• 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 (41,997 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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Best book I've read in a long time!!

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

Its a wonderful story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is full of interesting history during the early 1930's. I really got to know that main characters well and the quality of writing was superb. The descriptions of people and places gave me great mental visualization.

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

I put this books along my other top favorites - the chronicles of Narnia, even though they are completely different. Its now one of my classics and I recommend it to everyone.

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

Two scenes in the book particularly moved me. One, when the boat builder describes the building of the boat to one of the rowers. The detail and the tie in to life lessons was incredible. Two, the gold medal race at the Olympics. I was literally on the edge of my seat with my body completely tense as I lived the moment along with the boys in the boat - description was beyond great.

Any additional comments?

This should be a must read for all high school students. Such wonderful lessons to glean from it about life - the hardships and the blessings that can come from them. What you can do thru hard work and dedication.

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Perfection

This is one of the greatest books ever written. The only non-fiction I've read that reads like a novel. At times it is uplifting at others it is heartbreaking. The narrator is a perfect fit. Pure excellence!

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fabulous

outstanding. the narrator was perfect. great story. should make for an Academy award winning movie

.

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Wow!

Awesome story. One of the best written books I have listened to. You won't be disappointed.

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Excellent

Great Job, Mr. Herrmann, as always.

Mr Brown you have creating a a narrative that has inspired me and I hope inspires my children. Simple goodness and concern for others can go along way in this world.

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Great Story

it was one of the best and easiest to listen to stories. it was very inspirational and had some great themes about leadership and teamwork. I loved it.

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Great story.

loved narrator. Loved how what was going on in the world was so much a part of the story. I loved the boys background stories and then in the end how they spent there lives after college.

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Captivating Story!

If you could sum up The Boys in the Boat in three words, what would they be?

Overcoming adversity - Determination

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

When Joe was added to the boat and the magic clicked.

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

Difficult to choose - nine boys, two amazing coaches, spiritual boat building, loyal girlfriend.

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

Too long to listen in one sitting: Great to listen on road trips, commute, cleaning house.

Any additional comments?

Loved this book! I was amazed how the author and narrator were able to generate emotions about rowing and be able to understand the technical side of the sport. The epilogue was very well written and concluded the story with a sense of reverse and the hope of continued character building.

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Amazing and Beautiful True Story

Very well told true story. Enjoyed the reader. Lots of details about crew and rowing, but I enjoyed learning about something I didn't know before. Joe Rantz life was quite a life!

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collective human power

Well told story of suffering, hardship, endurance and finding strength from your teammates and fellow man. The UW Huskies and Seattle history that all living in the PNW should know.

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