THE HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK PRESENTS
One Bay, One Book
2026 Details
The One Bay, One Book Community Reads program features one book for the community to read followed by an opportunity to come together to discuss the book with the author. Unlike other Festival events, the selected book is chosen from the Festival’s author alumni. Selection criteria includes relevance for the entire community regarding the book’s theme, and its timeliness or timelessness.
Join Us as We Welcome ARSHAY COOPER Back to Harbor Springs
Many remember Arshay at the 2021 Festival with both his book and film adaption, A MOST BEAUTIFUL THING: THE TRUE STORY OF THE FIRST ALL-BLACK HIGH SCHOOL ROWING TEAM. Now, he returns to discuss his new book, LET ME BE REAL WITH YOU: INSPIRING LESSONS ON LIVING A LIFE OF SERVICE. This powerful collection of personal stories and life lessons will help readers face fear, build strength, and step into who they're meant to become. Through honesty, humor, and hope, LET ME BE REAL WITH YOU teaches that transformation begins when we stop hiding and start owning our story.
Tickets are FREE, but required and are available by clicking here.
Thursday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m.
Nub’s Nob
500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs
Registration is required.
The book is available at Between the Covers in Harbor Springs or independent booksellers everywhere.
This community programming is provided free of charge.
The Festival has a limited number of copies available to community members while supplies last, according to need. Contact us here if you are interested in receiving one. Limit one per household. Books must be picked up at the Festival office in Harbor Springs.
Arshay Cooper is a #1 national bestselling author, rower, and speaker who turned adversity into purpose. Growing up on Chicago’s West Side, he discovered rowing - a sport that taught him unity, courage, and resilience. His journey inspired the award-winning documentary and bestselling book A Most Beautiful Thing.
Today, Arshay travels the world spreading a message of hope, healing, and inclusion, showing that when we row together, we rise together, transforming fear into strength and communities into lasting change.
What People Are Saying About Arshay Cooper
“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.”
“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.”
“Arshay is not merely a motivator but a builder of people and communities. He challenges us to reimagine what is possible and to step boldly into our purpose. Each time I hear him speak, I am reminded of the extraordinary power of story to calm fears, bridge divides, heal wounds, and ignite action.”
Help support the Festival, including the free One Bay, One Book programming, by donating to the Festival today.