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

Highly recommended

Felt like I was part of the experience! Bravo. Really a well read and great story

Great book, very male

This book was fantastic. The story was incredibly well crafted, weaving images of Nazi Germany in and out of descriptions of the all-American boys who rowed for Washington. There were no real well-developed female characters, however, and the book definitely idealized the young men and America, (glossing over domestic inequities of the time like segregation and the role of women in society, so don't expect rousing critical political commentary) but it was an incredible story. The descriptions of the crew races were enthralling. I thought the reader sometimes sounded patronizing though so I gave him a 3.

So inspiring!!!

Loved every minute of it.. The performance was extraordinary. The story is fascinating. Perfection. Would highly recommend it to anyone young or old.

Captivating

Totally captivating, I couldn't stop listening. What a great and inspiring story!!! One of my favorites!!!

Very moving saga of perseverance and courage

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

Very well researched and written. Well framed in rich global historical context because most of the story encompasses the Depression Era, and the world situation under the rise of Nazi Germany. I also learned and appreciate more about rowing than is apparent to the average spectator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe Rantz, of course. The adversities his life would have made any lessor person, and many more in this generation, sink into depression, drugs or suicide. All of these boys had indomitable spirit and overcame the extreme hardships which were largely part of life for the post Depression Era.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not just one favorite. Too many to recount. Perhaps most notable was Joe's recollections of how all-consuming the feeling of 8 men working as a single entity became as they drove themselves toward the Olympic Victory.

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

Both. The hardships that Joe Rantz, and the other Boys overcame is incredible.

Any additional comments?

The only disappointing part of this book was that it had to end, as the Author's story had come to a close. Edward Herman's sonorous baritone voice and dramatic reading inflections really made this extremely well written narrative come alive.

Awesome!

One I've the best books I've ever read (heard)!! It is a great story wonderfully told.

Loved it!

This is a great story and full of history. The book is full of lots of details ( maybe too many) but interesting nonetheless. I recommend listening to this book!

A great story

A great story of determination, fortitude and teamwork. It brings back great memories of years rowing and my boat.

Epic Story, it made me feel excited to be alive

I felt like I was in the boat, totally swept. This story represents that "thing" most people trully want, to have a kinship of a close knit group, being a team acting as one turning ordinary into extraordinary.

This is a MUST listen story!!!

Edward Herrmann is a favorite narrator and is missed since his passing. This story is so compelling and inspiring! It will be forever in my memory. I am very happy the time was taken to tell this marvelous story. I'd like to pull together the funding to make a movie of this, as well.