A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team

by Arshay Cooper

REGIONAL BESTSELLER

Now a documentary narrated by Common, produced by Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and 9th Wonder, from filmmaker Mary Mazzio

The moving true story of a group of young men growing up on Chicago's West side who form the first all-Black high school rowing team in the nation, and in doing so not only transform a sport, but their lives.

Growing up on Chicago’s Westside in the 90’s, Arshay Cooper knows the harder side of life. The street corners are full of gangs, the hallways of his apartment complex are haunted by drug addicts he calls “zombies” with strung out arms, clutching at him as he passes by. His mother is a recovering addict, and his three siblings all sleep in a one room apartment, a small infantry against the war zone on the street below.

Arshay keeps to himself, preferring to write poetry about the girl he has a crush on, and spends his school days in the home-ec kitchen dreaming of becoming a chef. And then one day as he’s walking out of school he notices a boat in the school lunchroom, and a poster that reads “Join the Crew Team”.

Having no idea what the sport of crew is, Arshay decides to take a chance. This decision to join is one that will forever change his life, and those of his fellow teammates. As Arshay and his teammates begin to come together to learn how to row--many never having been in water before--the sport takes them from the mean streets of Chicago, to the hallowed halls of the Ivy League. But Arshay and his teammates face adversity at every turn, from racism, gang violence, and a sport that has never seen anyone like them before.

A Most Beautiful Thing is the inspiring true story about the most unlikely band of brothers that form a family, and forever change a sport and their lives for the better.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports, Audiobook, Book Club, History, Biography

256 pages, ebook

First published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little over a month ago, I hadn't heard of this book. A colleague recommended it to me and kindly gifted me a copy. What a generous offer! I have to say, A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is easily one of my top three books for 2021. With a huge focus on diversity and inclusion both in my professional life and generally in society today, it's timely and motivating. At the same time, it's not pretending to be something for the sake of change and morality. The book, published several years ago, is simply a Black man's recollection of what it was like in high school when he became one of the first Black rowers in a Chicago school.

I admit, I was initially worried. I tend not to enjoy books or movies or anything that focuses on the plight of someone who's been marginalized, or far worse, because of race, color, sex, ethnicity, etc. I definitely will read or watch them so I don't ever forget what humanity is unfortunately capable of (in a bad way), but I often fail to comprehend how it could happen. I believe in treating everyone equally and often can't fathom how or why someone could intentionally or unintentionally harm another human being. All I ever do is think about the repercussions of my actions and how to include everyone equally. I find it difficult to read those stories, so they don't make it to the top of my list. That said, it is FAR more difficult to live that life, and if someone who's been biased against can push through it, so can I when it comes to reading an account. Man up, I tell myself.

BUT... this book is dozens of times stronger than that. Arshay Cooper just tells the story of about 18 months on the team--what went well, what didn't go well, and how it turned out. To begin with, my eyes were opened to some of the things I hadn't realized in the past, particularly how many gangs were on the streets of Chicago and how easily people were shot or killed for being in the wrong place. I mean... seriously... how does anyone think it's acceptable to shoot a kid for wearing the wrong color on the wrong street that day. WTH? Without emphasizing things like this, Arshay simply explains what happened when he walked to school, or how he couldn't use certain streets, or how it took an hour to get into school each morning because security guards had to check everyone for weapons. Imagine that's your life every day. And your father is unknown. Your mother is a drug addict. Your three siblings need you. And you still have a happy and optimistic attitude each day?

This book shares the negatives aspects of life. It doesn't shy away from drama, but it also had a bit of suspense even though it's non-fiction. I kept waiting for something horrible to happen Arshay or his family. Someone to be shot or knifed... for him to be savagely beaten up. But the account is, while not uplifting, an opportunity to watch how someone goes beyond the horrors around him to find a way to be successful.

