• 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 (42,003 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

Featured Article: The Audible Essentials Top 100


The spirited (but friendly) debate over these titles could have gone on indefinitely. With years of listening, countless customer reviews, and a catalog of seemingly infinite great listens, 100 suddenly felt like a very small number. What we know for sure—each title that made it to this collection is elevated and made special in some way by audio, whether by a layered performance from a single narrator, a brilliantly cohesive full cast, original music, or immersive sound effects. Discover an audio experience for the ages.

What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Importantly

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This is a great and inspiring story!

This was a great and inspiring story. I can't believe I hadn't heard I'd it before. The book is well written and the narrator does a great job bringing it to life.

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Wonderful Story & Compelling Book

I listened to this book together with my girlfriend on car trips. Neither of us thought a story about a crew team would interest us, but we tried it based on a personal recommendation and strong reviews. We're both very glad we tried it - we listened raptly to the last hour in silence and reverence. Highly recommended, particularly if you're an American finding it increasingly difficult to feel patriotic due to the treasonous clown car at the helm (for now).

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One of the Best Books I Have Ever Read

This book is a beautifully written and inspirational story of personal and team triumph against the odds and a testament to the character and community building qualities of crew. I cannot recommend it more highly.

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A story of life and lessons learned

Fabulous book to listen to this summer. History,emotion,sports and camaraderie all in a well told story. This should be a mandatory read for all high school students!

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What a story

I know nothing about rowing, but the reviews were good, and I could listen to Ed Herrmann read a phone book. This had everything I like in a book - good story mixed with a lot of history. Just listening to the race to the finish line got me a little choked up with pride; i wasn't expecting that! I also looked at the book in a book store (for the pictures) and was amazed at just how close the gold medal race was. Highly recommend.

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Masterful story about triumph and spirit

I could not put the book down. Hip Hip Hooray! I want more. But alas..

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Great listen!

I’ve listen to hundreds of audio books and always find it pleasant when I run across a really good listen. The narrator is easy to listen to and you can help but enjoy a good ole heart warming book about American resolve.

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Just fantastic!

This heartwarming story will entertain and amaze you. I so appreciate the author’s ability to tell this true story!

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Excellent

I grew up in Coulee Adam so loved to hear the inside scoop from a worker. I knew very little about the sport but now I do and with the Olympics coming up I will be watching!!!!

Thank you for your research and delivery!!!

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