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40 pages 1 hour read

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

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Arshay Cooper

A Most Beautiful Thing

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

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Super Short Summary

A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper chronicles the formation and first two seasons of America’s first all-Black high school rowing team at Manley Career Academy High School in Chicago in the late 1990s. The narrative highlights themes of education and personal growth, the importance of diversity in sports, and the transformative power of athletics. The memoir was adapted into a documentary film in 2020.

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Hopeful

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.5

7,800 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is acclaimed for its heartfelt and inspiring narrative about the first African American high school rowing team. Reviewers laud its exploration of overcoming adversity and the power of sports in fostering unity and personal growth. While some critics feel the pacing drags in parts, the overall impact and emotional depth are highly praised.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Most Beautiful Thing?

A reader who would enjoy A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is likely passionate about sports, overcoming adversity, and minority experiences. Fans of The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown or The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore will find this memoir compelling and inspiring.

4.5

7,800 ratings

90%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

1%

Not a fan

Character List

Arshay Cooper

An influential member of the rowing team at Manley Career Academy, who overcomes self-doubt and unfamiliarity with the sport to eventually serve as the team captain. His story is marked by perseverance in the face of challenges.

Arshay Cooper’s mother, initially struggling with addiction, whose journey to recovery contributes significantly to the stability and inspiration in Cooper’s life.

Arshay Cooper’s best friend, who introduces him to rowing and plays a vital supportive role before facing personal challenges that lead him away from the sport.

The founder of the Manley crew program and mentor to the rowers, who uses his own rowing background and experience as a trader to empower and inspire the team.

One of the main rowers, whose initial troubles and gang associations lead to a transformative friendship with Cooper, highlighting themes of compassion and support.

A main rower who brings cultural diversity to the team and whose experiences with familial pressures provide insight into themes of identity and expectations.

The primary coach for the team during their first season, known for her dedication to teaching rowing fundamentals and supporting the team's growth.

A co-founder of the Manley crew team and experienced coach, who contributes to the team’s development whenever available with his extensive expertise.

The head coach hired during the team’s second season, whose innovative methods and impactful coaching greatly enhance the team’s performance and determination.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1990s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

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