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

One of the BEST Audible Books!!!

absolutely fantastic story and narrator!!! cannot recommend enough!!! This is a fantastic story, well told! recommend for teens, young adults and all adults!

Wonderful detail

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

Yes. There was so much to learn in this book.

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

I enjoyed finding out how the boats were built, how the rowers learned to work together, how things were during the Depression years. The races were exceptionally well described.

Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

Joe for sure. The hardships he faced during his childhood were deplorable; his triumph over these circumstances that would have led to a very different life in most others, is an amazing feat.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book and highly recommend it!

An epic story that casts you back in time

A beautiful story of triumph of will that casts you back in time to enjoy the culture, feel pain, and celebrate the success of the eight boys on the boat. Couldn't recommend it more.

totally inspiring

when i chose this book i did so because some one had said it was a good summer read. i must say it was more than that to me. I fell in step with characters. I was enveloped by the story. The retelling of the boys story was well researched and well told. If you like a greatly encouraging, historical piece of Americana this is such a good book to get.

Truly inspirational

A beautifully written story of a great team, and the regular Joe's whom came together to make such team that reached the pinnacle of olympic competition.

loved loved loved this book

no struggle to finish this book the narrator was superb keeping you engaged from start to finish.
it was a passionate period piece not only from the building of the vessel to the finish and it's initial entrance into the water. I felt part of the story, and the many avenues it took. thank you for an enjoyable audible experience.

Exceptional!

Brilliant, riveting and worth every second! The story of these young men, particularly Joe, is inspiring. Well written and well delivered. A must have!

From an old unsung also-rowed oarsman.

I had the privilege of rowing under Stan Pocock and Al Ulbricksen in 1954 and 1955, and later under Ky Ebright at Cal.
I never rowed competitively (under 6 feet and 165 lb.). I rowed in George Pocock's shells. He seemed to hover over the boathouse like a Holy Spirit. I never felt as connected to the sport as I have listening to this amazing book.

Thanks

Beautifully written. Wonderfully read. Like all great things one wishes to be at the beginning one more time.

Triumphant!

I love stories from this era of American history and this book captures the struggles of that time and the triumph of America in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds. Inspiring to say the least.