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

The best

This is the most unqualified best stories/books I’ve ever listened to or read. The ‘boys’ were part of an epoch generation who selflessly saved humanity from tyranny. They did their part, virtuously, without expectation of reward or praise. Long live their memory.

Must Read!

Whether you are a rower or not, this book satisfies for all, but as a former rower there were several moments I felt like I was reliving my own life.

1936 Olympics, Berlin an epic story

The epic story of 9 young men and their quest to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. "It’s not a question of whether you will hurt, or of how much you will hurt; it’s a question of what you will do, and how well you will do it, while pain has her wanton way with you."

All members of the University of Washington's rowing team, these sons of low income laborers and farmers, changed the country's attitude toward rowing. First by beating the elite teams from the highly prestigious east coast schools, then by besting the top teams from Great Britain and ultimately by defeating Hitler's own crew, right in his back yard. "Harmony, balance, and rhythm. They’re the three things that stay with you your whole life. Without them civilization is out of whack. And that’s why an oarsman, when he goes out in life, he can fight it, he can handle life. That’s what he gets from rowing."

A story compiled from letters, diaries and news articles, the tale of these young men, their support of one another and their determination in the face of adversity is truly inspirational. "Years later, as old men, they all remembered the moment. Bobby Moch recalled, “You couldn’t hear anything except for the oars going in the water . . . it’d be a ‘zep’ and that’s all you could hear . . . the oarlocks didn’t even rattle on the release.” They were rowing perfectly, fluidly, mindlessly. They were rowing as if on another plane, as if in a black void among the stars, just as Pocock had said they might. And it was beautiful." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Incredibly worthwhile read.

One of this rate books that I could not listen to late in the evening because it simply commanded too much of my attention to relax. The human spirit concerned in a different way on neatly every page profoundly moved me.

If you liked Unbroken, you will love this book. All of the human struggle without the tragedy.

Loved ito

One of the best books I have listened to in a very long time, the reader was exceptional, and made it come alive, brought about many emotions

agony and ecstasy!

Such a great book! I haven't read a book about rowing this great since The Shell Game! It truly captures the grit and determination, the elegance and finesse that rowing evokes.

It's got everything, rowing, the great depression, Hitler, local Washington history, and the Olympics! Highly highly recommend it. #5stars #agongyandecstasy

Great Book

I loved this book. The Narrator's voice was perfect for it. The story just flowed.

Excellent story- not to be missed!

I loved this book! If you enjoy historical fiction, you will too! It’s a beautiful story and well told.

Extraordinary

I have listened to dozens of books. The Boys in the Boat is in a category all its own. The author makes it seem as though you are watching events unfold. The narrator completes that task. I would recommend that a anyone who has read the book listen as well. For the listener, it’s as though you are watching, not just listening.

Five stars is not enough.

Inspiring

The perseverance and astounding courage of these boys and what they accomplished together against unimaginable hardship both in their personal and professional lives should be a must read for teams in any sport!
And for history enthusiasts this book depicts what it was like to actually live in the United States during the Great Depression and what was happening in Germany leading up to WWII and beyond!
Beautifully written!