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

Excellent story, well told and well read

This story of the crew team who won the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany is moving and engaging. The author brings together the individual stories of the team members while at the same time giving us a clear picture of Berlin in the months leading up to the Olympics. Hitler, Leni Riefenstahl on one side and the heroic dour Dane rowing coach, Al Ulbrickson, and George Pocock, the perfectionist builder of the red cedar boats, on the other. You root for the good guys who learned that depending on each other was the surest way to win. Excellent narration by Edward Herrmann.

Engaging, touching, inspiring

Fabulous. This book needs a 10 star system to do it justice. Amazing true story that weaves history into a beautiful story of men coming together as one. Perfectly narrated as if the narrator witnessed every event.

Excellent and must read story

With my fascination for the Northwest and knowing nothing about Seattle or the sport of rowing, the story was compelling. This narration was one of the best I've heard.

Truly inspiring

Listening to this is akin to watching a shakespearean masterpiece. It left me inspired and awash with American pride.

Incredible in every way

Would you consider the audio edition of The Boys in the Boat to be better than the print version?

Edward Hermann was a master. His narration of the races was thrilling.

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

The race for the gold medal. You could hear the coxswain's voice and it is unforgettable.

Which scene was your favorite?

Best scene: The qualifying race for the Olympic team. It appeared that the coxswain had made an error, but "the boat" came through. After listening to the book, I reread the powerful Prologue. I recommend this to other listeners.

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

I llistened on a cross-country roadtrip. It is too riveting to spread out over more than a week.

Any additional comments?

Best nonfiction book of 2014.

Inspirational story.

An amazing story of true perseverance and teamwork. An inspiration that holds many lessons applicable to life.

Defy's Description

Where does The Boys in the Boat rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book proves the adage, "Don't Judge a Book by its Cover." Or its title. Or even the description in the flyleaf. I'm not suggesting that any of these could be improved upon. This just happens to be one of those rare books that defy description. The only way anyone will ever appreciate The Boys in the Boat is to read it. But I warn you, once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down.

The Boys in the Boat is so much more than the story of a rowing team. It is a story of virtue. It is a story that will make you fall in love with America again - the old-fashioned America, where character counted, hardship was endured, and men fought back against injustice and evil. It has a touch of romance, plenty of action, and a good dose of history that needs to be remembered - all woven together into a story that is at times heart-warming, at other times intense, but never for moment dull. By the time you reach the end, you will feel as if you had met many of its characters in person, and that you were present with the boys in boat in the final, heart-pounding moments of their race for the gold at the 1936 Olympics.

I highly recommend that you move this title to the top of your wishlist or your reading list. It is definitely a top read.

Fabulous!!!

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

Loved it! Inspirational and historical story. Even though I knew the outcome, I couldn't wait to see if they won.

Listened to it three times!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

absolutely....

What did you like best about this story?

i loved everything about it...story, writing style, performance..feel good story...

Which scene was your favorite?

don't know

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

I listened to it over 10 days..I like to take my time and re-listen to chapters.

Excellent!!!!!

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

Engrossing, Inspiring, Fulfilling!

What did you like best about this story?

Men who are men displaying their character and fortitude.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

Crisp, succinct, in tone with story

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me proud and nostaglic for a time when basic character was a life goal.