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

Amazing

I loved this book. Emotional and inspiring. For me growing up in Washington state most of the places mentioned in the book I knew where they were. I highly recommend this book.

Brought me to tears of pride and gratitude

This book is amazing. Such a great story of heroism, grit, determination, and belonging. The narrator is perhaps the best I've heard, with the perfect cadence and tone while reading to fully draw the listener in. The ending is especially great, the way he ties in the greatness of "the greatest generation" as they are known, those unassuming rowers and hundreds of thousands of boys just like them coming into Germany to hunt Hitler down and save the world. Everyone should listen to this book.

As soon as I finished it...... I hit replay

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

I was engaged from the first word. Edward Hermann.... read the story.... told the story.... did not dramatize the story.... because the story is high drama. I learned about the art of the sport.... the art of a crew.... and the beauty of a clear and defined dream. I also came to a new understanding of the the level of manipulation, misrepresentation and deviousness
that the Hitler regime brought to the world during the 1936 olympics. This is a story to be told and shared.... I think required reading for high school students. Did I mention I loved this book.

Great historical Novel.

Great story of triumph. It was an easy listen. I am glad I did the audio book, I might not have finished the text version, mostly because I have a hard time loosing intrest in historical novels. I am very glad I stuck with this one.

This story was wonderfully written and narrated!

This story captures the history and majesty of the sport. It portrays the qualities of great men, qualities that can inspire and touch a person at their very core.

A GREAT BOOK OF SURVIVORS THROUGHOUT LIFE.

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

I could picture every face, every scene, every character. Narrator was excellent!

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

The fact that this country was 'blinded' by the atrocities. Wonder if had they really known, would there ever have been an Olympics back then.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

All the emotions throughout the book. Could actually feel the pain during the last race.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Triumphant survivors!

Any additional comments?

Want to go to Washington to see the boat now!

This should be a mandatory reading in schools!!!! Lessons for all!

Boys In The Boat is a great book

RIP Edward Hermann. The powerful narration of Boys In The Boat by Hermann leant a tone worthy of this great story. Daniel James Brown infused history, geography, biography and sports into this wonderfully crafted book.

What a story!

Best book I’ve listened to in a very long time!You don’t have to know if thing about rowing or even be a sports enthusiast to love this story. It speaks to the heart of every human.

raw ambition

A true story of courage and amnition. ordinary men who did an extraordinary thing.

No words

No words will come close to defining this story. I've been left in awe at a life lived to the full.