So... if you're looking for a story that's probably almost entirely all true and non-exaggerated, and you want to understand a different life without massive graphic details, you should give this one a chance. The language can sometimes be harsh, e.g. n-word, curses, sexual content... but just enough to provide realistic moments... not enough to cross any lines. Mature, older teens probably okay. I learned about rowing. I learned about gang life. I learned about love. I learned about forgiveness. I learned to take a chance and read something out of my norm.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it (Audiobook) --will return later -- going walking! but really loved it!!!

UPDATE.....

Audiobook....
a memoir written by Arshay Cooper, team captain of the first all-black rowing team at Manley High School - on the West Side of Chicago.
......audiobook read by Adam Lazarre-White 8 hours, 43minutes

I’ve become a stand ‘for’ memoirs this past year....having read many exceptional worthy stories.

So....I must share my FIRST GUT REACTION when listening to this story.....written and read well! (both author and audio-narrator moved me)

My first reaction....was *nostalgia*....for TEAM BONDING.
I reflected on my past years - past involvements that gave me purpose, friendships, drive to do my best....
I literally cried ....for how much I - at times- miss those younger busy years.
....In Jr. High School and High school I was a gymnast. The value of TEAM...and our phenomenal coach gave me a lifetime of psychological benefits. I’m still friends with a few of the girls on that team.
....Also in High School ...(haha)... I was the head Pom Pom girl ( you can stop laughing now)....but the things I learned were invaluable. I first learned how scared and uncomfortable I was making so many needed decisions for our team....from fundraising summer activities...having our uniforms made ....designing our outfits ....’ha’....holding the line of accountability to practice ....make up dozens of routines....
Take ‘ha’ cheerleading serious ....when most of the other girls wanted to skip out to be with their boyfriends. It was not fun being the unpopular member of the team enforcing practice sessions.
....One of my greatest TEAM experiences was when I was the leading fundraiser for the Midwest MS foundation. We were called “The Sail Team”....dedicated to my friend who once taught Sailing at Stanford University. After he was diagnosed with MS...he moved back home to Michigan to be near his family - needing support.
I worked my ass off - at least 8 hours a day...sometimes doubled that.....
In the end ....we raised over $50,000 in honor of my friend Blake.
I made sooo many friends....heard so many stories....was sooooo moved by people’s generosity...it made me work harder.
On the day a group of us met in Michigan to do the MS walk (in freezing rain and wind- I wore 4 or 5 borrowed jackets)... around the lake....it was a day never forgotten.
Many of us stayed a week - coming from many parts of the county - We enjoyed our friendships - dinners - theatre - and our hard work accomplishments.
I remember thinking life doesn’t feel much better then this.

PURPOSE....AND TEAM GROUPS...can make me cry.
I did cry....then was grateful that a friend who listened to how much I sometimes ache missing THAT TYPE of personal joy....the pure joy of hard work WITH a TEAM. Friendships became rich and invaluable.
Heck, I have no idea why TEAMS move me.
I guess I just love feeling included....loving others, being loved....sharing our guts together....and working hard.....toward something meaningful.

This was a VALUABLE INSPIRING MEMOIR....
These black men WERE BEAUTIFUL....
Most of them came from broken homes. They were prime candidates for gang life.
Rowing gave these men purpose...strength... motivational benefits... greater friendships and strong team togetherness.

Loved it....and now...I plan to treat myself in watching the film documentary. I understand it’s on Xfinity Demand.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This awesome story has been recently turned into a documentary narrated by Common. I haven’t seen it yet; but if it is half as inspirational as the book, it will definitely be worth viewing. Cooper is not only an author, he is an accomplished chef in New York, and spends time motivating other kids to pursue the sport of crew and in so doing, change their lives.

This memoir recounts the time when Cooper was attending Manley Career Academy on the west side of Chicago in the 1990s, a place that the residents called ‘holy city’ because the different gangs were referred to as vice lords. Cooper’s mother was a recovered drug addict who was saved through a program at a local church. She became devoted to religion as a result. Cooper’s father was in prison.

Enter the 32-year-old white options and futures trader named Ken Alpart, a former University of Pennsylvania rowing crew team member and the founder of Urban Options, which is designed to help the lives of West Side kids. He decided to recruit Manley students for a rowing team—supplied the rowing machines, hired the coaches, and took the kids to races in different cities. They had to learn what it is like to compete in an all-white world with teams from elite private schools.

