The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
(Part of the The Boys in The Boat Series)
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Book Overview
Now a Major Motion Picture Directed by George Clooney The #1 New York Times-bestselling story about the American Olympic rowing triumph in Nazi Germany--from the author of Facing the Mountain. 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 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.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0143125478
ISBN13:9780143125471
Release Date:January 2014
Publisher:Penguin Books
Length:432 Pages
Weight:0.80 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"
Customer Reviews
7 ratings
Amazing book
Published by Tricia D. , 10 months ago
You know it’s a great book when you’re sad when you finish it - such a well written story and a delight to read! A new favorite!!
Incredible Olympic story of perseverance during tough times in American history.
Published by Discobolis , 1 year ago
I've recently gained a physical exercise interest in rowing but know so little about the sport and it's origins. My interests in rowing (indoor) have exponentially increased since reading this book. An incredible look at a great Olympic story of perseverance tied into one of the most difficult times in American history. I'll definitely be re-reading this book again in the future.
Gold Medal book
Published by Michael , 2 years ago
From start to finish, The Boys in the Boat is a truly inspiring story. I recommend listening to the audiobook too. Narrator Edward Herrmann's perfect elocution made me enjoy the story even more.
Recommend to all
Published by Mary , 2 years ago
This is a compelling work that artfully conveys the slow, character-forming experiences of many years alongside thrilling race antics. I’ve given three copies away to friends already. Read it.
OMG what a book. It should be mandatory reading for all rowers! This team ascended to the pinnacle o
Published by Michael Sisk , 3 years ago
What a group of kids who overcame adversity to row and row as one. . It shows what it was like for people during the Depression. I have the book and the audio book. PBS has a video of this team. A must compliment to the book. As a former rower, this is one of my favorite rower memorabilia next to my team jacket.
One of the Best Books of the Ones I have Read this Year.
Published by Patti , 4 years ago
This was very interesting book. I love true stories and all the things in the background. It was so good. I even felt like I was in the boat with the boys!
***** Inspiring.
Published by lg , 5 years ago
I passed this wonderful book on to a friend whose son is thinking about taking on rowing as his high school sport. Rowing is a fantastic vehicle to build a fine young man who has a thought he's like to try, knows how to build it and work for it and strive to succeed!
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