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  • 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 (42,747 ratings)

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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

Featured Article: The Audible Essentials Top 100


The spirited (but friendly) debate over these titles could have gone on indefinitely. With years of listening, countless customer reviews, and a catalog of seemingly infinite great listens, 100 suddenly felt like a very small number. What we know for sure—each title that made it to this collection is elevated and made special in some way by audio, whether by a layered performance from a single narrator, a brilliantly cohesive full cast, original music, or immersive sound effects. Discover an audio experience for the ages.

What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

Average customer ratings
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Book of hope

Loved the book. The best way to "read" a book with poor eye sight. Thank you.


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Amazing simply amazing

By no doubt, one of the most amazing stories of our time . A victory for humanity

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A new favorite!

Awesome book. Inspirational account of the indomitable human spirit. I couldn't put it down. Excellent!

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Sooo Good!!!

Loved every second of this book!! Absolute must read! Cheered on the Washington team the whole way up until the Gold Medal!!!

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Must read for all!

Probably the one of the best books I've read... An amazing true story for all times

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Great history from our Greatest Generation wonderfully told by the DaD from The Gilmore Girls

If you love true stories about great people overcoming adversity and pulling together as a team at a pivotal point in history, read or listen to this book. You know the movie will never be better than the book. The author also weaves personal stories along with historical build up in Nazi Germany as Botha backdrop and a contrast.

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Magnificent

Some of the finest narrative nonfiction out there. Daniel James Brown is a master storyteller and researcher. This story might just inspire you to pick up an oar and take to the water.

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Mind in the boat

Thus is a lovely and complex story of crew rowing, of the greatest boar builder of all time, of overcoming hardship and of the unity of muscle and soul that. creates a great team. I love this book It is a fine portrait of Washington State

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Perseverance and innocence in the grandest way.

Loved it, couldn't stop listening, true life story of persavrance and innocence .Truly inspirational.Edward Herrmannn the best.

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What a treasure Daniel James Brown is. Thank you. I want to go out a row row row.

Daniel James Brown is a treasure.
Thank you for all the work you did.
I want to go out and row row row.

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