40 pages • 1 hour read
A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team
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Book Brief
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1990s
2020
Adult
13+ years
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
7,800 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
7,800 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1990s
2020
Adult
13+ years
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