Excellent book. It hit the nail on the head describing the rowing world. Despite being a Cal alumni, I enjoyed the book a lot. There are lots of things in the book that reminded me of my rowing days.

Absolutely loving this book. Not quite finished but certainly one of the best ever. One of my top 10 for last 5 years of reading, and or listening!

Easily my favorite read this year and one of my favorite all time. Sometimes books are better as an audiobook, sometimes not. This definitely was far better in every way with one exception. Nearly every, city, town, mountain or native name used was mispronounced.

Inspiring story that brought tears to my eyes! Great for young adult readers to help the appreciate how difficult life can be and learn how to have the fortitude to overcome. Terrific narration!

good book slow at times

Nice story. Many facts though at times. Great narrator.

Magical story with incredible character development and vivid descriptions! I LOVED How the writer flipped back and forth between current events of the time and what was happening in the small neighborhoods of Washington. The reader's tones made it hard to turn off. It was my first time hearing the story of Joe and his team and I was so impressed by their story.

Loved this book so much. I knew nothing about the sport of rowing. So amazing!

Truly inspirational work. Absolutely worth your every second.

Wonderful story. Absolutely recommend this book.

This was a very long audiobook and worth every minute. While the book mostly followed Joe throughout his life, we also were given stories about many individuals and families involved. Stories from the Depression are hard yet good to learn and remember. The process of trying out for the rowing team and the actual work sounds brutal. The cold, wind, and wet were things that the boys faced every day and they didn't have the high-tech clothing available to everyone nowadays. Even though I knew the outcome of the Olympic race, the writing and narration was done in a way that I was on the edge of my seat wondering how they could pull off a win. Great book.

The book is amazing and I loved it. You feel you are right alongside the young men on their journey. The narrator has a pleasant voice but cmon! Couldn’t you have found a native to read? You mispronounced so many of the cities, towns, and landmarks that it was cringeworthy. You got Sequim correct but how did you forget to research how to say Alki Point (and so many others throughout Washington, Idaho and British Columbia!!) ???? To anyone from the PNW - read the book and skip this audio version.

Excellent book!

Hardships overcome and lives lived well.

Inspiring in how it depicts people struggling to thrive in brutally hard times. Really made me realize how many parallels there are between then and now and how we deal with many of the same struggles in different ways.

This historic book deserves first place among Audiobook’s listeners and promoters.

Great Book!

An amazing story of fortitude and perseverance. An excellent reader.

Inspiring story beautifully read. A "coming of age" story that will make you appreciate your own blessings.

Edward Herrmann had the, absolutely, perfect voice and cadence for this novel. I'm a school teacher and I recently recommended this book to my parents and students. It's, quite simply, one of the finest novels and stories I've ever heard. Wonderful, compelling, and with life lessons germane to today's America. Moving and inspiring .... I'll be returning to this book again and again! - Scott Forbes

What an inspiring and triumphant story! It’s a real testament to the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring resiliency of good in the face of unimaginable adversity. Beautifully written and beautifully read!

I really enjoyed this book. It was charming, and sometimes sad, hearing about the events that led to this group of people coming together during a bygone era. I did not realize rowing was such a popular sport back in those days, nor did I know how physically grueling it is.

I loved everything about this book, and the narration of it. What a moving story! And it’s a true story! I could see what was happening with the vivid pictures being spoken and I choked up with pride and emotion numerous times throughout. As a new rower, I can not tell you how inspired I am

Loved the book and narration…with the exception of the narrator mispronouncing cities, rivers, etc. That drove me cuckoo!

This was a great book! Those were the toughest of times and they were about to get a lot tougher! I listened to Unbroken, which Edward Herrmann also narrated, and he is great as the narrator in this book.

Great inspirational story

Terrific story, from both historical and humanitarian perspectives. The narration is compelling. I also had the book, which includes interesting photographs, but, in this case, listening was more dramatic than reading.

Fantastic read for those who appreciate sport and the human spirit.