More important than the races, is how the sport transforms and empowers the kids that stick with the program. Some don’t make it. Interestingly, one of the scariest aspects for many of these kids was learning how to swim. Alpart included lessons in entrepreneurship in the rowing program, and 90 percent of the team became entrepreneurs. Alpart believed that “the power of rowing and the power of the water can change your life and give you the opportunity to go to college, the opportunity to learn how to swim, the opportunity to travel and build a bond and build the brotherhood.” It certainly did so for Arshay Cooper! Highly recommend.

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arshay Cooper was an African American teenager growing up on the tumultuous West Side of Chicago in the 1990s when he seized an opportunity to change his life. A white coach pitched the idea of starting a rowing team at Cooper’s mostly Black and Latino high school. Many students dismissed rowing as being a “white sport,” a fair assessment since the high costs often preclude participation by low-income students. But a local business executive bankrolled the team, and so was born the rowing team at Manley Career Academy High School.

Cooper chronicles his journey as a crew member in “A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America’s First All-Black High School Rowing Team.” The sport made intense demands on the young men, requiring them to train hard, learn how to swim, and make countless sacrifices – including not reacting to the racist jeers from competitors and spectators. The experience turned a team of strangers into brothers and unleashed their potential.

Read the rest of my review in the Christian Science Monitor.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this this uplifting and inspirational book, with its very vivid sense of place, Arshay Cooper writes about his experience as a member of America’s first all Black high school crew team at Chicago’s Manley High School. The team overcame incredible obstacles on its way to becoming a nationally recognized and respected competitor.

This is an unforgettable coming of age story of perseverance, friendship, loyalty, determination and triumph of the human spirit over despair and hopelessness. You cannot fail to be moved by this beautifully told memoir!

A Most Beautiful Thing has been made into a documentary film by filmmaker Mary Mazzio. It was also chosen as one of the Amazon Best Books of 2020.

[John Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put 15 years in as a teacher, mentor, and leader at Manley high school’s west side rival Collins Academy and I am grateful for this book, and more importantly it’s wide readership. But I hope what comes out of this is more than just a bestseller and a documentary film.

Everyone should read this book because it so perfectly balances the real humanity and promise and tragedy of our most underserved communities, but don’t stop there. Don’t say I read a book about young black men overcoming the odds to be a success story so I’m good now, I’m enlightened. Take away the bigger lesson, that when we all share our gifts, and give our time to each other, and see the humanity and goodness possible in every person, in every situation, we all win. Find a way to share your passion, your talent, your resources with those communities who need it the most and the most beautiful thing will not be that you read this book, it will be what you did next.

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story poorly told. I find underdog sports stories—particularly ones with cultural aspects—compelling, and Cooper’s story has all of the elements for a powerful memoir. Unfortunately he’s a bad writer—stilted dialogue that’s often excuses for unrealistic exposition and lectures, telling instead of showing, a lack of flow—and that hindered the delivery of the message. This would have been much better if written by a journalist or documentarian (or at least a good ghostwriter).

[Nicole (Bookiesandtea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is an inspiring and incredible story about a group of young Black boys growing up on the West Side of Chicago who become the first Black high school rowing team. It chronicles the story of how difficult and challenging growing up in low social economical communities not only impacts their life choices but mindsets and family environment as well.

Arshay Cooper narrates the book and as he details that he was never an athlete or considered a popular guy in high school and joining a rowing team was something he never considered. It was not a sport he even knew about. Growing up on the West Side, basketball and football were the sports to play and that is what was considered being an athlete and a way to get out the neighborhood. So when his friend Preston wants to join the team, he is reluctant to do so. Unbeknownst to him and the rest of the team that joins, rowing changes their lives in unexpected ways that they would have never imagined.

This book explores not only the premise of the first all Black high school rowing team but also the impacts of growing up poor, racial bias, family dynamics, having a support system, brotherhood, adventuring to the unknown,, discovering your drive and striving for your dreams.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Margaret Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might not be the flashiest memoir on the block, but it's real.

