Let Me Be Real with You: Inspiring Lessons on Living a Life of Service

by Arshay Cooper

From the celebrated athlete and award-winning author, an inspirational collection of personal stories and lessons that will spark change within you and transform how you contribute to the world.

Arshay Cooper believes in bringing people together, seeking out opposing ideas to collaborate and find consensus rather than focusing on differences and “othering.” In Let Me Be Real with You, he reflects on his personal journey—from the trials he faced as a young Black boy from the West Side of Chicago to finding international recognition as an athlete and philanthropist—sharing insights to guide you on your own journey.

The stories in Let Me Be Real with You will help you navigate difficulties and challenges with grace, awareness, hope, and even humor, and fortify your commitment to a life lived in service to others without sacrificing your own self-care. Ashray introduces you to the eight essential tenets of wellness—mental, physical, environmental, vocational, financial, intellectual, social, and spiritual—and teaches you how to incorporate them into daily life.

Cooper reveals how a wellness mindset and practices became an integral part of his life and success and how they can become central to yours as well. A memoir and inspirational guide, Let Me Be Real with You is for all of us who want to change our lives and find the courage to “doing it afraid."

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Bella A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has good meanings and presents a life story very well. Liked seeing rowing in the story and how powerful it was for the author to start rowing and continue life lessons with the sport. One critique I had which made this three stars was that it was hard to follow, chapters had stories a little all over the place and too much back and forth between years and such. (Wish it was like in order by the years) but the lessons throughout the book were amazing!!!

[Nora Fischer]

hocr gave this book & a $160 vineyard vine vest to all volunteers so read during my shift! also think i saw an olympian in the cambridge boat club women’s locker room & felt wildly inferior but in a good way?

[Andrew Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of hope and growth. This man skilfully ties rowing to individual and societal growth in both simile and metaphor. Brave, honest, vulnerable, he pulls us towards each other.
Self-help meets “help each other”. A feel-good, but very real read.