Daniel James Brown's The Boys in the Boat - For Avid Fans

by Trivion Books

very good

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, History, Audiobook, Biography

70 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2015

Reviews

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I absolutely love reading true stories, second time reading The Boys In The Boat and enjoyed it even more the second time. Very well written, excellent research and an incredible true story!
Happy reading...📚

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good story, but was quite drawn out, especially as you know the end result throughout the whole book.

[Lydia Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for this book…it’s currently my favorite I’ve ever read. I feel so emotionally attached to Joe Rantz that yes, I did cry every race that they won. Will forever recommend this!!

[Josh Heffernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Washington crew team come from humble beginnings to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in this inspiring true story.

Joe Rantz grew up poor and mostly alone in rural Washington after his father and stepmother abandon him in high school. Through his determination he makes it to college where we works tirelessly rowing crew and as a janitor to make ends meet. Joe struggles finding his place, getting shuffled around different boats, until bonding with his fellow teammates to form an undefeated crew that takes them all the way to Olympic gold. Also investigated is the history of rowing and the importance of the Berlin Olympics on the rise of Nazi Germany.

An interesting and uplifting story based on research and interviews with Rantz, the book really hits it's stride during the run-up to the Olympics. The 1st half of the book dives into the characters and history of rowing (with special focus on Rantz) which dragged and felt uneven. Is the book about Joe or all the boys like it calls out in the 1st pages? But once the titular "boys" get together their bond is palpable and I found myself enjoying the story from there on out. For other uplifting, historical WWII era books try "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

[Alexandra Maag · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book! I never thought I would be so invested and interested in rowing. The story of Joe Rantz is compelling, heartbreaking, and beautiful. The author does a fantastic job of filling his readers in on the lives of the people in this book and giving interesting tidbits of information on Nazi propaganda and the part it played in the Berlin Olympics.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I would have given it 5 stars but it's a slow start. I love a true story. Joe Rantz' ability to overcome adversity is awe inspiring.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really inspiring story. The book (including relevant backstory) could've been about 1/2 as long. I felt like DJB got paid by the word.

[Cheryl Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the movie to be better.

[Jared Fawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Brown is a masterful storyteller, sharing the stories of the boys on the boat, mainly Joe Rantz, and the 1936 Olympics. I can't believe how much I enjoyed the rowing sequences. I was totally captivated and loved every minute of the book. I didn't want to actually finish the book cause I felt like I knew the characters and was an observer of the team. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy the story, the characters, and the writing in this book. It is one of my very favorite books and I highly recommend it. It is a great period book, one that helps you understand just how difficult and taxing rowing is, and how popular the sport was back then. Daniel Brown did a great job giving context into every part of the book whether it was the rowing, the Olympics, the University of Washington, the depression, boat building and construction, all of these details help build to final race so that you can understand everything involved in that race. I love the concept of 'swing' and think of how this will impact me on a day to day basis in trying to be united and work for the betterment of any group or team I am a part of, to really hit that magical stride. I am so glad this story was told and that we can know of the boys in the boat and all they went through and what this meant for them and the entire world.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did a nine-member crew of boys from families of loggers and farmers at the Univ. of Washington defeat the crews of their coach's nemesis and rich Ivy League schools -- and then power their way to a gold medal in the Rowing Regatta at the 1936 Olympics in Germany? This is their story.

Daniel James Brown brings history to life through the personal stories of the boys and others involved, but he adds more excitement by describing rowing competitions like a radio announcer enthusiastically broadcasting an event. This compelling story goes behind the scenes of rowing competitions to reveal a coach's thinking as he selects specific boys for the crew and positions; the coxswain's strategy for pushing through to the finish; what it took to forge trust and harmony as they rowed; and why the long, sleek, handmade red oak shell was so important.

Meanwhile, as the Washington coach was creating his crew, Hitler was planning a spectacular Olympics in Berlin. It would be designed to tell the world that Germany was a country to recognize and respect. Yet away from the public eye, the SS had been rounding up Jewish families, torturing some, murdering others and sending most to forced labor or concentration camps. It was carefully planned public relations deceit.

