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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An exciting story with a nail biter finish. Loved this.
This book is truly amazing! I didn’t think it was a subject I would be particularly interested in, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! The story of these young men is pure inspiration. The beauty of the human spirit so evident in these boys, is in sharp contrast to the Nazi scenario playing out in the background. You can’t help but worry, …
Good book!
just ok
One of the best books I have read.
I knew little about the Berlin Olympics . How the boys from Washington got to Berlin was quite a tale. I was an oarsman and so was my son but anyone could enjoy this true story. I highly recommend it!
Fabulous writing!
Love that it is based on a true story.
Loved the book! Very inspirational!
Nonfiction
Excellent book
Thought very good.
Rather heavy on the background, but an inspiring sports story.
I am SO glad that I put this down back in October and decided to wait until I had less on my plate to read/listen to it. You truly need to be able to devote all of your attention to what is being said to you as there is quite a bit of information here, about crew, about the boys in the boat and about Hitler and Germany and the preparation for the …
I read this book quite some time ago, so I can’t go into too much detail. I usually don’t read nonfiction too often, and especially one about rowing. It didn’t sound all that interesting to me; but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I knew nothing about rowing when I started reading it, and didn’t think it would be a book I would love, but I was wrong. It …
It was great!
Amazing story.
Best non-fiction book I’ve read. You really root for the main character and the rowing team.
Book resonated with me for a couple reasons. I spent my freshman year in college trying out for crew and could connect with the demands of the sport. Also it was the period in America my parents lived through but talked little about. Through the young men in the boat I got a sense of the hardships the Depression placed on families. The author …
One of the best books that I’ve read. Being a true story, it is very inspiring….shows what a small group can accomplish with hard work and dedication. These young men persevered through very difficult conditions and succeeded at something which others said couldn’t be done. I recommend this book to young adult readers, as well as adults, because …