This has been, and probably will always be, the most inspirational book I think I’ve ever read. Having rowed for 4 years in high school, ending on a particularly sour note, this story has reignited my love and admiration for the sport, bringing back a surge of emotions and memories from my times in the boat. The level of research is unmatched, offering insight into the sport itself, the lives of the 9 titular boys, and the world in which they competed. With detailed description of the rise of the Nazi power in Germany, the stakes are made ever-apparent, but the characterization of Joe Rantz and the rest of the crew make their victory incredibly emotional and powerful. During the recount of their 1936 race in Berlin, I literally got goosebumps, and my stomach immediately lurched with the same anxieties I faced every time a race started. The story is more than just a feel-good sports tale—it’s about trust, determination, overcoming adversity, and the triumph of good over evil despite all odds.