• 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 (42,057 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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Excellent

Great writing. Wonderful story. Excellent reading. I enjoy these types of books, however this is one of the best.

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Deep down dirty HARD WORK

This story speaks directly to anyone who can appreciate the sense of fulfillment after a long productive day of hard work

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Amazing true story!

Well written, detailed account of Joe Rance's life and Olympic Gold experience of 1930s beyond.

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  • EC
  • 07-02-14

One of the best books I have ever "read"

Would you listen to The Boys in the Boat again? Why?

Every moment is captivating.

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

The Olympic games

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

He adds class to everything

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful book. Ii am surprised it is not more well known.

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Beautifully Written; Beautifully Read

I have little interest in rowing, but love history and love a good story! The Boys in the Boat is fascinating! Although I knew the essential outcome, i was nonetheless on the edge of my seat while listening to the wonderful production of the reading of this book! Highly recommend! Thankful a friend recommended it to me!

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Captivating story with intriguing narration.

The story was phenomenal, well-written, and riveting. Clean book appropriate for all ages. I appreciated the uplifting nature and the virtuous storyline.

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Outstanding!

One of the greatest books ever written. It was inspiring, informative and emotionally enthralling. I could not put it down.

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Enjoyable Read

Great story. At times I got a bit lbored with all of the details. However, I especially enjoyed the ending when the boys headed to the Olympics. The author captured the energy and strength these guys had to have to take home the gold. The side story about Germany pre WWII and how they were able disguise their true intentions was interesting.

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terrific!

engaging story and well written.
narrator also excellent.
I would read it again and recommend to anyone!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Moving

Would you listen to The Boys in the Boat again? Why?

Heartwarming story takes you to the 30's and skull rowing at U of W. I could listen to narrator all day and did.

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