A Most Beautiful Thing is the memoir recounting Arshay Cooper's experience on a crew team from a rough neighborhood on Chicago's West Side in the 1990s and the opportunities it gave him. In this, originally, self-published book he tells the story of how he and other neighborhood boys defied stereotypes of rowings lily white reputation and overcame adversity.

There is no flashy, literary language here, but Cooper is unvarnished. He talks honestly about his mother's drug addiction, violence in the neighborhood, watching his friends join gangs and teenage heartbreak. His open and honest life story is fascinating, but what I loved most was how he opened the door to any reader here to learn about modern rowing and how the sport works. You can feel his passion for the sport in his explanations of the mechanics and how it made him feel. I rowed for two and a half years, and many of his passages about learning the sport, the exhilaration and pain of racing and the bond you form when you have a good boat was amazing to read.

The only reason this isn't five stars is sometimes he veered a little too hard into "motivational speaker" territory, and inserted inspirational dialogue for his teenage self that is was a little too corny for me.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly moving and hopeful book about the transformation of the lives of a group of Black High School students and the resulting positive influence on their community and beyond.

Standout quotes that captured my attention:

"Opportunities are for people who need them, and those who show up to get them."

"For some people you have to an eye on them from the rearview mirror and keep moving forward."

"We succeeded the moment we stepped in the boat the first time. As the captain my vision is for the guys to know we are not just a team, we are a movement [...] I don't want people to look at us and see students or rowers or our skin color, I want them to see hope."

"We went into this thinking we could change the sport of rowing like Jackie Robinson did baseball, but the sport of crew has changed us. We are becoming Doctor King's vision of a beloved community."

"When sweat meets tears it's been a fight."

"In crew you move ahead by looking in the opposite direction. I learned that it's okay to look back as long as you keep moving forward."

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular

I really loved this book. It is a true story of young people overcoming an atmosphere of drugs, gangs and violence.

I loved how focusing on a sport like rowing changed lives.

I highly recommend.

[Ray L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unexpected Christmas gift...and engaging enough (and short enough) that I have finished it on Boxing Day. Agree with all the reviewers who speak to the inspirational nature of the story: it is an "five star" inspirational story. And it as such it contains reminders about our individual agency in the world. "Four stars" because the writing and narrative arc do not rise to the power of the story of being inner city Black teenagers making themselves into competitive oarsman. I was not sure if the author's voice was his current voice or his projection of what his high school voice would have been. And finally, "three stars" for me because my own nostalgia for when I rowed made me want more and better depiction of the sport.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story! While this is an adult NF title, it’s accessible and appropriate all the way down through middle school. I read it at the same time as the middle grade fiction title “Black Brother Black Brother” and what an awesome combo ~ both stories about overcoming racism in predominantly white elitist sports. I can’t recommend this highly enough to anyone working with teens.

[Christine]

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[Charty · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for sheer inspiration. Arshay’s journey from a young man growing up aimless, from a broken family, poverty, you name the challenge and he probably dealt with it growing up black in Chicago’s West Side. Seeing him transform his life (as well as those of his crew teammates) was inspiring. If only every BIPOC child in America had opportunities like these to see outside their gang controlled walls and have people believe in their capabilities and extend them grace, belief and tangible support- what a world we could become.

I’m sure you’ll notice I ultimately gave this only a 3 star review and here’s why. Mr. Cooper has at times some very poetic turns of phrase, and the book starts off strongly, but as I got deeper in the book I was thrown out of the narrative by the writing style. Obviously a memoir is meant to reflect the author and stylistic differences can enhance their story, but I found too often the sentences were short and declarative and that too often paragraphs became lists of people and things. The story felt like it was missing some connective tissue to help it flow. I also found the prominence of Grace, his unrequited love a puzzling addition. She didn’t add much perspective to his story and I resented the amount of time spent on her. As it, this is a very short read that could have benefited from some descriptive expansion.

