on African-American fathers is a tough sell.” Today, he is living his dreams while promoting fatherhood with his publications: Daddy's Mini-Me and Patiently Waiting for Hope. When he’s not writing, Mr. Henry spends most of his time visiting schools and reading to children, as well as sharing his joy as a family man on Instagram. He has held multiple book signings and motivational speaking engagements in cities across Canada, England, USA, Mexico, India and Saint Lucia. He was one of the featured authors of Calgary’s 16th annual Wordfest. He also enjoys volunteering his time using his words of empowerment to motivate at risk youths of selected programs.
In spring 2009, Mr. Henry obtained his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. It was then he started chasing his passion for writing and transforming his journals into a memoir. His debut publication, Hanging On To My Dreams, was published in 2011, followed by the sequel, Rebirth, which was published in 2015—two books that caters to youth empowerment and rising against all odds. Before becoming a published children's author in 2018, Mr. Henry had to face a harsh rejection letter that stated, “…stories on African-American fathers is a tough sell.” Today, he is living his dreams while promoting fatherhood with his publications: Daddy's Mini-Me and Patiently Waiting for Hope. When he’s not writing, Mr. Henry spends most of his time visiting schools and reading to children, as well as sharing his joy as a family man on Instagram. He has held multiple book signings and motivational speaking engagements in cities across Canada, England, USA, Mexico, India and Saint Lucia. He was one of the featured authors of Calgary’s 16th annual Wordfest. He also enjoys volunteering his time using his words of empowerment to motivate at risk youths of selected programs.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 21, 2013
This book didn't actually take me this many months to finish; I was hospitalized for almost two months in the middle of reading it and it remained at home until I got back to get through the last few chapters!
I had the opportunity to meet the author at a writer's workshop a bit over a year ago and afterwards was curious about his story and his book. Having grown up as a basketball fan (what girl in Chicago who came up in the Jordan/Pippen era of the repeat/threepeat/fourpeat etc championships didn't grow up a basketball fan?) the story of the first kid from St. Lucia to be a freshman player for a division 1 NCAA college basketball team seemed like a curious tale.
The story starts at home in his childhood on the island. Henry did not have an easy childhood, and it is unvarnished and stark in his book. My heart ached for the little boy who didn't have even the simple things most North American kids grow up with, but soared for him when he found an escape in athletics, starting in Track and Field and moving on to basketball.
There are places where the story stalls a little, or seems a little overwritten, and there are several slow passages where nothing much seems to happen, which is why I gave the book four stars rather than five. Overall however, I really enjoyed this memoir of a life very different from my own, yet having intersected with mine in a very real way. There's a good amount of insider looks at the college basketball scene and how difficult it can be for the players, as well as how cavalierly coaches can use and then drop players, lying with silver tongues and giving up on them when the least trouble rears it's head and the player needs them the most. I found myself pretty angry on Henry's behalf during much of the book that outlined his college career.
If you are interested in basketball or sports memoirs, this is a very solid read that is engaging and personal.
I had the opportunity to meet the author at a writer's workshop a bit over a year ago and afterwards was curious about his story and his book. Having grown up as a basketball fan (what girl in Chicago who came up in the Jordan/Pippen era of the repeat/threepeat/fourpeat etc championships didn't grow up a basketball fan?) the story of the first kid from St. Lucia to be a freshman player for a division 1 NCAA college basketball team seemed like a curious tale.
The story starts at home in his childhood on the island. Henry did not have an easy childhood, and it is unvarnished and stark in his book. My heart ached for the little boy who didn't have even the simple things most North American kids grow up with, but soared for him when he found an escape in athletics, starting in Track and Field and moving on to basketball.
There are places where the story stalls a little, or seems a little overwritten, and there are several slow passages where nothing much seems to happen, which is why I gave the book four stars rather than five. Overall however, I really enjoyed this memoir of a life very different from my own, yet having intersected with mine in a very real way. There's a good amount of insider looks at the college basketball scene and how difficult it can be for the players, as well as how cavalierly coaches can use and then drop players, lying with silver tongues and giving up on them when the least trouble rears it's head and the player needs them the most. I found myself pretty angry on Henry's behalf during much of the book that outlined his college career.
