Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever
"A marvelous addition to the literature of inspirational sports stories." - Booklist (Starred Review)
"This remarkable and inspiring story shines." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"Crossing the Line will not just leave you with hope, but also ideas on how to make that hope transferable” - New York Times bestselling author Wes Moore
An inspiring memoir of defying the odds from Kareem Rosser, captain of the first all-black squad to win the National Interscholastic Polo championship.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Kareem thought he and his siblings would always be stuck in “The Bottom”, a community and neighborhood devastated by poverty and violence. Riding their bicycles through Philly’s Fairmount Park, Kareem’s brothers discover a barn full of horses. Noticing the brothers’ fascination with her misfit animals, Lezlie Hiner, founder of The Work to Ride stables, offers them their escape: an after school job in exchange for riding lessons.
What starts as an accidental discovery turns into a love for horseback riding that leads the Rossers to discovering their passion for polo. Pursuing the sport with determination and discipline, Kareem earns his place among the typically exclusive players in college, becoming part of the first all-Black national interscholastic polo championship team—all while struggling to keep his family together.
Crossing the Line: A Fearless Team of Brothers and the Sport That Changed Their Lives Forever is the story of bonds of brotherhood, family loyalty, the transformative connection between man and horse, and forging a better future that comes from overcoming impossible odds.
Reviews (81)
Stunning and powerful
I have few books that have made me connect in wonder and pride as this book has done. Kareem is someone who has been a shining example of what can be achieved despite every obstacle. I can honestly say I routed for him and his siblings the entire book, cried (tremendously) at their tragedies, even successes. This straightforward, no nonsense , true love affair with horses and connection was much more than I expected. I have since read chapters to friends and family as an example of what perseverance looks like. I highly recommend this book!!
Compelling, timely memoir for all audiences - not only polo lovers!
I play polo, but you don’t have to know anything about the sport to find Kareem’s story both compelling and inspiring. It is also beautifully written. One of the best memoirs I’ve read in recent years - I couldn't put it down!
Amazing Story of Hope and Success.
Amazing story about a great program, Work to Ride, in inner city Philadelphia. Very well written. Funny, sad, happy, story of success that was created by a determined young man in the most unlikely scenario. Gives hope and perspective. Kareem Rosser - you have delivered! So proud of you. Your story certainly doesn’t end here.
Kareem Rosser and his team of brothers are a true inspiration. Must read!
Both heart wrenching and heart warming! What an inspirational story! Loved it!!
Incredible, inspiring, MUST-READ
Crossing the Line is an absolutely incredible memoir of perseverance, devotion, and love. It was an absolute honor to be able to read Kareem's story, and to share in the hardships and heartbreaks, glory and successes of his life within the pages of this book. I cannot recommend this book enough to not only polo fans, and horse lovers, but to EVERYONE. I am not typically a fan of non-fiction, but this book touched me in ways I can't quite put into words. It was a page-turner, and a tear-jerker, and it opened my eyes to a version of a world I never really truly understood. I have been impressed and have loved the concept of the Work to Ride program since I heard of it, but I'm filled with wonder at the power it has to help kids escape The Bottom in Philadelphia, and how much importance it brings to the lives of underprivileged youth in Philadelphia. It is an incredible program that I hope gets more attention after this book.
A Must Buy!
An incredible memoir that goes beyond the world of polo. Kareem’s journey to get out of The Bottom will leave you holding your breath and emotionally invested until the very end. Truly a must read that you will never forget.
Fabulous inspirational read!
A book for everyone! This is a fabulous read a true inspiration to us all. Perseverance over every obstacle - it’s about a young’s mans struggle to better himself and contribute to the world and those around him. Polo is the route he took but this book is a lessons learned example to anyone looking to find an opportunity in life to do more. It opens your mind to the fact that this is no replacement for hardwork, courage and perseverance! Great work Kareem this book is guide for anyone who doubts that the cards you dealt are not the ones you have to live. hats off to you and the amazing Work To Ride Program. Buy this book for a great read and an opportunity to be part of a “real life” success story of an inner city Kid who against all odds makes it happen! Enjoy!
Incredible story of hope
I loved this memoir, in fact, I stayed up too late several nights because I couldn’t put it down. I found it compelling from cover to cover. I’d heard about the Work to Ride program many years ago on Real Sports and was thrilled to learn more through Kareem’s experience. I’m blown away by his honesty and tenacity and sad for his personal losses. I’d recommend this book to everyone who wants a real view into serious struggle and how difficult it can be to get out and also be inspired by someone who did. I believe that 50% of the proceeds from this memoir will be given to Work to Ride and I’m happy to support such a great organization! I hope they get that indoor arena soon. As a horse rider in Colorado, I can appreciate the goal! Thank you Kareem for putting your story into the world. I hope to see you play someday.
Excellent Story! I couldn't put it down!
Very well written, an excellent story of learning how to overcome hardship and embracing family. A great book for anyone. Very easy to read and a real page turner! I hope you write more books soon! I also hope this inspires more people to start playing polo.
Every person on earth needs to read it, crack yourself open and feel.
I have done some web site work for Lezlie and Kareem and admired them. I've witnessed the outstanding riding skills the kids from Work to Ride have. Their courage. I've been to WTR fundraisers and like most everyone else, I love Lez. But I had no idea until I read Kareem's book how gigantic and incredible their story really is. Every city school needs to get this book into the hands of teachers and students. Every other person on earth needs to read it, crack yourself open and feel. Kareem tells his story with honesty, in his words, from his heart. A black kid and his brothers became famous polo players in a white man's sport. Read this book to learn how. Share this book to inspire everyone.
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