Daniel James Brown is an accomplished American author known for his narrative nonfiction works. Brown's dedication to bringing historical events to life through his writing has captivated readers worldwide. His impactful storytelling is evident in his bestselling book, The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This remarkable story details the journey of nine working-class boys who transformed the sport of rowing and captured the attention of millions during the Great Depression. Following this success, Brown's recent work, Facing the Mountain, explores the experiences of four young Japanese American men and their families during World War II, highlighting their courage and resilience.

Brown's literary journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he grew up and pursued his education at Diablo Valley College, the University of California at Berkeley, and UCLA. Before dedicating himself to full-time writing, he taught writing at San Jose State University and Stanford University and worked as a technical writer and editor. His passion for history and storytelling drives his creative process, making his works a significant contribution to narrative nonfiction literature.

Currently residing east of Redmond, Washington, Brown enjoys a life surrounded by nature along with his wife, two daughters, and an assortment of pets. His interests beyond writing include birding, gardening, fly fishing, reading American history, and protecting his bee hives from bears, showcasing his deep connection to the environment and the American landscape.