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

Power of Perseverance

This book is a story the shows the power behind human will. Edward Hermann's narration was well delivered and made the book a must listen.

Great Story!

A great historical narrative! I didn't know anything about rowing. Didn't matter. The epic story carried the day. I hope it's made into a movie someday. This story needs to be told again, this time on the big screen.

Inspirational, dramatic narrative

My connection with Seattle is through my mother's family. She was born there in 1920. I can imagine her listening to a radio broadcast of the 1936 Olympic Games from Berlin.

The Great Depression, Hooverville tents and shacks. and young men and women with scant hopes for a better future set the backstory. Contrasts between the wealthy private schools on the Atlantic coast and the public universities on the Pacific Coast also have consequences for rowing programs and Olympic trials of 1936.

Hitler's plans for public relations successes, part of a strategic deception of multiparty democratic nations, are outlined well. The Boys in the Boat retells a story we need to repeat: a small group of dedicated and selfless people, well trained and led with vision and love, can succeed against great odds.

A friend gave me a copy when I was hospitalized last month. By the time the train leaves Seattle, I was caught: hook, line, and sinker. Enjoy!

Best

The story was incredible and the narrator was perfect. I was entranced and did not want it to end.

Did not care for the narrator. Many times it seems he has no clue what he is reading.

The story line of the book is good. It leads up to the actual olympic games in Berlin. All players are well commented on in the story.

Unbelievable epic story of courage and friendship

This book captures a story beyond time when friendship, hardship and perseverance were the best company to hone character that redefined individuality. You’ll want to listen to this over and over as it takes you back in time and place to share memories of greatness, humor and challenges so inspiring it should be required reading in school. Unforgettable is the word.

Life of member of 1936 Olympic Crew Metalist

Interesting to learn all that was involved being member of an Olympic team and college during the same time.

Wonderful!!

Great Story!
Great Narrator!
Reads like a novel.

My favorite sports story, I recommend it to everyone!

Terrific!!

I enjoyed the story and performance was perfect. Overall one on my favorites. Thank you!

Stellar Story, Book and Rendition

My son rows for the local club. Evey bit of the parts about grit, ensuring physical pain and constant training are right on the bullseye. it'll inspire you if you let it.