Boom Town Book Summary

In 'Boom Town,' Sam Anderson unveils the eclectic history of Oklahoma City, exploring its wild beginnings, rapid growth, and vibrant culture. Combining personal anecdotes with broader historical narratives, he captures the spirit of a city shaped by resilience and creativity. As Anderson delves into the lives of its inhabitants, he reveals the complexity and contradictions of American life. The book raises poignant questions about identity, belonging, and the ever-changing landscape of America. Prepare for a journey through time that connects past and present in a uniquely engaging manner.

By Sam Anderson

Published: 2019

""In every town lies a story waiting to be told, an intersection of dreams, disappointments, and unyielding hope, where the past breathes life into the present.""

Book Review of Boom Town

A brilliant, kaleidoscopic narrative of Oklahoma City—a great American story of civics, basketball, and destiny, from award-winning journalist Sam Anderson NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • NPR • Chicago Tribune • San Francisco Chronicle • The Economist • Deadspin Oklahoma City was born from chaos. It was founded in a bizarre but momentous “Land Run” in 1889, when thousands of people lined up along the borders of Oklahoma Territory and rushed in at noon to stake their claims. Since then, it has been a city torn between the wild energy that drives its outsized ambitions, and the forces of order that seek sustainable progress. Nowhere was this dynamic better realized than in the drama of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team’s 2012-13 season, when the Thunder’s brilliant general manager, Sam Presti, ignited a firestorm by trading future superstar James Harden just days before the first game. Presti’s all-in gamble on “the Process”—the patient, methodical management style that dictated the trade as the team’s best hope for long-term greatness—kicked off a pivotal year in the city’s history, one that would include pitched battles over urban planning, a series of cataclysmic tornadoes, and the frenzied hope that an NBA championship might finally deliver the glory of which the city had always dreamed. Boom Town announces the arrival of an exciting literary voice. Sam Anderson, former book critic for New York magazine and now a staff writer at the New York Times magazine, unfolds an idiosyncratic mix of American history, sports reporting, urban studies, gonzo memoir, and much more to tell the strange but compelling story of an American city whose unique mix of geography and history make it a fascinating microcosm of the democratic experiment. Filled with characters ranging from NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook; to Flaming Lips oddball frontman Wayne Coyne; to legendary Great Plains meteorologist Gary England; to Stanley Draper, Oklahoma City's would-be Robert Moses; to civil rights activist Clara Luper; to the citizens and public servants who survived the notorious 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building, Boom Town offers a remarkable look at the urban tapestry woven from control and chaos, sports and civics.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 24 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations

Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.

Inspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life LessonsSportsActivist

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

PoliticsMemoirs and BiographiesSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Lisa Ling's Book Recommendations

Lisa Ling is an acclaimed journalist, television presenter, and author known for her insightful storytelling and investigative reporting. She gained prominence as a co-host of ABC's "The View" and later as the executive producer and host of "This Is Life with Lisa Ling" on CNN. Ling has authored several impactful books, including "Mother, Daughter, Sister, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood" and "Somewhere Inside," co-written with her sister Laura, chronicling Laura's captivity in North Korea. Her work often highlights underreported issues and marginalized communities, earning her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Ling's contributions continue to shape public discourse and inspire change through compelling narratives and brave journalism.

Memoirs and BiographiesWomen Who LeadInspiring Reads

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureInspiring Reads

David Sabatini's Book Recommendations

David Sabatini is a renowned cell biologist whose pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of cell growth and metabolism. He is best known for his discovery of the mTOR pathway, a critical regulator of cell growth, which has implications in cancer, diabetes, and aging. Sabatini has authored numerous influential papers, contributing extensively to the field of molecular biology. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research. Sabatini's work continues to inspire and drive forward research in cellular and molecular biology.

Science and Nature

Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.

PoliticsActivist

Larry Ellison's Book Recommendations

Larry Ellison is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Oracle Corporation, a leading enterprise software company. Notably, Ellison's contributions to the technology industry have been profound, with Oracle's database software becoming a cornerstone for businesses worldwide. Although his primary fame stems from his business ventures, Ellison has also authored and co-authored works on technology and business strategy, sharing insights from his extensive career. His visionary leadership has not only revolutionized enterprise software but also inspired literature on innovation and corporate management. Ellison's achievements are a testament to the transformative power of technological advancement in modern business practices.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureCreativity and Innovation

"In every town lies a story waiting to be told, an intersection of dreams, disappointments, and unyielding hope, where the past breathes life into the present."

Boom Town

By Sam Anderson