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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Boys in the Boat summary
An Epic Journey to the Heart of Hitler’s Berlin
21 mins
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'The Boys in the Boat' by Daniel James Brown tells the true story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their quest for gold at the 1936 Olympics. It is a compelling and inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the power of teamwork.
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The Boys in the Boat
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In 1933, many young men competed for spots on the University of Washington rowing crew, but few made it.
In 1933, the United States was right in the middle of the Great Depression. Back then, ten million people – a quarter of the population – were unemployed and roughly two million were homeless.
People could barely afford to spend money on food, let alone their educations. But the University of Washington offered part-time campus jobs to anyone who made the rowing team, so would-be rowers were even more motivated to try out.
The competition was high. On Monday, 9 October 1933, 175 young men showed up to try out for the freshmen team and go through the series of grueling tests designed by the coaches. The head coach was Al Ulbrickson, a no-nonsense man with two national championships to his name. The freshmen coach, Tom Bolles, was dubbed “the professor” by the sports media. He was pursuing his masters degree, and he wore a beat-up Stetson hat for good luck.
The candidates spent the next few weeks discovering the physical demands of competitive rowing. Their muscles, bones and lungs were pushed to their limits – all under the unpredictable conditions of the Seattle weather.
By 30 October, the number of candidates had dropped from 175 to 80.
Two of these candidates were Joe Rantz and Roger Morris, who both studied engineering. Many of the candidates were city boys, but Rantz grew up in a rural area and had built up his strength working with heavy equipment.
Morris, on the other hand, was one of the only candidates with prior rowing experience. When he was 12, he’d rowed 15 miles from his family’s summer home on Bainbridge Island all the way to Seattle.
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What is The Boys in the Boat about?
The Boys in the Boat (2013) tells the story of how a group of unassuming college boys from the University of Washington went from struggling through the Great Depression to securing a victory in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The Boys in the Boat Review
The Boys in the Boat (2013) is a captivating non-fiction book that tells the inspiring true story of a group of young rowers and their journey to victory at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It offers a gripping narrative that keeps you invested in the characters and their pursuit of excellence.
- The book provides fascinating historical context about the Great Depression and Nazi Germany, giving you a deeper understanding of the challenges the rowers faced.
- With its emotional depth and camaraderie, the book showcases the power of teamwork and perseverance, leaving you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Best quote from The Boys in the Boat
Like so much in life, crew was partly about confidence, partly about knowing your own heart.
—Daniel James Brown
Who should read The Boys in the Boat?
- Rowers and other athletes
- Anyone interested in history, World War Two or the Olympics
- Readers who like an underdog story
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The Boys in the Boat FAQs
What is the main message of The Boys in the Boat?
The main message of The Boys in the Boat is the power of teamwork, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
How long does it take to read The Boys in the Boat?
The reading time for The Boys in the Boat varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Boys in the Boat a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Boys in the Boat is a compelling read that captures the spirit of triumph and resilience. It's definitely worth adding to your reading list.
Who is the author of The Boys in the Boat?
The author of The Boys in the Boat is Daniel James Brown.
What to read after The Boys in the Boat?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Boys in the Boat, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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