A bestselling work of narrative nonfiction by Daniel James Brown that tells the remarkable true story of the University of Washington rowing team that competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. At the heart of the book is Joe Rantz, a young man who overcame poverty, abandonment, and hardship to become part of a crew that challenged elite rowing teams from around the world.

Set during the Great Depression and against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, the book combines sports, history, biography, and inspiration. It chronicles the team's extraordinary journey from obscurity to Olympic glory, highlighting themes of perseverance, teamwork, resilience, and determination.