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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The The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics was a most engaging and encyclopedic story about the sport of crew (rowing) as told through the eyes of the University of Washington Class of 1936 eight-oar varsity crew culminating in the their dramatic victory over Germany in the Hitler-led 1936 …
Well written history of the American sculling crew that won Olympic gold. Easy to read and an interesting story.
It was great! The story of these men winning in the Olympics was uplifting and I admire these men so much. The ones who came from nothing and overcame all the roadblocks to become Champions!!
The true story of nine young men from the pacific northwest and their struggle and determination to get to the 1936 Olympics. Wonderful read.
Journalistic, with repetition between chapters as though each were a published article.
Helpful to understand the events of this time & the multiple people who were paramount in bringing about the events.
Amazing non-fiction.
Very inspirational, highlighting teamwork!
Just read this!! Following the ,journies of the young men who became the rowing team, is informative of a time most of us don’t really know. It seems a miracle it even happened. I was so pleasantly surprised with the book. Very well written and enjoyable.
Extremely well written history.
I loved this book. Very interesting characters.
So sad my Dad who was the coxswain when Dartmouth won the Henley Cup isn’t around to talk !
Excellent historical story. Inspiring well written with great interesting detail.
Wow! incredible story of an incredible man. Great way to learn some history.
This was a very interesting and well-written book. I heard about it in our book club (where we report on books we’ve read and only have two group reads). It is really an inspiring story about young men who overcome adversity and work hard in the sport of crew as well as at earning money to be able to stay in college during the Great Depression.
An amazing look at life during the Depression and what Grit can do to transform ones life. Insight into the changes a great Coach can bring to a committed team. A glimpse of the lengths to which to Nazi machine would go to try and prove their Aryan superiority.
Excellent
Boys in The Boat might be the best book I’ve ever read. I LOVE this book!
Even tho you know how the big race ends, you feel like you are in the boat rowing – your heart is pounding!!!!
compelling read, even though you know what the outcome will be