• 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 (41,939 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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The spirited (but friendly) debate over these titles could have gone on indefinitely. With years of listening, countless customer reviews, and a catalog of seemingly infinite great listens, 100 suddenly felt like a very small number. What we know for sure—each title that made it to this collection is elevated and made special in some way by audio, whether by a layered performance from a single narrator, a brilliantly cohesive full cast, original music, or immersive sound effects. Discover an audio experience for the ages.

What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Great listen!

Fascinating book on all levels. Great for sports and history fans. I highly recommend it.

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    4 out of 5 stars

A sports life lesson

The story and details about the Washington rowing crew was compellingly interesting. But the facts and propaganda surrounding the 1936 Berlin Olympics orchestrated by Hitler was disturbing and mind blowing. It is a reminder of how we can be fooled and the repercussions of turning our backs to the ugliness of discrimination.

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Surprisingly captivating

I wasn't expecting to like this book very much, I'm not a sports reader. The narrator was great and the story was gripping all the way through. Well worth the listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

dazzling.

I popped in the ear buds every opportunity I could. the familiar voice of ed Hermann was great as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • BK
  • 09-18-17

beautiful book

I love the book and the narrator is wonderful. a definite read for anyone! enjoy

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writing at its best, a story unparalleled

this author is a master at his craft. the story itself is moving, noble, and inspiring. the narration incredible.

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Excellent

One of the best books I've ever read. Great story, great performance. Didn't want to put it down and when it ended I wanted to start from the beginning.

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Glorious

An inspirational story and an epic history lesson of the University of Washington rowing program.

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  • J
  • 06-11-15

Great book

I was skeptical, but not anymore. Every race scene had me on the edge of my seat.

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Excellent "read"

Compelling story, very well read. A story - non fiction - of determination, focus, teamwork, courage .

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