A Most Beautiful Thing (Cooper) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
Uplifting and always enlightening.… [A Most Beautiful Thing] is a coming-of-age story told with the benefit of adult insights and mature hindsight.… This book is less about this specific sport than how that sport becomes transformative, empowering some kids, giving others a direction.
Chicago Tribune


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. The book is as uplifting as its title suggests, and sections detailing the races are downright heart-pounding.
Christian Science Monitor


Cooper details how he and his teammates experienced racism and discrimination in the community around the boathouses the team traveled to and how they took a risk in trying a mostly all-white sport that had never seen anyone like them before—and how it ultimately transformed his life.
Sports Illustrated


Spirited account of a pioneering all-black rowing team.… The narrative feels both familiar and memorable due to… well-rounded characterizations. Engrossing as a sports memoir but also relevant to any conversation about privilege and race.
Kirkus Reviews