The Boys in the Boat

Nine Americans and their epic quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

By James Brown.

Knowing how much I love Washington state, my daughter recommended this book to me. As I dived into this fascinating story, I wondered why the author invested so much describing each character and felt progress was slow. As I progressed, I felt as I was walking (and rowing), living, and breathing among the characters as if I were one of them.

The author masterfully blends the story of Seattle and Washington State, how tough it was to live through the late 20s and the depression that followed, the dark years that saw the emergence of Hitler and the dedication of a rough and tumble kids that ended up sweeping all prizes at a highly elitist sport. The sheer determination of the kids and their passionate coaches is humbling.

As you walk through his life, Joe’s greatness as human being emerges. Tough as it can get, abandoned by his parents at young age, having to survive and grow alone in a rough-and-tumble environment. A key theme that kept coming back to me as I read was Joe’s ability to forgive. It is easy to side by Joyce, his wife and love of his life, who couldn’t quite understand how forgiving, loving he was to his widowed father and half siblings.

It is one of those books that you simply wish would never come to an end. Among the top of my list so far this year.

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