Kings of Summer

I’ll admit: I picked up *Kings of Summer* expecting a lighthearted romp about volleyball’s golden age, but what I got was far richer—and occasionally frustrating in the best way. Mewhirter’s deep dive into the sport’s countercultural roots feels like eavesdropping on a secret history. The early chapters, where players competed for Hollywood kisses and bragging rights, are pure joy, but the audiobook’s real power lies in its unflinching look at how commercialization changed the game. Restivo’s narration is a standout—his voice has the warm gravel of a lifelong beach bum, but he sharpens it for the book’s more contentious moments, like the 1990s “war” between the AVP and FIVB. His delivery during the 1984 Olympic push is particularly electric, making you feel the desperation of athletes who’d spent careers being told their sport wasn’t “real” enough. That said, the audiobook isn’t without flaws. The nonlinear timeline, while thematically fitting, can be jarring in audio form—especially when Restivo shifts from the 1960s to the 2000s without much warning. A few more signposts (or even a subtle audio cue) would’ve helped. And while Mewhirter’s critique of the sport’s gender disparities is necessary, it sometimes feels tacked on rather than woven into the narrative. Still, these are minor quibbles. What lingers is the book’s vivid cast: the tragic genius of Ron Von Hagen, the brash charisma of Karch Kiraly, and the unsung women who fought for equal sand. By the final chapter, you’ll never see a beach volleyball match—the or its players—the same way again.