• 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
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (41,997 ratings)

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The Boys in the Boat  By  cover art

The Boys in the Boat

By: Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
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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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Great story and narrating

Starts off a little slow- takes a while to build, but when it gets going.... You can't turn it off!

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Great story, inspirational

Very interesting to hear what personal challenges existed in the lives of champions. And how they were overcome.

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Truly excellent storytelling

If you are interested in American History, in The Greatest Generation, in learning more about the Great Depression and the years leading up to World War II, then THIS is your book! It was fascinating and riveting. If you are any sort of history buff, read this book, it brings those years to life. The author has a true talent.

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All time best book so far.

This was one of the most astounding books I've ever listened to, several times I was brought to tears. The book is full of wisdom and life lessons, stories of camaraderie, hardship, love. It's a book to inspire you, motivate you and make you think. If you only listen to or read one book this year this should be the book.

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One of the best books ever!

One of the most inspirational stories ever written! It is beautifully read by Edward Herrmann, the writing is superb.

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Well done!

Inspirational and humbling. Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. I’m grateful the story has been told. Provides context to why we call them our “greatest generation.”

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So amazing!

Great storytelling. I never thought I could be in to rowing, but I was on the edge of my seat.

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this is an amazing book

this is an amazing book a Great American story that shows that perseverance and hard work can overcome even the hardest of poverty. I wish Edward Herman narrated every book

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Top Five!

this is a top five sports book and ought to become an American treasure. Beautifully crafted, wonderfully delivered. God bless the boys in the boat.

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Amazing Story!

It was all amazing! worth every minute!!!! I highly recommend it! Well worth the many hours it takes from start to finish.

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