Publisher's Synopsis
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.
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.
Our Reviews
Although I haven't read the full version of this inspiring true story and biography, I didn't feel like I missed anything in this young adult (condensed) version of the book. For the description of Nazi Germany alone you should read this book. The characters are so well drawn you quickly learn to hate and love them --depending on who they are. Reading this was like being involved in the individual lives of the team and trying to understand how each man's experiences played a vital role in making the team a rowing machine. How did a state university rowing team composed of the sons of poor farmers and lumberjacks come together to beat not only the elite Ivy League teams, but every Olympic team at the 1936 Games in Berlin? For Joe Rantz, one of the team members, the story goes back even further, to his impoverished childhood and repeated abandonment by his father and stepmother. Left completely on his own at the age of 15, he had to overcome deep-seated fears to learn to trust his teammates and work together with the seven other boys in the boat. Sports fans will enjoy learning what it took for this ragtag team to become champions. This book is a must read for middle or high school readers who are sports fans, history buffs or anyone who cheers for the underdog. ~ 4 stars M. Vannoni
The Boys in the Boat is a captivating true story about the University of Washington’s rowing team. The team’s dream, along with the stern and stoic coaches, is to win the Olympic gold medal in 1936. The team was dedicated to proving to themselves, their coaches, Adolf Hitler and the world that this “family” of nine boys could beat any team in any competition. This book is a truly inspiring nonfiction story for athletes, history enthusiasts, and even the “reluctant” young middle school children. One of the parallel storylines is about a character, Joe Rantz, and his beyond-difficult upbringing and young life. Both the primary story and the subplots have a central theme about how to persevere through the most trying situations. The rivalry between the University of Washington and Berkley’s team is astonishing, as is their experiences in Germany. As you are reading, you may feel the need to “skim up” to the next “good part,” however, I encourage you to read each word. In doing so, you will have the feeling that you are rowing right alongside with the boys! 5 stars A. Haynes