[Liam “library” Modesti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world writes to me, tells me it’s stories about men how have loved lives beyond imagination. It tells me to throw away the ordinary, the comfort, and the warm. The world tells me that the sweetest sleep comes from the hardest days, and the greatest lives require men made from the toughest grit. The world writes to me through The Boys in the Boat. The lives of those 9 men and what they accomplished, the pain they had to suffer is daunting, but not unattainable. I want to live in service, and commitment to hard work the way Joe Rantz did. In the end I want people to know my heart and speak of it’s strength and love. I want to be strong and most importantly I want to live. An incredible story one in which I am proud to say while reading it I shouted in excitement, sat in silence in awe and cried in astonishment.

[Philip S · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical period pieces of non-fiction that reads like a first-rate novel - similar to Seabiscuit as it places you in a world of old but in this case boats instead of horses. Highly recommended.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. Daniel Brown does a great job of taking you through the trials, tribulations and joys of Joe Rantz as he travels through and to becoming a US OLYMPIAN. Definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys watching the Olympics

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse into Seattle-ites before they were known for being sophisticated, high tech and wealthy. The sacrifices made by the nine crew members of the University of Washington team to attend school let alone competing in crew were astounding. Well written and interesting.

[Bonnie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to absolutely everyone! A bit of history and such an inspiring tale! Absolutely loved it!

[Becky Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me a little of unbroken. Great story.

[Mithil More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite informative about depression era US. Very concisely written biography about the sport which most often gets overlooked in Olympics and otherwise.
Heart warming and inspiring.

[Kelvin Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?

In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.

It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.

I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...

Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.

3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus

We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.

4. Reading Improves Literacy

Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

5. Reading Improves Sleep

By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

6. Reading Increases General Knowledge

Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.

7. Reading is Motivational

By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.

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[Raaz Jasani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boys on the Boat was such an inspiring novel for me, and it taught me how important it is to work hard and display perseverance in life. The main reason I would rate this novel 5 stars is because of all of the lessons you can take away from reading this, whether it's about hard work, adversity, how you must not let your environment define you, or how setbacks don’t define success. I learned so much from this book, and anyone who is looking for some encouragement through their text should read this book.

I enjoyed the pacing and the character development. I appreciated how it showed the life of Joe Rantz before he joined the rowing team, showing he still had a fire to be great despite the financial struggles he endured. It was inspiring to see how he never let it affect his character or integrity, if anything, it made him tougher and could be one of the reasons he prevailed in the end.

The conflicts throughout the story led me to want to keep reading, as there was doubt within me whether Joe would come out as a winner, especially considering that he was not the “best team” for Washington. A question that was raised within me, considering this is a true story, is how did the coach know that this team would have a better chance of winning? Was it talent or character? I loved this book, and it is one of my favorites so far, an age range I would suggest is around 12-17 for any teen looking for motivation or an example of how hard work can lead to anything.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown is a truly inspiring and captivating read. This beautifully written non-fiction masterpiece tells the remarkable true story of the University of Washington's 1936 rowing team and their journey to compete for gold at the Berlin Olympics.

Brown masterfully weaves together the individual stories of these young men, many of whom overcame immense personal hardships to find solace and purpose in rowing. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering teamwork in the face of immense challenges are truly awe-inspiring.

The book not only chronicles the athletic feats of these extraordinary athletes but also provides a fascinating glimpse into American society during the Great Depression. It's a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness through perseverance and the power of collective effort.

"The Boys in the Boat" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys inspiring stories of human triumph, the power of teamwork, and the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games.

[Kiana Siefkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of heart and determination and teamwork beautifully woven.

[Leona Bedrossian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start to getting to the parts where you want to keep laying. Overall, good lesson on what makes a person want to keep pushing forward.

[Jonathan Palazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect could definitely get into hot guys and hard work. My dad actually read it and told me to read it so if my dad can read it, Natalie could read it.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh incredible. What a recommendation from Jesse Huey and Little Josh. I cried at the end. That the team ended, they achieved remarkable things and then life took over. I can't imagine 'peaking' at that young of an age, feeling that remarkable feeling of 'this is what I'm dedicating my whole life to' and then... going back to a normal existence.

