Sample
  • 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 (42,740 ratings)

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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

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What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Great Book for All Types Of Readers

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

One of the best. A great story with my layers: you learn about Joe Nash, rowing, the US in the 1930s and what was happening in Germany at that time.

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

When Joe's dad left him.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the US rowing team won the Olympics.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The personal life of Joe was very interesting and moving.

Any additional comments?

Edward Hermann does a superb job reading the book.

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Great listen

Great book for a commute. Love the story. Great narration. Well written. Very happy with decision to purchase / listen. Even though you know what the outcome will be, the author writes in such a way as to keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Very compelling story

Very much a feel good story, enjoyed the history lessons interspersed throughout the book. Another example of why those growing up in America during the depression era are referred to as the greatest generation.

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A New Favorite of Mine

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

I loved this story of the men who crewed this boat. I am a resident of the Seattle area and liked the historical setting of this book. Even more it's a great story of these men and the challenges that they faced.

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

Yes, but I didn't listen to in one sitting. I did listen to it more then any other book. I usually listen to my audiobooks on my commute to work. This one I would listen to whenever possible.

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Had me cheering!

What a beautiful message and what a wonderful way to convey it. I even listened to it in the gym since it gave me energy.

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Incredible

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

Great story that weaves in great lessons about striving for something bigger that ourselves. I would highly recommend this books.

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Loved it!

I loved the story of his life and the determination he has throughout the book!

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An absolute must read

Couldn't stop listening. Very inspirational and overpowering. Not to be missed. A story very well written.

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A Must Read!

Emotional, inspirational, and triumphant are the best words to describe this book. It is also an honest glimpse into American life in the 1920s and 30s.

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Best book I've listened to in a long time.

The story is captivating, and the imagery is second to none. It makes you feel like you are there and although you know the result, I still was nervous listening.

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