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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This book has it all. Adventure, amazing people. inspiration,A true story of hard work and success nationally and internationally at the Olympics. You will not forget this book. A must read.
This book was awesome! I have recommended over and over. It tells us about a period of time that few of us know in depth. Also, the sacrifices and these boys made to be the best was very inspirational.
I can’t recommend this book enough. The story of the collegiate rowers during the depression is really a microcosm of what our country was like in the 1930s. The history is rich, the individual stories so moving. I simply loved this book.
A great look at rowing, the 36 Olympics and sports in general. As My father rowed stroke for Columbia in 38, 39 am prejudiced, but even a non rower will find this social history/ documentary a good read.
A must read for American patriots!
Non fiction. Inspirational. Shows what hard work can do.
I have been meaning to read this book for years, and I’m so glad I finally did. I loved the history and the story of the hardships the boys lived through, which made them tougher and stronger. The story of their triumph is inspiring.
I am ever grateful that I am part of two book clubs! This exposes me to books
that I would not normally choose to read. The subjects of boat-building and
boat racing are not very high on my priority list. This book is so magnificently
written that I was pulled in with the very first page! This is truly a “page-turner”!
The men in the boat are …
An incredible true story, that takes you behind the scenes of one man’s life from childhood to his death as it unfolds both in private and on a very public world stage.
I was not prepared for the story, as detailed, in the book. However, once I started reading further, the story became very engrossing, along with the personalities, as detailed in the book. If anyone is looking for an inspirational true story, this one it is!
As good of a book as I’ve ever read.
The character development was outstanding and then to add the historical context – well, just an unbelievable effort and thoroughly enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this book. Educational and informational.
This story should be made into a movie…
This amazing, uplifting true story has it all: determination, pluck, optimism, hope, thrills, and characters who will pluck your heartstrings. This is a perfect read for anyone living through this sad time of divisiveness and intolerance in our country.
I felt my muscles ache and my body sweat from reading this book. The determination of these young men is a lesson for everyone.
What a great story of the “never give up.” Hard work and dedication did pay off.
Exceptional book about overcoming the odds
wonderful true life story.
I read over 100 books/year, and this was my very favorite book of 2015/2016!! Can’t possibly say enough good things about it!
True story that held my attention thruout. Very well written!