Books

The Boys in the Boat

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If you’ve rowed before, never rowed before, or want to row. If you know everything about rowing, know a little bit about rowing, or know nothing about rowing. If you’ve rowed a race, watched a race, or want to. If you love rowing, are indifferent about the sport, or downright dislike it….
You HAVE to read this book.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

 

(I know! Basically that means everyone needs to read it!)
I’ve read a handful of books about rowing in the past, but this one truly is in a league of its own. Beyond the rowing topic, this is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. It’s entertaining, heart-wrenching, historical, and simply beautiful. I typically enjoy nonfiction books… yet, I am in love with this one.
It took me a long time to get through it, mostly because my schedule doesn’t allow for as much reading time, but mostly because I didn’t want it to end. It is that good.
To give you some context, the book follows the lives of a handful of boys who, during the Great Depression, make up the crew of the century. The parallel and overlapping stories of that crew and Hitler’s 1936 Olympic games in Berlin make for a must-read book. It’s truly amazing.
There were points in the book where I was absolutely blown away by how the author captures the essence of rowing. I have a difficult time relaying what it is exactly about rowing that makes rowing rowing. But Daniel James Brown exquisitely describes everything about crew that makes it so perfect. From the importance of teamwork to the grueling work it requires to the roles that every single person in the boat… he gets it. And he makes sure the reader understands too.
Again, it’s about rowing… so if you’ve ever been interested or wanted to know more, then you have to read it. And if you’ve been a part of an incredible crew yourself, you will find comfort and familiarity within the pages of the book. Plus… even if you’ve never touched an oar or never had the desire to know anything about crew, you’ll still love this book.
One word: perfect.
What book have you most recently read? Any recommendations?
 
xoxo
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50 Comments

Hannah Yu

It's something interesting to read too. Currently I am reading Nicholas Sparks book The Best of Me. It feels like the same story of The Notebook. I am a little bit thrilled that I'm already half part of the book. 🙂

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Arielle

I'm usually not much of a fan of sport-related books, but you make quite a convincing argument for it… 🙂 May have to check that out.

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Jess Prashaw

Hi Carly,
I am actually reading this book right now and it is great. Two recent books I have read that are also really good are "The Eight" it is about the 2008 Harvard's Men's Heavyweight and it is extremely good. I am also reading The Wonder Crew at the Moment and so far so good. I would suggest both books if you want to remember your crew glory days :d

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Jess Prashaw

Hi Carly,
I am actually reading this book right now and it is great. Two recent books I have read that are also really good are "The Eight" it is about the 2008 Harvard's Men's Heavyweight and it is extremely good. I am also reading The Wonder Crew at the Moment and so far so good. I would suggest both books if you want to remember your crew glory days :d

Reply
Rachel Napoli

What a coincidence – I JUST bought that book as a Christmas gift for my dad yesterday! He loves a good Olympics story, so this one sounded like a good fit for him. I may have to borrow it now! Thank you for the recommendation.

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kkal

I've been looking for something little to send my boyfriend as a kind of "thinking of you" gift (one that isn't just cookies!) — we're apart for the next year and a half while I finish school. This is perfect, mostly because we met through college rowing. 🙂

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Yuslihan Faijar

Great stuff from you, man. Ive read your stuff before and youre just too awesome. I love what youve got here, love what youre saying and the way you say it. You make it entertaining and you still manage to keep it smart. I cant wait to read more from you. This is really a great blog.
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marwan samir

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Erika Jarvis

As a former rower myself, I cannot wait to read this book. I’ve heard rumblings that it was great, so thanks for posting about it! It’s going on the Kindle ASAP! 🙂

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