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The Boys in the Boat

Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

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The Boys in the Boat

Written by: Daniel James Brown
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
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About this listen

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
History of Sports Olympics & Paralympics United States Water Sports Inspiring Heartfelt Young Adult Racing American History Transportation Mental Health
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What listeners say about The Boys in the Boat

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Inspirational

Most inspiring from beginning to end. It came highly recommended and did not disappoint me.

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Amazing story, awesome narrator

This book was incredible. Even though I knew the outcome right from the beginning, the author managed to build the story in such a way that I was frequently on pins and needles, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. Not only do we learn about the rowers and their path to the podium (which in and of itself is fascinating, heartbreaking and thrilling all at once), but the author manages to seamlessly interweave stories of other underestimated athletes of the era, an education on the Great Depression, and the tale of a woman who played a role in Hitler's rise to power. By the time I reached the end of the novel, I felt as though I had listened to - and thoroughly enjoyed! - multiple novels all for the price of one.

With respect to the reader, he was just awesome. His deep voice and the way he enunciated his words fit the era of the book perfectly. I would have loved this book if I had read the hard copy, but having the opportunity to listen to it made it that much more enjoyable. #Audible1

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, sports, and a good underdog story. It really hits the mark in all categories!

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Superlative

Each individual is so well described as is the synergy of the group. Amazingly well done. History of the dirty 30s and of the beginning of Hitlers reign of terror are fabulously well described and helps the reader to understand the thoughts and concerns of ordinary people in those years. I would cheerfully listen again. Unforgettable.

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Solid story and good narration

This story was quite good but it did seem a bit repetitive at times. Good narration.

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excellent

I know nothing about rowing but I loved this book! Written incredibly well, blending the life story of one of the boys, WWII history, and education about rowing, I was captivated. Edward Herrmann did a wonderful job narrating and I found myself searching for more books he has read.

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Fabulous Book

I enjoyed reading this book 5 years ago and enjoyrd listening onAudible just recently. It does start off slowly with loads of details but becomes so compelling.
The story is well written with lots of historical information and characters are so well developed one gets the whole picture of the connection and synergy of the crew.
Highly recommend this book.

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Excellent!

Great narrator and an amazing story. The author thoroughly captured life in 1936. Overall a wonderful listen.

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Epic story of perseverance and leadership!

Beautifully written masterpiece. It kept me engaged the whole way through and I am all the more blessed by the insights it has provided me about our history and the impact 9 young lives could make!

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So much more than rowing

We listened to this book as a family on a summer road trip. It started so many good conversations about that time in history. Brown does an excellent job of telling Joe’s story as well as tying it into what was happening around the world at the time. #Audible1

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Captured the Olympic Spirit beautifully

I loved this book from start to finish: the stories of each individual oresmen, the history of Seattle, how the Berlin games influenced WW2, and how well the author captured the Olympic Spirit and the mental struggle that many Olympians face. The narrator was also fantastic.

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