Arshay Cooper is a rower, bestselling, and award-winning author, a two-time Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport of rowing, a motivational speaker, and the protagonist of the film A Most Beautiful Thing, based on his memoir as the captain of America’s first All-Black high school rowing team. Arshay is the co-founder of the national award-winning nonprofit, the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, which introduces thousands of under-resourced youth to the sport of rowing around the world.

"With unflinching honesty and immense compassion, Arshay Cooper opens his heart in order to show us what it means to live a life of service while also learning—sometimes painfully, sometimes joyfully—how to care for oneself. He reminds us that healing is possible — even for those who were never taught to believe they were worthy of it; even within communities that have been traumatized and neglected; even within families that have been broken by hardship ; and yes, even at this fractious moment of history." — Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times Bestselling Author of Eat, Pray, Love"Arshay bares his heart and soul in describing his life’s journey and how the eight principles of wellness allowed him to find happiness and success as an award winning author. I stand in awe of his journey through life and find inspiration in the growth of the man from the boy. His story is a testament that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and follow your dreams. Arshay Cooper is MY inspiration!" — Ron Stallworth, New York Times Bestselling Author of Blackkklansman“Sincere and uplifting, Let Me Be Real with You explores how Cooper evolved from a struggling youth to an exemplary member of the global community. Readers will appreciate how Cooper's eight elements of wellness—including mental, physical, and vocational wellness, which he thoroughly explains—helped his life and could aid others.” — Booklist“Arshay Cooper does it again. His gift of power and grace are exemplary in his latest book, Let Me Be Real with You.  It’s a heartfelt journey filled with personal stories, insightful lessons, and practical guidance that encourages us to craft our own unique narratives. With a gentle yet steadfast hand, Cooper walks alongside us, helping us navigate the winding paths of our lives. He makes a promise to be there in our moments of uncertainty, tackling the complexities together, and igniting the spark within us to reach back and support others when the time is right.”  — Vanessa Williams, Singer, Actress, and Author of You Have No Idea"Arshay Cooper’s new book is a touching and inspiring delight. Chock full of healing messages drawn from his diverse experiences—as a kid growing up on the tough streets of Chicago’s West Side, as a rower and rowing mentor, as a community leader and youth advocate, and as an extraordinarily sensitive and humane human being—Let Me Be Real with You—is a wonderful antidote to the fractured times we are living through."  — Daniel James Brown, New York Times Bestselling Author of Boys in the Boat