Questions About The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

by Daniel James Brown (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (25)

Hello! For those of you who have read this book, do you think it would be a good choice for a book club read?

Stacey Falls it depends on the nature of your book group. some book groups, i think, are just an excuse to get together and drink, snack, socialize, and very littl…moreit depends on the nature of your book group. some book groups, i think, are just an excuse to get together and drink, snack, socialize, and very little book discussion happens. if your book group is like that, this is a fun book, and i am sure it would be appropriate.

i am in a book group that is NOT like that; we actually discuss the book, and in that case, having a book that is complex and layered and needs dissecting and processing is essential. for a book group like that, i would say, "no" this book isn't fabulous for that.

i mean, don't get me wrong, the book is fabulous, but there really isn't much to discuss. brown spells out all the details. you read it, you get his point, you feel moved by it, and it might be fun to share your reaction, but you don't need to process through what happened. you don't need to discuss deeper meanings or conundrums. you won't gain any extra insight by talking through the subtle details, because it just isn't that subtle.

it is a great book, but read it on your own, unless you and your book group just like to get together after reading a book you all enjoy and lounge around relaxing in each others' company. (less)

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Does anyone know exactly what was wrong with Don Hume?

Dave Kusske Hume worked in a pulp mill in Anacortes one summer. Apparently the sulphur fumes got to him and he was susceptible to colds and respiratory issues. He…moreHume worked in a pulp mill in Anacortes one summer. Apparently the sulphur fumes got to him and he was susceptible to colds and respiratory issues. He had been taking Haliver Oil (cod liver oil and something; this was pre-antibiotic days) up through the Olympic Trials but quit taking it after qualifying thinking it would be warm in Germany. The weather instead turned out to be cold with rain and wind at times. It weakened Hume and he fell quite sick. Al and George found him white as a sheet hours before the big race. Somehow the rest of the team convinced Al to just strap Don in the boat and the rest would pull him along. Improbably it worked!(less)

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It is a great book that has all you could ask for in a good choice for a book club. It is one of our book club's choices for 2016. I recommended it after reading the book last year. Who heard of their story before this book?

Fred Svoboda Father of a friend of mine was the coxswain, Bobby Moch, which I knew, but no details. I think this really was a largely forgotten story before the bo…moreFather of a friend of mine was the coxswain, Bobby Moch, which I knew, but no details. I think this really was a largely forgotten story before the book came out. BTW, the book tells exactly why and how rowing and this gold medal were a fairly big deal at the time.(less)

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Hi there! Is this book appropriate for a 15 year-old? He is a strong reader and interested in non-fiction, but I am curious if it contains adult matter, adult situations, etc. I haven't read it yet, and want him to start reading it before me. Thanks so much.

J There is a version for Young Readers that I got for my grandsons. Leaving out the worst of the Nazi/Holocaust details doesn't take away from the story…moreThere is a version for Young Readers that I got for my grandsons. Leaving out the worst of the Nazi/Holocaust details doesn't take away from the story's overall impact. The example(s) of the strength of character under conditions that would have crushed most of us is inspirational. One of the best books I have ever read.(less)

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It is also remarkably appropos to our times. The theme of hope/hopelessness. The creeping facism. The dust bowl. Does anyone else see all the similarities?

Debbie One statement near the end was chilling. Gobbles had accompanied what an accomplished propagandist must do. He must convince everyone that his version…moreOne statement near the end was chilling. Gobbles had accompanied what an accomplished propagandist must do. He must convince everyone that his version of reality is true, despite evidence to the contrary. He must also convince others that his detractors are uninformed or just idiots. Sounds like today, in some ways.(less)

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