Against the backdrop of Depression-era Detroit, author Tom Stanton and narrator Johnny Heller demonstrate what can happen when lucid writing meets skilled narration. The summer of 1935 belonged to the Detroit Tigers, who finally won their first World Series. Within months, the Lions captured the Super Bowl, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup, and boxer Joe Louis became the country's first African-American sports idol. But the City of Champions was also home to the Black Legion, a group of white supremacist thugs who targeted immigrants, blacks, Catholics, and union activists. Stanton weaves these aspects of the city together with rigorous research and skillful prose, and Heller brings the heroes and villains to life with his easy style and pleasant timbre.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Two men from the basketball pantheon team up to deliver these biographical portraits that are less a ranking and more a snapshot of their game. Smith, a longtime sportswriter, and Jackson, the venerable coach and "Zen master," work in tandem narrating their writing. Nayib Felix sets the tone with the introductory part of each player's bio, then Smith and Jackson each weigh in with their perspectives and anecdotes. Felix is a pro. And while Smith and Jackson are definitely not polished narrators, they lend an authenticity to the audiobook. The narration covers older players from decades ago as well as modern ones. Fans will enjoy the audiobook's banter and conversation.
Pub Date: Nov. 4, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217169351
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Mark Linn-Baker narrates this well-researched audiobook for anyone who wants a glimpse behind the curtain of the NFL. It primarily focuses on Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the power troika that has helped guide and develop the league through good times and bad. Linn-Baker narrates clearly, with emphasis where it needs to be. He never imitates anyone; he just captures emotion--and there's plenty of that in and out of the boardroom. Topics include concussions, violence against women, collective bargaining, and much more. Mark Linn-Baker's intonations are spot-on in this fascinating look at the machinations of the NFL.
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668651902
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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