Shortly after arriving in OKC, my wife and I went to the Oklahoma History Center to hear Sam Anderson speak about his new book: 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 a stroke of luck! Anybody who’s even remotely thinking of moving to Oklahoma should first read Boom Town. I’ve included Sam’s bio from his amazon page here:
Sam Anderson is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine. Formerly a book critic for New York Magazine and regular contributor to Slate, Anderson’s journalism and essays have won numerous awards, including the National Magazine Award for Essays and Criticism. He lives in New York with his family.
My wife is the literary giant in our house and devours books from her list of trusted writers. Over and over again. Me, I’m more like Jeff Spicoli, “People on ‘ludes should not drive.” I point that out to say this, only writers worth their salt seem to stay on my radar. Sam won me over.
My wife and I literally laughed out loud at portions. The book is divided into short chapters that zig zag you through Oklahoma City history. Moving from stories of The Thunder to Clara Luper then off to the land run adds to the somewhat chaotic history that OKC owns. Sam did much of his research on the ground in OKC. Spent many hours writing at Elemental Coffee.
The great writers transport you. Sam does this. Plus, you get the inside track on the spirit of the people of Oklahoma City—a rough and tumble bunch they are.
Sam was a memorable part of our transition here to Oklahoma City. We were thankful the release of his book came shortly after we arrived. We got our copy signed, too…thanks, Sam!
LA2OKC 