I don’t fault Mr. Cooper, he has a unique story that deserves an audience, I just wish his editor had helped to really shape and polish the language so that it was as powerful and transformative as his rowing strokes.

If you like rowing and know something about the sport as I do, you’ll appreciate both the sheer grind and willpower these young men exhibited to be so successful, as well as the heart and determination to cross unimaginable boundaries of class, race and tradition to overcome and make history - bravo!!

[Crystal Zavala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading non-fiction, but I rarely enjoy reading books about sports. The intensity and competition doesn't appeal to me. I was convinced to read The Boys in the Boat a few years ago and I was surprised that I enjoyed it, so when I saw that A Most Beautiful Thing is about high school boys who had never rowed before, I decided to give it a try.

A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is inspiring and eye-opening. It is so hard to imagine living right on Lake Michigan and never spending time on the lake or learning to swim. However, that was and still is normal for Arshay and his friends living on Chicago's West Side.

Arshay grew up with surrounded by the tough streets of Chicago, but didn't feel the pull towards the street life like many of his friends. He wanted to graduate, become a chef, and write poetry. When Arshay hears about free pizza at lunch, he can't help but go and see what is going on. His high school is starting a crew team and he has no idea what that is, but he is fascinated by the coaches and their investment in the idea. Arshay decides to give it a chance and probably changes the trajectory of his life. He becomes part of the first Black high school rowing team in America!

I listened to the audio of A Most Beautiful Thing and Adam Lazarre-White has the most soothing voice. Thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me with a free copy.

[Elizabeth Holihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. It is devastating and wonderful; heartbreaking and inspirational. A Most Beautiful Thing is a book for all to read - you don’t have to be a rower to see the power of this story. The number of challenges these student-rowers have to face is innumerable: being poor, a minority, not having a support system, having broken and substance-using families, being in an under-funded school, living through gang violence and seeing death from a young age. The list goes on. These boys had to face these challenges on a daily basis just to survive. And yet, a group of athletes was able to change Chicago’s rowing landscape to be more diverse, in a sport that is so wealthy and white. The epilogue made me so happy and simultaneously broke my heart. The stories of the men who are doing everything right, and still experience violence and death is unacceptable and tragic. I am very excited to see the documentary and learn more about the Manley Rowers. This book shows that support and community can change kids’ lives, if we choose to invest in them.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won an e-galley from Flatiron books. If you like memoirs, are interested in rowing, and\or like inspirational stories then read this book. You will learn how much hard work rowing takes, especially to get as good as this high school team did. But this is also about their daily lives and the harsh environment they grew up in. They came together for a team but became a family. Even when talking about the harder parts of his life Arshay is never negative. The book is positive and inspirational throughout. You will care and root for everyone. I think this would be a great book for young adults to read.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

True account of the life changing impact by the introduction of a rowing team to students on Chicago's west side. As told by a member of the team who became their captain, and despite his challenges at home, the effect of the coaches and providers who, in the 1990's, taught these kids more than just how to maneuver a shell, but the necessity of team manship, pride in accomplishment, and goes on to foster in many successful entrepreneurship. This is a reprint and updating of Suga Water, which Arshay Cooper wrote in 2015, with expanded content, and acts as a companion piece to the upcoming documentary.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring book! This was the perfect accompaniment to watching the documentary based on the book, currently available on Peacock. Both are highly recommended.

[Krisette Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arshay Cooper is growing up on the West Side of Chicago. His mother is a drug addict and there are gangs on every block. Arshay knows he wants something better for his life, but doesn't know how to break out of the cycle. One day a recruiter comes to school to look for youth to become the first all black rowing team. Arshay decides to join the team, and the people he meets will change his life.

The writing was a little disjointed at times and there is some swearing, but the story was incredible. I love how Mr. Cooper describes his life, and the challenges he faces without trying to blame everyone else for what is happening. He refuses to become a victim.

"It's like a bank account: you have nothing to withdraw if you don't make a deposit. A lot of times teachers and parents just want to withdraw from us. They want to know our problems, secrets, and the things that are going on in our lives. They wonder why we never tell them anything, and the reason is because they've never made any deposits. Ken is excellent at making trust and faith deposits in our lives."

