• 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 (42,007 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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Fantastic

It had me clapping and cheering along to the tale 84+ years later. Just wonderful.

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  • PJ
  • 02-21-20

Captivating

Very interesting and descriptive of the lives of the boys. Also very understandable and well read!

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Boys in the boat

Truly inspiring. One of the best stories I've read. Should be required reading for any athlete or coach.

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One of the best books ever written

Love this book. Beautifully written and read, a wonderful story that happens to be true. It’s the third time I’ve “read” it and it still gives me goosebumps.

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Great story, ok narration

I live in Seattle and it was disheartening when the narrator mispronounced locations. I also missed out on the photos. I have some regret in not reading the actual book.

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Wow! What a fantastic read! (Listen)

The writing is excellent as is the actual story! It is a remarkably moving tale of more than incredible men who came together at such a poignant time in history. Excellent!

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Inspiring tale with local Seattle stories...

Well written and told with literary florish reflecting the language and flavor of the era in which the history is set. But the details are sometimes over done, so much so that the middle chapters literally played in the background of my mind until the more relevant and exciting finish at the Games in Berlin. The latter chapters and the story on the way to and in Germany, as well as the aftermath, should, in my view, have occupied more space and importance.

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A perfect book!

Wonderful story, great storytelling, great narrator! I could not have enjoyed this book more. Bravo!

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Completely Riveting

What can I say - I was hooked. Thanks to the incredible narration and the story that was at times so unbelievable I had to remind myself this is a true story, I recommended this book to people for months after finishing. I will still sometimes bring it up in random conversations. Highly recommend!

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Amazing Intelligent story of Human Endurance in life

Besides getting a history lesson along with one of the most intelligent stories ever told I am absolutely amazed at how this story has left me feeling like I was right there with these individuals . This should be a must read by all who enter into sports . Truly motivational !

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