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BOOM TOWN

THE FANTASTICAL SAGA OF OKLAHOMA CITY, ITS CHAOTIC FOUNDING... ITS PURLOINED BASKETBALL TEAM, AND THE DREAM OF BECOMING A WORLD-CLASS METROPOLIS

This audiobook brings to life the fascinating and surprisingly interesting history of Oklahoma City, a place that is likely unfamiliar to many listeners. Author and narrator Sam Anderson has unearthed a wealth of information, beginning with city's founding in 1889 and taking the listener to the present. The narrative explores politics and sports and showcases successes and disappointments relating to the city's ambitions. Using Anderson as the narrator was not the ideal choice. Although his delivery reflects his excitement about discovering the city's history, his performance is workmanlike. Methodical, at times turgid, his narration can make it difficult for the listener to remain focused. Still, listeners will gain a new appreciation of the city and its development.

Pub Date: Aug. 21, 2018

Duration: 15 hrs

DD ISBN: 9781101924341

Publisher: Random House Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    THE LONG GAME

    U.S. MEN'S SOCCER AND ITS SAVAGE, FOUR-DECADE JOURNEY TO THE TOP, OR THEREABOUTS

    Guthrie elevates a well-researched book, making it interesting for anyone who wants to understand the arc of this team.

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    Those who follow soccer know that the U.S. men’s team has undergone a massive evolution in a relatively short time. Schaerlaeckens details how the team went from underwhelming to competing on the international stage. He not only dives into overall team improvements but also recounts the paths of some of the American players over the years. Jimmy Guthrie narrates with a clear voice, never imitating particular individuals but staying emotionally involved. His narration reflects a respect for the game and for those who play it, keeping the listener absorbed.

    Guthrie elevates a well-researched book, making it interesting for anyone who wants to understand the arc of this team.

    Pub Date: May 12, 2026

    Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins

    DD ISBN: 9798217281862

    Publisher: Penguin Audio

    Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026

    Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026

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      THE LONG RUN

      STEVE PREFONTAINE, FRANK SHORTER, JOAN BENOIT, GRETE WAITZ, AND THE DECADE THAT MADE THE MARATHON COOL

      Dugard charts the course, and Godfrey hits a personal best.

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      Dugard explores the origins of the marathon, from the legend of Pheidippides and the race’s peculiar length to the 1970s and '80s athletes who made marathons cool. Now, competing in a marathon is on every casual runner’s bucket list. Matt Godfrey takes the author’s accessible style and runs with it. His timing, liveliness, and wry tones bring Dugard’s multiple threads to life. The decade is jammed full of stories—Steve Prefontaine getting pipped for the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics, Joan Benoit winning the first women’s Olympic marathon, the book by Jim Fixx that inspired sedentary people to take up jogging, and even the author finding his community when he discovered running as an 11-year-old.

      Dugard charts the course, and Godfrey hits a personal best.

      Pub Date: April 14, 2026

      Duration: 9 hrs, 33 mins

      DD ISBN: 9798217285556

      Publisher: Penguin Audio

      Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026

      Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026

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