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.
more
I loved this book! I loved the true story and real people crewing from Seattle’s University of Washington and the culmination of the Olympic competition in front of the evil that was Hitler. Had me on the edge of my seat and I loved it! Every one should read this incredibly inspirational book.
This was an outstanding book! Kept me interested throughout; great historical look at the Olympics and the U of W rowers.
Inspiring and moving and a great window into the time period. How amazing these boys accomplished so much. A great read.
This book has been reviewed many times, but it never hurts to re-float it to the top of your reading list. There are books about history and books about sports but few books that combine the two, and none better than this compelling story about the group of rural boys from Washington state who came together to become the University of Washington …
i am into history so found it interesting. depends on if you like history
Loved it. Who would have thought a book about rowing could be so captivating!
An incredible true story. Told in an engaging manner. One of He best books I’ve read in the past 10 years. I recommend it to everyone.
Interesting true story that instilled a sense of American pride at the achievements & courage of these young men.
I really really loved this book. Great true story. I suggested it for book club and almost everyone liked it, does not happen often!
A great story of a group of boys turning into men as they row their hearts out.
This was an outstanding book about an outstanding group of young men. They worked hard to achieve the most revered prize of Olympic gold. They overcame the most incredible odds. I loved every minute of this story and recommend it highly to anyone.
History is a wondrous thing and this book shares with us an amazing group of men who worked together, beyond their own self interests, to something more important than just a single goal, a medal. These men were amazing individually, but so much more as a team of men.
What a period of time, what a place. I knew about this period of time, the …
This book captured a time in history with Berlin Olympics during Hitlers ascent in Europe along with struggle for survival during the American Depression. The true story Of victory of these unlikely backwoods boys against the established elite was inspiring. Best of all was the mentoring of these youth to work in unity to find that sweet flow of …
Great piece of history told in an engaging way.
Beautifully written story of some very amazing men determined to prove their worth.
One of the best books to read for someone who loves a true story and a bit of history.
Painstakingly researched. Brilliantly written. Though I knew the outcome (it IS nonfiction) the tension of the races was absolutely genuine and real. The characters lived such difficult lives that most of us would give up long before success would find us.
I just couldn’t get into this story…the characters didn’t draw me in.
Really enjoyed this book. It was a very readable telling of actual events and the boys (men) involved. A good story…and a feel good moment in U.S. history.
The characters were very well portrayed.
I didn’t find this book easy to Santo read. I was disappointed, so many of my friends recommend it to me, I had to work to finish it.