The Boys in the Boat

I very much enjoyed reading The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown which is an historical account of the American eight (plus coxswain) who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.  The author has researched extensively and was fortunate to interview his main character, Joe Rantz, before he died.  In the lead up to the Olympics the Washington State University crew had to compete in races in the United States before they went to Berlin.  The reader learns about the other main characters in this story including the boatbuilder, George Pocock, and the crew's coach Al Ulbrickson.  The author tells the inspirational personal story of Joe Rantz around whom the other characters revolve.  Also we learn what is happening in Germany in the buildup before the Games.  Finally we read about the most thrilling race of all.  This book will appeal mainly to those who understand rowing, however, it is also a very interesting historical story.  Highly recommended. 41/2/5