If you are interested in basketball or sports memoirs, this is a very solid read that is engaging and personal.
October 28, 2012
This book is Arnold Henry’s autobiography of his basketball journey. He was born and raised in Saint Lucia where he discovered his passion for basketball and then went on to be given a full scholarship to attend a military college in the U.S. From there, he was chosen to join the University of Vermont NCAA team. Unfortunately, accomplishing this dream did not turn out as well as Henry had hoped.
I bought this book because I have met Arnold Henry, not necessarily because I am a big basketball fan. I was most intrigued by his description of life in Saint Lucia and then his struggles coping with life in the United States. I was appalled by the amount of racism he encountered, especially from coaches and fellow teammates. I was saddened by his deep homesickness and loneliness throughout his journey. It seems that schools that recruit international students should be better equipped to help them through the culture shock they experience.
He writes a very compelling story that earnestly captures his desire to improve his game, become part of a team, find love and provide for his family. The ending leaves many questions unanswered and I hope a sequel will follow this captivating debut.
I bought this book because I have met Arnold Henry, not necessarily because I am a big basketball fan. I was most intrigued by his description of life in Saint Lucia and then his struggles coping with life in the United States. I was appalled by the amount of racism he encountered, especially from coaches and fellow teammates. I was saddened by his deep homesickness and loneliness throughout his journey. It seems that schools that recruit international students should be better equipped to help them through the culture shock they experience.
He writes a very compelling story that earnestly captures his desire to improve his game, become part of a team, find love and provide for his family. The ending leaves many questions unanswered and I hope a sequel will follow this captivating debut.
October 1, 2013
I'm Ready For BOOK Two!
I feel so uplifted after reading such an inspiring story of this young boy who left his home in Saint Lucia, to pursue his dreams of playing basketball in America. After all his hard work of achieving a full basketball scholarship, little did he know, he would face even tougher challenges in his quest to becoming a basketball star. The author really kept me captivated throughout all his experiences. I was really impressed with the author's writing style and the creativity of breaking down the book into four quarters, sort of like a basketball game. But this isn't just a book of basketball. The contents in the book is what many of us go through on a daily basis. Arnold really exemplifies what it means to overcome adversities. At the end of the book, he leaves us with unanswered questions. Hopefully, we will get to know more about Arnold in his second book. I recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through struggles.
I feel so uplifted after reading such an inspiring story of this young boy who left his home in Saint Lucia, to pursue his dreams of playing basketball in America. After all his hard work of achieving a full basketball scholarship, little did he know, he would face even tougher challenges in his quest to becoming a basketball star. The author really kept me captivated throughout all his experiences. I was really impressed with the author's writing style and the creativity of breaking down the book into four quarters, sort of like a basketball game. But this isn't just a book of basketball. The contents in the book is what many of us go through on a daily basis. Arnold really exemplifies what it means to overcome adversities. At the end of the book, he leaves us with unanswered questions. Hopefully, we will get to know more about Arnold in his second book. I recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through struggles.
February 1, 2014
A story of courage and relentless drive to achieve one's dreams. In spite of several road blocks to his dreams, Mr. Henry was able to move forward fueled by his mother's love and her encouraging words.
The story will pull at your heart strings as you feel his pain when he described his absentee, loveless father, Tobias.
A motivational read. One that will surely benefit young men in pursuit of their dreams.
Mr. Henry is the definition of 'never give up.'
The story will pull at your heart strings as you feel his pain when he described his absentee, loveless father, Tobias.
A motivational read. One that will surely benefit young men in pursuit of their dreams.
Mr. Henry is the definition of 'never give up.'
August 30, 2013
This book caught my attention from the very start, and I had trouble putting it down. It is an amazing book. The way the author told his story made it feel like you were standing in his shoes, experiencing it all first hand. He is an amazing writer with a very inspirational story of his struggles throughout his journey. I highly recommend this book.
Want to read
October 1, 2011I met Arnold at a writers group where I was doing a presentation. He is a remarkable person and I look forward to reading his book. His story is an incredible accomplishment as is his book. Congratulations Arnold.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews