• 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 (42,061 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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It took me away!

Such an inspirational story. I’m not a huge reader anymore but so enjoyed this book! Edward Herrmann’s voice was so soothing, so perfect for this book. Both of my kids were glued to their seats (9 and 11). Bobby Moch, Don Hume and Joe Rantz were spectacular. Their intense connection was superb. Every chapter of this book spoke to me.
I don’t know if I need to buy the hardback or just listen to Edward Herman’s voice tell their story to me once a month.

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heart warming story if perseverance

heart warming story of perseverance and friendship. an easy read. lessons of how to deal with life's challenges

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Perseverance and Determination story

One of my favorite books of all time. I just love stories of hard work paying off. I had read the book before listening to it, and I enjoyed even more the second time. I love how the author intertwined what was happening in Germany at the time these boys were becoming the oarsmen they are known to be.

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Excellent Book

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

Yes, the book was very well read and the story kept me intrigued.

What other book might you compare The Boys in the Boat to and why?

I have no other books to compare it to, however I am looking forward to listening to more books that are non-fiction.

What about Edward Herrmann’s performance did you like?

The narrator's voice was soothing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

not really. I empathized with the characters and held my breath as the narrator told of each crew race.

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fabulous!!! what a wonderful story so much depth

the writing the narration the story, absolutely fabulous !! I feel like I got to know each of boys boys and just loved Joe!!! the narration was some of the best I have heard.

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One in ten lines from this book belong in Bsrtlets

Great job, Daniel James Brown! this is one story that really deserved to be told.

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Great story

we listened on our trip west and found it very moving and memorable. The author gives you the backgrounds of the boys abd the historic view of the major events in their time. well worth a listen.

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Great story

A little nostalgic but the interweaving of the Great Depression, the dust bowl, and the rise of hitler into the story of the Olympic crew team was fascinating.

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Masterful!

Loved this book! I am a former rower for UCLA varsity crew. This brought back so many memories for me; the descriptions of the art and struggle of rowing are incredibly detailed and accurate.

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Riveting

What a wonderful story. I cared about all of the characters and was cheering for them until the end. Very entertaining and beautifully performed.

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