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

A Story That Needed to be Told

Such an inspiring story. I loved learning the back stories of these courageous and talented boys, and then reading about their successes as well as their failures in the boat, especially in the 1936 Olympics. You know, the one where Hitler thought the Germans would win everything. It is a great story for anyone to read.

An Unbelievable Ride Filled with Surprises

This unimaginable story is an inspirational ride from start to finish. The narration enhances an exciting story that showcases what is truly important in life. This is now my all-time favourite book both for its literary merit-- the way it is written and how it weaves together the story of the 1936 rowing team from the University of Washington together with the backdrop of Hitler's Germany-- and the deeper understanding it provides for readers to put the events of their lives into perspective. It is hard to imagine a book ever replacing this one in my life.

Phenomenal Book!

Brilliant writing and outstanding narrative. I highly recommend this Audible recording to any lending ear. Truly engaging, running the full gamut of emotion. Well done all around.

I had no idea!

Any additional comments?

An amazing true story and one of the Top 15 audio books I've had the pleasure to experience. Who knew that rowing was so popular in the U.S. during this era? A fantastic human interest story that kept my attention from start to finish. I was sorry when this one ended, and I think you'll be very pleased to invest your credit and time with this tale. The Boys in the Boat earns a 10 out of 10 on my subjective scale.

Spellbound!

What did you love best about The Boys in the Boat?

Rarely do I read a book that has me so drawn into it that tears flow freely in the final chapters. Such was the case as I listened to the final chapter and epilogue in the Audiobook version of this fantastic story of nine young men, their coaches and families.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

Edward Hermann is a master at reading books. He truly brought the book alive for me.

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

Tears were streaming down my face during the last chapter and through the epilogue. Beautiful. Heart-wrenching.

A slow start with a great finish

I felt as though I was slogging through this book,ml earning more about rowing than I ever realized there was (or wanted) to know. It is not until the final chapters that the reader understands why the author chose to present the material in this way, educating his readers about the rigors of rowing so they can appreciate the final and all-I,portent race for an Olympic Gold Medal. While he alludes briefly to the all-too-familiar horrors of Nazi Germany, he interested me particularly when he referred to the unsportsman-like behavior of Hitler's regime during the Berlin Olympics in 1936.

Excellently READ, enjoyable storyline!

THIS story had my attention from the beginning and kept my interest from day to day. It was such a new found bit of knowledge that it was freely giving that "gotcha" sensation at more than a normal pace. The story's setting takes place 20 years before MY Time, but was not difficult to find myself deep within the fan based spectators. Even knowing the climax event took me away from listening each evening before retiring, which has become a relaxation technique I enjoy. THIS BOOK is worthy of ones effort to listen.

Unexpected

I was not sure that I would like this book when I bought it, but turned out loving it. Although I do not want to give away the ending, the seeds of Hitler's destruction could no better be summarized by the results of the 1936 olympic race. As much as the Nazi's tried to fix the results of the race, the sheer heart of the rowers win out and with it foretell the outcome of WW II. There was no doubt that Germany would lose the race and the war.

Excellent Story - Well Told

Wonderful story that I knew nothing about. So glad I listened to the late, great, Edward Herrmann tell the story. He did a perfect job. It is one star short because I felt it too long and could have had better editing. Don’t let that stop you though.

Terrific book, terrific reader!

I love nonfiction that takes me from place to place and time to time. This really is a superb book. As others have said, it is history, sport, and family struggle. It is achievement against all odds. I'm very grateful that Daniel Brown paid a visit to his neighbor.