Boom Town
The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, Its Chaotic Founding... Its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis
What's it about
Ever wondered what it takes to build a world-class city from scratch? This is the wild, improbable story of how a patch of dusty prairie became a modern metropolis, revealing the chaotic, ambitious, and utterly human drive behind the dream of creating something great out of nothing. You'll discover the secrets of civic identity and urban reinvention through Oklahoma City's saga. Learn how a stolen basketball team, a series of bizarre booms and busts, and a cast of unforgettable characters forged a blueprint for resilience that can inspire any community or project you're passionate about.
Meet the author
Sam Anderson is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and a National Magazine Award winner, celebrated for his deeply researched and vividly told stories. A former book critic for New York Magazine, his fascination with Oklahoma City began with an article about its basketball team, the Thunder. This initial curiosity spiraled into a multi-year obsession, leading him to move there with his family to fully immerse himself in the city's chaotic, strange, and inspiring history, which he chronicles in Boom Town.
The Script
You've reached the end of the free preview.
Unlock Premium Content