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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Enjoyed and often have recommended
Just a brilliant feel good book. If you love rooting for the underdog, this is your book. Also, you’ll learn more about crewing, boating building and coaching than you even imagined could b interesting reading.
Loved this book a lot since it was based on the rowing team from Washington that competed in the 1936 Olympics that were overshadowed by Jesse Owens’ four gold metals. Rowing against the Aryan team of Adolph Hitler, these upstarts were surely a miracle team. Felt like I was right there with them.
One of my all time favorites ,couldn’t put down, couldn’t wait to pick it up
Just phenomenal! I literally could not put this down and never knew the story. What these young men accomplished against all adversity, poverty, you name it. A generation we will never see grace this earth again!
What an interesting and educational book this turned out to be. When it comes to discussions about Hitler’s 1936 Berlin Olympics, many of us are familiar with the track exploits of Jessie Owens, an African-American sprinter who squashed the Nazi’s Aryan myth of superiority through his gold medal victories. Yet, if you’re unknowing like I was, how …
This book was great! It is first, a wonderful story of the young American men who won the 1936 Olympic Gold Medal for rowing. It follows them from their initial involvement in the sport of rowing through years of effort to wind the Gold Medal. But what makes this novel even more compelling is the juxtaposing of their efforts against the political …
One of my favorite all time books!
Would probably have not read this book, except is was chosen as a monthly selection for book club. Love, love, loved it. Great cast of characters, great story, great ending!!! What a story, what grit…..inspirational for sure.
We have shared this book within our gated community and everyone who reads it loves it.
Loved the book, loved the movie.Always good to know book was about real events and real people. Highly recommend book to all.
Great non-fiction book – very interesting and entertaining.
Inspiring, uplifting, and moving, tender and raw, brimming with hope and perseverance. This book is humbling and beautiful. My heart just opened up to Joe Rantz. I am a sucker for a great underdog story and this is kind of it. Reading about how ordinary boys, who came from almost nothing—or whose families had lost almost everything due to the …
I would call it gripping! I learned so much about the world of crew.
An excellent true story of determination and perseverance with the underdog rowing team working until they defeat the more privileged favorites.
reminder of depression time…and war time. inspirational that the young boys can come together to achieve what they never thought was possible. ..to compete against the Ivies and wealthy. Then reality sinks in that the world was to succumb the European tragedy of Hitler.
This book was just okay. I certainly enjoyed it more than the movie, however.
Memorable true story of grit, determination & teamwork
I couldn’t believe that a book about rowing would grip my attention, but it DID.
Awesome story, one of the best I’ve read, truly pulls your heart strings!