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

Inspirational!

Loved everything about it, the history lesson, the narration and how , when people can work together with unwavering tenacity and great heart they can accomplish gold!

Incredible

I read this book when it originally came out and decided recently that it would be nice to have it read to me via Audible. I loved it then, and I was blown away by it now. It is a rare book indeed that can make you cry over someone you have never met. These boys were the absolute embodiment of “the greatest generation.” My heart raced right along with theirs during their final Olympic race even though I knew they would win. Thank you, Daniel James Brown, for reminding the world that these men existed, overcame, and triumphed.

Overcoming—Inspiring

The boys ongoing success after the Olympics and an inspiring. They are examples to all of us and well worth a second and third listen!

Excellent story.

It’s one of those listens I’ll come back to again. One listen just isn’t enough. It does a wonderful job of transporting the listener back to a different place and time.

Fantastic telling!

The story is amazing and inspiring. Loved it. Much need companion to the Clooney film.

Patriotic, spiritual, and filled with life lessons.

Regardless of difficulty that most people would ever experience, these boys not only endured, but they excelled! A must listen.

Gold medal plus!

The late Edward Herrmann was such a great fit to narrate this epic story! The story itself was riveting to the very end. Even knowing how it turned out, learning the back story made it come alive. The author did a wonderful job telling the tale in a way that made it hard to walk away from!
I did question some of the pieces included about the Reich, but those parts I wasn’t sure were necessary didn’t take up too much time.
I laughed, cried, was on the proverbial edge of my chair, and cheered!

Excellent

This brings back the real meaning of life and hard work. So well told and truly inspiring and moving

Learned lots about the history of the racing and what was happening at that time

Enjoyed listening to the story very much! I thought the story was well told and the narration was perfect. Great to learn about the teams lives outside of the “boat” and how they evolved into the team they became!

Inspiring true story

Loved this story. Can’t recommend it enough. Truly inspiring and heartwarming. Well worth the read.