Great story. Well told.

wonderful historical story of how one can come from such a hard childhood and truly accomplish so much

Captivating and inspirational.

Perseverance at the highest level What goals are you willing to suffer for?

One of the most wonderfully written books about an amazing group of men. I am still mourning having finished reading it.

The narration was excellent. His voice was clear, soothing, and warm. The story was enthralling and exciting however there were times I got lost in the history when I thought I was reading about a group of boys rowing to the olympics.

An incredible story that takes you back in time. I would listen to it all over again. Really impressed with the narrator as well, both with his ability to make read at the perfect pace and also for his pronunciation of Washington towns :)

Great book. Very inspirational. Well read. My only complaint is some of the local town names were mispronounced. Being from the Pacific Northwest I know how weird some of the names are, so he gets a pass.

I loved how the author wove together the narratives of the Great Depression, the rise of Nazi Power and the effect they both had on the lives of ordinary people trying to achieve extrardinary things. The making of the 1936 Olympic Rowing team was the perfect backdrop for that story.

The book is just incredible and no one comes close as a reader to Edward Herrmann(rip). An absolute must !!

Great book! Must read!

I liked the book, the purpose and dedication of the 9 rowers and their coaches was amazing. It was a different time and I don’t think it would happen today. However, it was a good read

Great book and great narration! This is a must read.

MFT- loved this story about a great sport, the hardest of times, and a team of boys who worked hard to win., and winning big became their standard. Joe is an inspiration to anyone who feels life is not fair: he learns how to overcome and persevere at a young age, which compels him to fit in and do his best. The parts about the sport, its history and Polcock are fascinating. Good read for all.

Excellent story and narration. Once I became involved with the characters, it was totally engrossing.

Excellent in every way. The book is well written with a ton of detail but never too much. Just when I thought it was going to bog down it didn't. Just great!

I've been wanting to read this book for a long time ever since my daughter started rowing last year. Loved it! The story is so exciting and magical. It's every bit as good as my friends told me. This is my first Audiobook experience and I must say, I can get addicted to it.

Wonderfully written and the narration fern gave me goosebumps !

I loved this book. I have no interest in crew or any sport but it was inspirational.

Fantastically done book and narration. I recommend this book to anyone.

What a story! Wonderful this story has been made known. The author makes beautiful analogies between the the spruce used to craft the shells, the water, the ancient handtools and character. The reader is inspired to work hard and make a contribution. One of my all time favorites!

Wonderful story about perseverance. The boys and their story was brought to life by the narration. Simply loved it.

Really great American story through the lens of a unlikely hero. Would recommend to anyone!

I loved, loved, loved this book! Everyone should read it. I learned so much, it was so interesting and intertwined history that left me wanting to study up on WW11 history. Again I just loved it and the narrator was so fun to listen to, open your ears and your heart and get swept away!

the best story I ever heard. I would have enjoyed reading it as well. The author's skill of picking just the right word is delightful. The reader on the audio was perfect.

Great character development. Wonderful story. Daniel James Brown wrote history without dwelling on the horrible times in Germany in the 1930's. This story illustrates how exacting the oarsmen in the boat were and the strength a team has when they work as one unit. The overall message is to trust. That is difficult for most but trust was reached by the "Boys in the Boat."

Excellent story and wonderful narration! The author captured the essence of the depression, Nazi propaganda regime, the heart and determination of the rowers and the triumphs both personally and as a team.

A most enjoyable and well written history book....I loved it! I had no idea of this unique bit of history nor of the sport of rowing. Would be a great movie. I am sure the book itself is very intriguing and suspenseful in itself, but the narration added so much to my enjoyment and daily anticipation to 'read'. I want my grandson to read...

Great Book !!! Loved the story and Great for all Ages !! This would be a great movie.

I'm a middle aged woman not particularly into sports. Was blown away by how much I loved this book. On so many levels, this book is captivating, educational and inspiring. Must read.

