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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Excellent memorable book full of accurate historic details between The Great War and WWII. This book will appeal to both male and female readers.
Compelling story of these young men, their coaches, their families
And I learned a great deal of US history surrounding this story….as well as isolated, fascinating details about Nazi Germany. Excellent read!!!
This was one of the best books I have ever read. Did not want it to end. Very informative. You began to really root for “the boys in the boat” every time they entered a race and through all their practices. Hard to understand what they went through to attend college and row for WU during this period of time. Great book. Recommend it to everyone.
Not only is this an amazingly inspirational story of the University of Washington rowing team and their quest for the gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but the writing is superb! I felt for each individual, cheered for the boys and their team, and felt like I was spectator at every race. Just amazing.
An engaging read. An inspiring read.
This is truly among the top 5 “Best Books I’ve Ever Read!” I bought 5 copies to give to my children and they all enjoyed it. Even though I knew the outcome, the author developed each character and I felt I really knew them!
This book is one of my all time favorites. I loved the characters and each of their background stories. They made up a wonderful rowing team even though they came from many different backgrounds. It was amazing when they went to the Olympics in Germany and fought so hard to win a medal.
It was so interesting to get to know the different personalities on this team and their rise to prominence with the backdrop of World War II. It was a great story.
An amazing story that few know about. Shows how with grit and determination, and no small amount of talent, that the impossible can be achieved even with the deck stacked against you.
Just an all-around great book.
I read the book several years ago and it has stuck with me. It is a true story and a great example of perseverance. It is a book I could read again and again.
A well built account of an inspirational effort by a group of determined young men.
An inspiring story of how a group of young, hard-working mostly farm boys from the Northwest learn to row during long, dreary winter days and qualify for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. They beat international teams of experienced rowers and qualify for the Finals. Hitler comes to watch the final match when the American team is given a bad position …
My wife and I listened to this book while on a long road trip in the Pacific Northwest and looked forward to every word every time we got back in the car. Very informative and reminds us all on how life was more of a struggle back in the 20’s and 30’s and what some determined people will do to get beyond their obstacles. Excellently read too with …
Great writing.
Great story about the Olympics.
This is a true story about a western U.S. crew team. It focuses on the extremely difficult life of one of the crew members when he was finishing his high school years while his Dad and new wife moved away. The means he finds to survive builds his body strength in ways that unwittingly make him ideal for a crew team. Much of the book is about what …
Boring, repetative.
One of the best books I have read. This nonfiction book reads like a novel.
Great book. Must read!