It’s not often that a fabulous work of non-fiction, which reads like great fiction, comes along.

By John A. Schwarz

It’s not often that a fabulous work of non-fiction, which reads like great fiction, comes along.

In 2001, Laura Hillenbrand had our hearts racing and rooting for an unlikely champion thoroughbred. “Seabiscuit” not only told the story of this racehorse and his great rival War Admiral, but also gave the reader an idea of what life was like in America from 1937-1939, just before the beginning of World War II.

Fast-forward to 2013, and the publication of “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. It ranks right up there with “Seabiscuit” in terms of giving readers a gripping account of a sports underdog. It’s the tale of the University of Washington’s 8-man rowing team (1933-1937), and their quest to compete in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.

You learn about what life in the Depression was like in the Northwest; it was just as tough and grim as it was in the rest of the country. You also learn what was going on in Germany during that period and how the Nazis so successfully sanitized the atrocities they were committing that people who attended the Olympics came away believing the rumors of what was being done to the Jews were greatly exaggerated. In fact, the moment the Olympics ended the pogroms started again.

The background story of the “boys,” how they defeated the Eastern elite rowers, and their path to an Olympic gold medal is fantastic. It’s one of the most widely exciting sports stories you’ll ever read. If you’re looking for a great summer read, put “The Boys in the Boat” at the top of your list. It will linger in your thoughts for seasons to come.

This memorable book is going to be made into a movie. The Weinstein Company has acquired the rights and Kenneth Branagh is set to direct.