The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This non-fiction book about the crew that won the rowing gold medal in the 1936 Olympics held in Germany was outstanding. It is the story of Joe Rantz (one of the members of the University of Washington team that won the right to compete at the Olympics) and his difficult life. But as he emphatically told the author, it is more than just HIS story. It is the story of “the boys in the boat.” I loved learning the history of the time, team and events. And I loved Joe and the example of his human spirit rising above all his adversities. It is a story about sports, overcoming extreme trials, and even includes a beautiful love story. Even though you know how the story will end, the conclusion is “on the edge of your seat” exciting.



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