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

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.

Best story ever!

Just listen. You will not regret it. Inspiring, gut wrenching, heartwarming. Now I’m going to go into Google all of the pictures and footage surrounding this epic tale.

Entertaining narrator should get local PNW advice

This is a very interesting and entertaining book. I think it is especially appealing to people who have an interest in rowing or crew, or who are from the Pacific Northwest. However, it is a great story for anyone. My one issue is with the narrator’s pronunciation of some of the local places. He manages to pronounce Sequim correctly, but then not Alki or Chehalis. Annoying to a local! Aren’t there people who check these things before publication?

Loved it!!!

Loved it! Being from the PNW, I was totally engaged in the story. The narrator was very articulate however, I question some of his pronunciation of towns etc... or, perhaps I now question my own!?!?

History of a Boat

A great piece of History for those who Love World War II stories. The whole thing is very inspirational and full of excitement

Exceptional story and impeccable narration

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

This was a compelling story that never dragged; brought to live by the precise narration of Edward Herrmann

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

Many moments, but in particular, the intense Olympic race in Germany.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

The narrator delivered the perfect blend of emotion and emphasis to bring the story to life. I was on the edge of my seat during the race sequences.

Real Americans striving for the win.

this is an incredible telling of the true story of a group of simple, real, incredible Americans who worked with unrelenting passion to win the Gold Medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. the narration is well paced and satisfying. a must read.

One of the Best!

Beautifully written, beautifully read; captivating, moving, and inspirational in a very deep sense.
Nothing objectionable.

Inspirational, beautiful true story

Nature teaches us "about survival, overcoming difficulty, prevailing over adversity, but also about the underlying reason for surviving in the first place. Something about infinite beauty, undying grace, things larger and greater than ourselves. About the reasons we are here." George Pocock, from The Boys in the Boat

Surprisingly Good!!

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

I would not listen to this book again because there are just too many books on my list that I want to read and too little time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hume was my favorite character. His strength, commitment, perseverance, and willingness to fight through adversity was inspiring.

Which scene was your favorite?

The race for the gold at the 1936 Berlin games was riveting and suspenseful. I was surprised that rowing could be that exciting.

Any additional comments?

The author's development of the characters made me feel like I knew them. Ordinary boys became extraordinary and truly fascinating. Set against the drama and backdrop of Nazi Germany, I have a deeper understanding of the time and place. The narrator was particularly good in his style, tone, and pacing. Not like a reading, but more like sitting in someone's living room while they told you the story.