The #1 New York Times–bestselling story about American Olympic triumph in Nazi Germany and now the inspiration for the PBS documentary “The Boys of ‘36’.”For readers 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 … 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.
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One of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read a lot of books!
Who knew that a reader like myself would find the story of a rower in the 1936 Berlin Olympics so powerful and transformative. Very inspiring biography of overcoming the most severe of odds to attain a goal. Moving.
Great true story about the underdogs winning it all. If you liked Seabuscuit, you will love this book!
This book was terrific. The story is about a college crew team. Before I read this book, I knew nothing about rowing crew. I now have a great respect for the sport. (I just had to edit my words to keep out spoilers.) Aside from learning about crew, the reader also gets a peek into how rough things could be for people in the past who were …
University of Washington rowing Team
I read this book twice and eventhough I knew exactly what was going to happen, I got excited during the race all over again.
Great book!
LOVED this book! It is a true story and so inspiring.
Our book club read the book (9 of us) and we all gave it a thumbs up.
I just read this book for the second time. A true historical story about the triumph of the human spirit. You will love this book!
A story of courage.
A great read about a crew that went to the olympics in Berlin during Adolph Hitlers reign.
Great historical rendition of this great story. Recommend to all age levels! Loved it!
Excellent reading. Wonderful details of history.
This Book appeals to both men & women. It is a true story of life in the 1930’s depression and the 1936 Olympics in Berlin leading up to WWII.
Inspiring, great story
A True Story I probably wouldn’t have read if it hadn’t been picked by a member of my book club.Loved it,could not put it down even tho I knew the ending. A plus is the 1939 Olympic Race (Hitler’s olympics)they were in was filmed and is on YouTube.
I loved this book. I love it for all the reasons that I read.
Great book showing the innate need we have to belong and how working extremely hard can produce extreme rewards!
Great story; well told.