This is a wonderful story of true northwest grit and determination.

This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read.I knew nothing about rowing before listening to the book and now I can't wait to watch the rowing event at the next Olympics. If you love sports you will love this book. This is a story that will break your heart, but then make you realize that you can do anything if you don't give up. A person of any age will enjoy the book. I've told my teenagers to read it for school next time they have a book report.

A totally amazing story that was read with complete understanding and enjoyment.. Loved it.

The book recounts the selection and training of the University of Washington eight man varsity crew and the competitions that led up to their winning the gold medal at the 1936 Olympics. The book alternates between the main narrative, the story of Joe Rantz, a member of the crew, against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the rise of Naziism in Germany. It is at once a great yarn, a story of a young man for whom rowing fills a void left by a very difficult childhood, and a history lesson. Edward Herrmann narrates flawlessly at a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.,

Really enjoying the story. I love to hear about the depression and how people survived during really tough times and then how that generation took what life gave them and made the most out of it.

Amazing book about a story I had never heard before. He made me feel for the lead character so much that I was brought to tears a few times. Some times for joy and sometimes for sorry. Great read

Love this book -- it's an inspiration both personally and professionally. I just may weave some of the messages into staff training with my team. Readers will need to love history as the author beautifully set the story on the world stage providing great historical accounts on the lead up to WWII.

What an amazing story! Well written/spoken. Sad to finish the story! Hard to top this story.

Exceptional telling of a most stirring, and inspiring story

Amazing book! I was cheering and crying at the end! Narration was some of the best I have ever listened to.

Great book! Loved the story and the way presented. Great narration as well.

This should have won the Pulitzer! It's the first book I've listened to where I felt like I was watching a movie at the same time. You can see everything clearly in your mind by the way he writes. It was the best!

Wonderfully written. I felt like I was in the boat with those boys!! I laugher I cried and most of all I was on the edge of my seat every minute. Thank you for writing this book and sharing their lives with us.

I loved it. Its a great story and the author has a wonderful way with words. The narrator brings it alive.

I loved this book. The story reminds of us how difficult times create the desire to work hard, to set goals, and accomplish great things in spite of great hardships. I found the adapted for young readers hard copy at the store and purchased it to give to my 8 year old grandson who is an avid reader. I know he will love it, too. Thank you, Daniel James Brown. Job well done!

I cried when they won. I found myself cheering them on in the car as the race scenes unfolded. I was riveted. Terrific book, well written and beautifully narrated. Edward Herrmann is the best!

What a story! At times I was in tears as Brown detailed the epic quest Joe and the boys endured as humans. At times I was emblazoned with pride at the legendary accomplishments achieved by the Washington Crew. Expertly written by Brown and passionately recounted by Hermann.. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Crisply read. Drawing story hard to put down, very heart warming.

A story of inspiration wonderfully narrated and not to be missed!

The incomparable Edward Herman brings this masterfully told tale to a new generation to enlighten and inspire. Bravo!!!

Wonderfully told piece of history. Worth the listen.

It was one of the best books I ever read. It was also truly inspiring

Spectacular! Gripping and motivational. A real page turner...I mean a real page listener!

I thought the book was awesome. Well told and great story, easy to connect with being from Washington.

This is a wonderful story that reads like a fast paced historical fiction - a story of adventure, willpower and teamwork juxtaposed against one of the darkest episodes in modern times.

Beautifully written and gripping story! I couldn't get away from it....I cannot believe we never knew the story of these men before -what amazing lives they had. I'm deeply moved. Awesome.

Great story and excellently told. To learn about oaring, building boats, days before WW II was fascinating. The entire book took two days.

Loved the fact that the writer brought to light a story that was largely unknown, and incited in me an interest in an obscure sport. Did not think the story would be particularly inspiring or interesting, but the story roped me in right away. Nicely done.

This book and story is amazing! What a story and so well told on this book, couldn't wait to get back to the book.