About book The Boys In The Boat: Nine Americans And Their Epic Quest For Gold At The 1936 Berlin Olympics (2013)
For those who have read UNBROKEN Hillenbrand's writing reads with such ease that you can rip the pages out as fast as you turn them, though you dare not. They are worth treasuring. I was so glad to have read Louie Samperini's story while he was still alive, all the while finding it/him hard to believe ("he was still living"). Now he's gone; but, he will live forever for those who read Laura Hillenbrand's book and tribute to Louie's life. So, what about BOYS IN THE BOAT? As I am now two/thirds the way through the book, I was attracted to it because it was the same Olympics that both Louie Samperini and the University of Washington 9 crewmen competed in in 1936 (and, I happen to be UofW Husky Alumni Letterman which makes it even more interesting as I meet many old/new Husky Lettermen and Women of every Husky sport when I attend Husky Football games in the EndZone-LetterWinners Tent before games). Daniel James Brown tells the story of the Washington Crew through the eyes of, perhaps, the most unlikely crew member (and others) together with the most heralded crew boat (shell) builder in the world with historic coaches in a historic time during the depression preceding WWII. To say times were tough is a gross understatement, especially by today's standards. Through the eyes of Joe Rants, his coaches, the Seattle media , and the East Coast media Brown eloquently unfurls the web of anxiety and ecstasy in such illuminating detail that only eyes could have described it better. It makes you cry to learn about the trials and tribulations of the individuals and their shear will to survive, fail, persevere and succeed. The historical content of both of these books is mesmerizing. I highly recommend both. Ok, some thoughts came to me as I recommended the book to my dad. Follow the story of Joe Rantz, one of 9 crewmen from the University of Washington's rowing team. What a beautifully intertwined story of overcoming odds, finding healing in human fellowship, the joy of a craftsman, sheer cunning of coxswain and coach; all set against Nazi pride before the fall.I don't know how to begin this review. I'm tearful that I finished. I almost want to start at the beginning and read it all over again. I'll have to come back to write a proper review later.
Do You like book The Boys In The Boat: Nine Americans And Their Epic Quest For Gold At The 1936 Berlin Olympics (2013)?
A lovingly & respectful account of the crew from Washington State that the 1936 Olympic gold medal.
—greysen
I loved this book--the ending, even when I knew it, moved me to tears.
—dylan
One of the best historical non-fictions I have read in a while!
—Josima
History, sports and personal triumph seamlessly intertwined.
—genius
