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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A real story which breaks your heart and then heals some of the wounds.
A history we should all follow, a must read for anyone who did not experience Hitler’s Germany. A proud moment and achievement we should value.
Excellent book. Relatable for both men and women.
A very inspiring read.
I really can’t add much to the other 5* reviews. It portrays an era that some view nostalgically, but was very difficult for those in the lower economic strata, and the VERY inspiring struggle of a young boy who becomes a college student earning his way with little support. It’s not fiction, but it’s better than 95% of fictional books you may …
This book was very inspiring. The main character was a young man who had lots of family problems that impacted him as he was growing up. He overcame these difficult times to become one of 9 young men to be on the rowing crew which won the gold medal for rowing in the 1936 Olympics. Joe Rantz was hard working, and certainly never gave up no matter …
This book showed, that with courage and determination, ordinary people can do extraordinary feats. It made you proud to be an American.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read (also a favorite of my book club). For being a nonfiction book, it reads like fiction, with wonderful characters and plot. Even knowing ahead the historical event, it was still a page turner. I wasn’t entirely aware of the personal struggles and various race details, which were inspirational and …
I’ve recommended this book over and over again…such a great real-life story.
I rowed in college (50 years ago), and have rowed a single shell for exercise and recreation ever since. There are few books that capture the grueling, exhilarating nature of this sport — perhaps because it is one of the few sports that is practiced exclusively at the amateur level. Indeed, the only other book that comes close is Halberstam’s …
One of the best sports stories ever. And I do not usually follow sports!
Excellent!
I enjoyed it for the most part. It was a very interesting saga. A bit long.
True story about indomitable spirit of a disadvantaged young man, succeeding -against all odds.
This is the best story I have read in decades. It is a wonderful history of a critical time in America, it provides insight into how these “boys” overcame adversity, and, it shows their courageous journey toward creating a legend. I loved this book.
A great heroic story.
Very boring
The usual American rowing team competitors were from the elite east-coast schools, but those training for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers. The book describes their individual struggles to support themselves through the University of Washington, Seattle, as well as train and compete in the wake of …
Best book I have read this year!
One of the best books my book club read! Very realistic and informative.