The Boys in the Boat

Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

By: Daniel James Brown

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best-selling story about American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany, the inspiration for the PBS documentary The Boys of '36, broadcast to coincide with the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 80th anniversary of the boys' gold medal race.

For readers/listeners of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times - the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant. It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest.

©2013 Daniel James Brown (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Incredible!

I knew nothing about the sport of crew. After hearing this book I am awestruck with the level of sportsmanship and athleticism required to successfully row crew. Being from Seattle I loved hearing this book with all of it’s references to my home town. The books clear and truthful account of the times is very appreciated. My only complaint is some of the localities in Washington State and Seattle are pronounced incorrectly. But, that is a minor issue when compared to the enjoyment I got listening to the story of The Boys in the Boat.
I highly recommend it.

Makes you Happy you have a commute

I loved the entire book... the personal elements, learning about rowing, getting a glimpse of life in the 30s. So good.

Best Story Ever

Edward Herrmann delivers an exceptional narration of the best untold story ever written. It will captivate you from beginning to end as you experience the trials and triumphs right along with the characters.

Don’t miss it!

I know nothing about rowing or “shells” but quickly became fascinated with the story of these 8 poor college kids
Going through the depression, the affects of the dust bowl, Hitler and the Jesse Owens time period of the olympics
How in Germany regular Germans would “Heil Hitler” them in the street and they would “Heil Roosevelt “ them back😀
I love a true story and this one is great!
Great narrator too
My 3rd listen in under a year
It’s a lot like “Invincible “
The one that’s a movie where he’s also an Olympian but gets shot down?
Sorry, in bumper to bumper traffic
My writing, spelling, and memory are awful; this audible isn’t!

Perfect

This story was perfectly told and the narrator keep me engaged.Beautifully written with details of feelings, sights, and sounds.

Epic story engrossingly told

This is an epic novel—a story of loss, survival thru personal grit, then the struggle to emotionally heal and become psychologically whole set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the great climatic changes of drought, heat, Dust Bowl, and the rise of the Third Reich. Like the story in “Band of Brothers” devotion to a common cause makes heroes of humble, decent, everday good men.

The story alone is powerful, but the author masterfully folds in global events for context and this glues the reader to the page.

This book could be a guide to dealing with today’s challenging issues, including “fake news.” The discussion about the blending of politics and sports and the propaganda machine are chillingly relevant to today.

But, politics aside, a heartwarming story that appeals to one’s better angels.

Finally, Edward Hermann is the perfect voice to tell this story—every tone strategically nuanced. Thank you!

Beautiful Story, Beautifully Written

It's 2:00am because I couldn't stop listening. It's an incredible story of overcoming struggle and teamwork. So beautifully written and narrated.

Inspiring.

This book is a metaphor. These young Americans of the West came together as one to defeat the Nazi empire inin their own Olympics, by only a hair. They were inspired by coaching and craftsmen and each other. Joe exemplifies so much. Abandoned as a boy to feed himself by whatever work he can doc, he became strong. He is buoyed by love of Joyce and of the land and water, by his guitar and music and occasional good fortune. He forgives his father and cares for his siblings. Like Job, he is blessed with joy in marriage and family. Life became rich. He made it rich. Friends forever.

Just Fantastic

Best book I've had the pleasure of giving up time to in years! I'll give it a year and listen again.

Excellent True Story

I was reluctant to read this book as it didn't seem a genre in which I'd be that interested, but I was wrong. The story of Joe Rance drew me instantly in, and the history interwoven with his story was interesting and informative. I was actually sad to have the book end because I felt part of Joe's team the longer I listened to the book.