• 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 (41,921 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

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What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Great Story

Not just a great story about an amazing group of men, but a history lesson as well.

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One of the finest books!

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

I put off listening to this as I couldn't believe it would be that interesting. I WAS SO WRONG. This turned out to be one of my favorite books...and of course, with Edward Herrmann narrating it was even better. Well-written. Keeps you interested! Great way to learn about rowing....I had no idea. Wonderful book.

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If you enjoyed "Unbroken" you'll LOVE this!!

Absolutely fantastic storytelling! I loved this audiobook from beginning to end. Listening at 1.25 speed was perfect for me, just the right pace. If you enjoyed Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand you'll LOVE this book!

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My dad and I loved listening to the book!

My dad and I listened to this book from the valley to the CA north coast, there and back. The narrator did such an amazing job. What an amazing story. I loved hearing about how different life was like back then and was truly inspired by the boys in the boat!

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Loved it

Edward Herman is fantastic. And Brown's vivid description makes you feel like you are there rooting for the team. Will go down as one of my all time favorites.

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  • KM
  • 11-11-17

excellent book, a must-read if you love biographie

loved it. This was a great story of a college rowing team and striving to get to the olympics.

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A Magnum Opus!

An extremely well written book which managed to hold the reader's/listener's attention throughout. The main story was interspersed with fascinating descriptions of contemporary events and integrated with place descriptions, character sketches, and the intricacies of shell boat building and rowing. It is a book that would have appeal to a wide audience, from young adult to old codgers like myself. Read it and enjoy!

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Just awesome.

It's almost like you're in the boat with them, along for the ride, and wishing you could do something, anything, to help.

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Chills again and again

Wonderfully narrated and awe inspiring. UW alumni and Americans everywhere should read or hear this story.

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Fabulous

Loved it! Gripping story from beginning to end. Even though you know the outcome, it's a page turner.

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