"The Boys in the Boat" Author Daniel James Brown Speaks to a Full House of Local Fans

Author Daniel James Brown discussed his New York Times bestselling book The Boys in the Boat with over 300 fans at Agoura Hills Once City One Book event. Brown’s non-fiction account about the underdog rowing crew of college students that won the gold medal for the United States at the historic Berlin 1936 Olympics—hosted by Hitler’s Germany--captured the hearts of all ages. Currently in development to become a film, “The Boys in the Boat” released in 2013 was on the bestseller list for a total of 152 weeks in hardcover and paperback. It has since been published in a Young Readers adaptation and inspired the documentary PBS American Story: “The Boys of 36”.

Brown, who is known for bringing historical events to life vividly and accurately, read highlights from his book and discussed their historical significance. He spent five years working directly with the Olympian rowers and their families and researched extensive historical collections to convey depression-era America between two world wars. “The book concept sprang out of my first conversation with Joe,” Brown said, referring to rower Joe Rantz whose story Brown found compelling. “His was a story about life, struggle and finding the boundary between yourself and a larger purpose.” Brown said he also visited many of the sites that are in the book, including the balcony where Hitler viewed the historic race. “That was a significant moment for me,” he said, “because I realized how it was truly a story about good and evil.”

Attendees also enjoyed a pre-discussion reception with catered snacks while learning more about the sport of rowing from local groups. The event was sponsored by City of Agoura Hills, Friends of the Library, the Agoura Hills County Library and the Cultural Arts Council.