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 he best books I’ve read. Not only is it historical, it’s a great lesson on building a team, and believing in each other. I couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want it to end.
Terrific story that I shared with my teenage grandsons. A family favorite for sure
A wonderful true story. The story grabs you and you live with the main characters
and root for them throughout the story. Appeals to many different people I know.
These boys (men) were unstoppable. The odds they overcame are a true testament to their hard work ethic. Very enjoyable reading.
Great telling of the story of working class young college students beating the crap out of the rest of the world at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Wow! What a great story. Telling of a true event with all the excitement of a fictional novel.
A little hard to get into but once you read a little the characters and story grab you.
Even though you know the outcome you are nervous when they race.
Good historical read.
Incredible book!! Absolutely perfect
Fabulous. A must-read
Loved the historical connections.
Great true story. Loved it!
A really terrific true story! The underdog fighting to prove itself, and building character in spades along the way. Hard to put down!
Inspirational story of one raising to the top of his field.
Very inspiring story of our 1936 men’s rowing team.
Awesome book!
Really great eye opening story. Cool to walk the UW campus after reading this book and imagine how it might have looked.
The true story of these people is amazing, And the back story of the author and true-life main character is amazing as well.
One of the best books I’ve ever read.
Loved this book. Amazing story of boys at the University who came from many different backgrounds who came together to win the Olympics in rowing.
Wonderful