"t was a shared experience - a singular thing that had unfolded in a golden sliver of time long gone, when nine good-hearted young men strove together, pulled together as one, gave everything they had for one another, bound together forever by pride and respect and love. Joe was crying, at least in part, for the loss of that vanished moment but much more, I think, for the sheer beauty of it.”

"“The wood...taught us about survival, about overcoming difficulty, about prevailing over adversity, but it also taught us something about the underlying reason for surviving in the first place. Something about infinite beauty, about undying grace, about things larger and greater than ourselves. About the reasons we were all here.”

“What mattered more than how hard a man rowed was how well everything he did in the boat harmonized with what the other fellows were doing. And a man couldn’t harmonize with his crewmates unless he opened his heart to them. He had to care about his crew.”

He could finally abandon all doubt, trust absolutely without reservation that he and the boy in front of him and the boys behind him would all do precisely what they needed to do at precisely the instant they needed to do it. He had known in that instant that there could be no hesitation, no shred of indecision. He had had no choice but to throw himself into each stroke as if he were throwing himself off of a cliff into a void, with unquestioned faith that the others would be there to save him”

“If you simply kept your eyes open, it seemed, you just might find something valuable in the most unlikely of places. The trick was to recognize a good thing when you saw it, no matter how odd or worthless it might at first appear, no matter who else might just walk away and leave it behind.”

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unforgettable story about eight hard working boys who overcame hardship and prestigious opponents to win gold rowing at the 36 Olympics in Nazi ruled Germany. I have to admit that I lost interest in this book and stopped reading it several times, finally finishing it at least a year after I first started it. But I think that says more about me than the quality of the book ;) A personal victory for me! Well-written and well-researched.

One of the passages that stood out to me was the description of the sport of rowing. I found myself quoting this as I told friends about the book:

"Physiologists have calculated that rowing a two-thousand-meter race takes the same physiological toll as playing two basketball games back to back. And it exacts that toll in about six minutes..... It's not a question of whether you will hurt, or of how much you will hurt; it's a question of what you will do, and how well you will do it, while pain has her wanton way with you."

[Dawn Crist · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the 8 man crew team who represented the US in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin is told with epic sweep and enormous detail in this engaging book. I learned a lot about the historical background of Washington state and the US during the Great Depression in the years prior to WW2, as well as, and more interesting to me, the mechanics and evolution of the sport of rowing. More focus was placed on one of the rowers, Joe, over the rest of the crew, but his individual story was quite compelling. The only flaw was that the overly broad scope slowed the flow of the tale down with overly minute details here and there, especially in elaborations on Germany’s history. I listened to this on audio, and the narration was superb.

[Deb Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version which was read by Edward Herrmann (Gilmore Girls et al.). Almost everyone knows about Jesse Owens' appearance at the 1936 Olympics hosted by pre-war Germany, but the University of Washington's eight-man crew team also appeared at these games. Daniel James Brown met one of those rowers, Joe Rantz, and was moved to pen a chronicle of the team members and their struggles to be chosen to represent USA at the games.

You do NOT need to know anything about crew to enjoy the story of these young men from differing levels of comfort who came together at university amidst the Great Depression and ended up on the world stage.

If you read this book, let me know if it was a tearjerker for you as it was for me.

[Cameron Bassani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I would give it 4 stars because of the great writing and story. The book is good for people who like great stories. It is based on a true story about a team who got through problems and made history in Germany. It takes place at the University of Washington but also at the Olympics in Germany. The main character is the captain Joe Rantz, but there is also 7 other important characters on the rowing team. They go to the 1936 Olympic games and do very good. This book was great and would recommend it to any one.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love historical fiction and anything WWII related you will like this book. Well written and did a good job of making you feel like you know the main character Joe. Even though I knew the ending going in I felt like I was still reading it with anticipation which felt to me like it was told in a powerful way. Also thought it was so eery how you have young and excited people coming into a country that shortly after would be such a brutal landscape. Also showed how manipulative Germany was during this time.

[Devan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing nor cared about rowing previously to picking up this book. I picked it up out of curiosity at a local coffee shop. And honestly I am so happy I did. I felt like I was a part of this team. An uninspiring sport turned into an awh inspiring feat that will probably last with me forever. What a beautifully written, jaw dropping, tear jerking, amazing. Beautifully written story. Highly recommend.