Suga Water: A Memoir

by Arshay Cooper

A new edition will be released next year under "A Most Beautiful Thing"-Arshay Cooper

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2015

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been profoundly touched by this book. I picked it up because I'm a rower and I like to read good rowing stories. But this goes far beyond any book about rowing that I have read. It is a coming of age story, but it's a true life story about how a young man chooses love and discipline to reach a better life in the future. There is more to it- the stories of his friends and teammates are just as captivating. Rowing is just one tool that Arshay used to move forward in life. As I write this, I realize that this is a modern-day Boys in the Boat story, though instead of depression-era Washington State it's modern day Chicago. This book is a lesson in humanity and humility. It inspires me to want to do more.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir, Arshay Cooper grew up in Chicago's West Side. Mr. Cooper tells his story. He sees the resources around him and decides to take advantage. Along the way he discovers the benefits of helping others. This book is full of life lessons that are earned the hard way.

I will read this book again and again. Purchase it over and over and share it with as many people I can.

Mr. Cooper, thank you for sharing your story.

[Theresa Chinchiolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish everybody would read this book! It's not really a book about crew / rowing, but more about how the life of a youth can be changed and improved by inner desire a little bit of a hand up. Arshay Cooper is one of the most gentle and inspirational men I have met and I'm so inspired by how he continues to live his life by setting an example and giving back.

[Hoksila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! I have had the pleasure of meeting Arshay and his friends, my dad being coach Tim, who appears at the end of the book. It is a very heartfelt and sincere story, coming from someone who lived this experience through. It's a great book, make sure to read it.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of the first all black high school crew team. Arshay and his teammates are recruited to crew by a wealthy investor and his friends, the coaches. The boys learn discipline and dedication as they train hard to excel in a sport that is dominated by white people. They get stares and laughs from other teams who chide them for where they are from-inner city Chicago. The boys have their ups and downs- girls, drugs, gangs, and more- but they are inspired to succeed, and ultimately crew changes their lives.
Excited for Arshay Cooper to visit our school in a couple of weeks.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

And inspirational and motivating book

I read this book in preparation for interviewing Arshay Cooper for the Ready, Row! USA podcast, and after interviewing him I read it again! I will never again complain about getting up early to go rowing or even going to erg class. What Arshay and his team went through to achieve their goals at such a young age is truly astounding. I also love his writing style, very engaging, Gets you right into their experience.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring memoir about Cooper's experience and commitment to crew. I read it because Cooper is coming to PA (Peoples Academy--where I teach) in a few weeks because he's a motivational speaker. He certainly is passionate about his experience and his writing is easy to read.

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational story. Thank you for sharing this amazing story of living on the west side of Chicago and following the energy and inspiration of a white man to become part of the first all black rowing crew in the USA.

[Beegee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Mr. Cooper's powerful personal story. A talented writer, empathetic spirit and leader.