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

Great book, but performer needed to do some research.

I absolutely loved this story! Born, raised, and living in Washington most of my life, I felt an almost spiritual connection to the characters and the descriptive landscape. My only complaint is that while the story was superb and the performer's voice quite appealing, the mispronunciation of many Washington cities and landmarks (including my hometown), the unusual accent on the Post IntelliGENcer, and an occasional mispronunciation of other words were bothersome and distracting. I now know why there are 2 separate performances of this remarkable book.

Inspiring, moving story

I felt like something in my perspective on life changed with the end of the book. Inspiring as to human natures noble possibilities. Refreshing amidst so much of the negative aspects we hear daily on the news and TV.

Great historical novel

This is a book I just read for my book club. I love the story. I really liked that it is true. The author did a great job of researching the background of this Olympic race. He gave us perspectives from several different people. He also gave us the hardships that the crew endured to get to success. It made me realize how lucky we are to live in this country today

A feel good American tail!

Author does fantastic job of captivating you throughout and having you feel as if your pet of that time. I felt nostalgic, although too young. You feel proud the author brings out patriotism. You learn about a good sport, but also about good men!

Stunning

This is the best book I've read in 15 years. The interlacing of the story about the boys growing up, the boys competing at the University of Washington, and a simultaneous events in Germany is well told and gripping.

The reading is on par with the amazing writing, and even though you know the outcome of the events told, the drama of it all and the lessons about humanity make it all worth it.

The book is worth it just for the life lessons of George Yeoman Pocock, and there is so much more beyond that…

great book: the plot is simple yet interesting

I really enjoyed it. Simple but engaging. Very well tells the story of 30's America and the world

One of the best books I have ever read/listened to

If you could sum up The Boys in the Boat in three words, what would they be?

An amazing story about perseverance and working together as a team.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe Rantz

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have listed to it in one sitting but did not.

ok

dull with good ending. its about rowing boats... not a very fascinating sport. the hostorical detail is interesting.

When truth is stranger than fiction.

UNBELIEVABLE story from start to finish! If it were a movie, you'd think it absurd!

Unexpected Victory

What made the experience of listening to The Boys in the Boat the most enjoyable?

Edward Herrmann made this story come alive. He took Brown's poetically crafted historical adventure and made it so enjoyable to listen to, giving life to the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boys in the Boat?

The boys winning at Berlin, because the language used was borderline poetic, yet fast paced and alive.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

Everything. Every single thing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Joe's father told him he wasn't coming with them, and how much that impacted Joe's life from that point on.