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Maybe I can succeed like these coaches are telling us. Despite everything, I still believe in seizing the moment and that an opportunity is a gift.”

This is the true story of how Manley High School’s ground breaking all black rowing team on Chicago’s West Side in the 1990’s came to be. Written from the perspective of Arshay Cooper, one of team captains, “A Most Beautiful Thing” chronicles the amazing obstacles these boys had to climb. Most of them weren’t able to swim, didn’t have proper clothing, and weren’t able to afford proper nutrition. Most hadn’t even heard of rowing. But it offered a way out, a way out of the only life they knew that was daily filled with gang violence, drugs, and fear.

“As a black man looking at other young black men, you may say to yourself ‘I can’t swim! I don’t do water!’ We will teach you, because every time you conquer a fear, life gets a little less scary.”

The stories vacillate between heartwarming, shocking, and heartbreaking as you witness kids from rival gangs, different religions, and broken homes rise up and come together to compete. They tour college campuses, train in gyms, and learn to swim. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this took place in the ‘90s and not the 60s because of some of the racism they encounter. At one point they had trouble being admitted to a restaurant for food! In 1990!! But overall, the coaches believe in them and it encourages these boys to believe in themselves. They begin to want more and start to think they can really get it if they work hard enough.

Now a film narrated by @common, produced by @realgranthill & @dwaynewade with music by @9thwonder that is set to come out July 31. I’m usually a girl who always likes the book better, but this will definitely be a movie that I’ll want to see!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the eyes of Arshay Cooper, the reader not only experiences the day to day struggles and trauma of those living in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago's west side, but also the normal but unreachable dreams and wishes of the youth as they navigate their social, familial, and academic duties. It is very difficult to be part of that society without being part of a gang but these 5 young students found that way. Through the crew team, along with the help of Ken Alpert and Coach Jessica and later Coach Marc, they learn the value of working very hard toward something that is greater than themselves. It is a study of the remarkable discipline, hope and perseverance of group of forgotten boys living in a less than average environment. Oh and I forgot to say, this is the story of the first all black crew team - the brilliant experiment of a small group of committed former college crew members and funders who believed in the power of working as one.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational true story about the first all African-American rowing team at a public high school. Arshay Cooper describes the harsh realities of growing up and living in Chicago's West Side and the effects of joining a newly-formed rowing team at his school. The team not only faced the struggles of participating in a traditionally elite, all-white sport, but also had to deal with racism, gang violence, and the drugs, poverty, and lack of resources in their homes. Cooper's story helps the reader better understand the frustrations of African Americans living in the cycle of racism, drugs, and poverty in the inner city, as well as the effects on Cooper's life of the lessons he learned from rowing crew and working as a team. Very timely read, recommended.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is electric, motivating & I was fighting for Arshay & his team to succeed from the beginning. I am a rower so I hung on his every word about the work out sequences & the learning to row, racing, teamwork aspect.
Rowing is a metaphor for life. We are all in this together. What a wonderful story. I can not wait to see the documentary.
Even if you or Juniors you know do not row have them read this book to put life in perspective. I listened to it on Audible while on vacation & it made me smile even more then just leaving town. I escaped into the life of these young men & women from Chicago’s West Side.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the '90s, a group of teenagers, from the Chicago West side became the first all-black high school rowing team. Arshay Cooper was one of these boys and this is his story. It is uplifting and inspirational. Being from the Chicago area, I am surprised that I had never heard about this event but I am well-informed now. There is also a documentary about this story, currently running on Prime.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, loved this from page one and practically devoured it! So inspirational, well written and captivating. Must-read not only for rowers but everyone who wants to understand what a huge difference dedication to something can make in people’s lives.

[Vovka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of a black high school rowing team overcoming adversity, poverty, and systemic racism to triumph in a very competitive sport.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Chicago, the author provides a great message.

[laurel [the suspected bibliophile] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me want to get back into a boat and row.

A really fascinating story overall.