Reader's Advisory Matrix
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics
By Daniel James Brown
Narrative Continuum - Highly narrative overall, with some fact-based sections explaining rowing and the construction of rowing shells.
Subject: The University of Washington's rowing crew in the mid-1930s and their struggle for respect and recognition in their sport, culminating with competing in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, under the gaze of Hitler and Goebbels.
Type: History of the University of Washington rowing team in the mid-1930s.
Appeal:
- Pacing - falls between leisurely and swift. Chapters and sections move along, but overall the story is told in great detail, including events years before the team comes together.
- Characters - Rower Joe Rantz is the focus of the book. Others include his wife, Joyce; coach Al Ulbrickson; boat builder George Pocock; and Rantz' teammates.
- Feel - Compelling, personal, and detailed.
- Author Intent - To tell the personal story of the rowers, particularly Joe Rantz.
- Focus - Joe Rantz, his rowing teammates, and coaches at the University of Washington as they strive for respect in their sport in the mid-1930s.
- Language - descriptive but not overly sentimental.
- Setting Role and Description - the Pacific Northwest setting reinforces the team's position as an outsider in the sport centered on the East Coast and in Europe. Historical impact of the Great Depression and coming world war are supported by the story's locations.
- Details - heavily researched, with a selection of notes included and the full set accessible online. Brown describes Rantz' life before college in great detail, as well as the history of the sport, and construction of rowing shells.
- Graphic Support - Photos of the story's people and settings appear occasionally throughout the book. A later middle grade edition includes a list of characters, a timeline, and introduction to rowing.
- Learning/Understanding/Experience - All three - learning about competitive rowing; understanding the effects of historical events on individuals; and experiencing the hard work and emotional toll of competitive sport.
I love reading books that have historical backgrounds. This sounds like a great book for those who love history. Great matrix! Very descriptive!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best non-fiction books. I loved it when I read it and I've recommended it to so many patrons and even a few books groups and haven't had one complaint! Even those who usually don't read non-fiction, or care anything about rowing, like this book.
ReplyDeleteThis book is SO on my to-read list. Your matrix only makes me want to read it more. I've heard from others the same appeals that you mention. I imagine this book brings a nice historical perspective as well with the looming of WWII of its setting.
ReplyDeleteYou did a really nice job here. My first thought was no way do I want to read a book about rowing. Then I remembered that I have checked this book about before. It sounds like I may want to do so again. I love books that portray historical perspectives. I really like how you prepared your matrix.
ReplyDeleteJennie
You did a really nice job here. My first thought was no way do I want to read a book about rowing. Then I remembered that I have checked this book about before. It sounds like I may want to do so again. I love books that portray historical perspectives. I really like how you prepared your matrix.
ReplyDeleteJennie
I don't think you'll be disappointed, Jennie. So many patrons and friends have read and enjoyed it. It's a great combination of a compelling personal story and the impact of historical events. And it's an Olympic year, so perfect timing to read this!
ReplyDeleteI am adding this to my to-read list too. I didn't realize the 1936 Olympics were held in Berlin! Sounds like an intriguing book!
ReplyDelete