Dominic Hoffman delivers an excellent narration of this superlative audiobook about two noteworthy high school sports teams. His cadence and tone are exactly right as he captures the excitement of East High School's 1968-69 basketball and baseball seasons, when the all-black Columbus, Ohio, athletes won two state championships. The audiobook also reflects on the civil rights activity of the period and its meaning to students, teachers, and administrators. Author Wil Haygood's text masterfully explores this momentous period. Sport is used as a metaphor for the growing sense of black pride that took root in the late sixties. The fates of individuals--Jack Gibbs, the visionary principal, and Bob Hart, the extraordinary basketball coach--and how the players and community members were affected by the tumultuous era are insightfully re-created.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525642572
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An enjoyable dive into a frigid world filled with warm hearts.
Ballard’s fascination with cold water swimming is contagious. Even if climbing into an ice bath, swimming in the ocean in the winter, or alternating a steaming sauna with freezing water doesn’t really appeal, the stories of the participants, including the author himself, are joyful and life-affirming. Ballard cites studies about the positive impacts of a brief cold dip on mood, inflammation, and resiliency (although he recommends undergoing an in-depth medical checkup before jumping in). He meets Lynne Cox, a giant in the worlds of both distance and polar swimming; Olympians; and regular people who just want to feel both alert and calm. Ballard becomes an enthusiastic member of this tight club, and his performance clearly exudes his affection for the others and their serious purpose.
An enjoyable dive into a frigid world filled with warm hearts.Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 22 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668106754
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Guthrie elevates a well-researched book, making it interesting for anyone who wants to understand the arc of this team.
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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