THE PACIFIC CIRCUIT A Globalized Account of the Battle for the Soul of an American City

Alexis Madrigal narrates this audiobook about Oakland, California, confidently and enthusiastically. The journalist sounds genuinely interested in constructing the city's history and cultural touchstones. Madrigal has created a three-ring circus of ideas. First, he examines the Pacific Circuit, a network of "container cities" that historically established "trade routes and trade deals, human migrations and technological exchanges." Second, he presents a detailed history, showing how Oakland has been shaped by the Pacific Circuit, the invention of "logistics," racial and cultural forces, mass migrations, and the solidification of the Bay Area. Third, Madrigal personalizes his study with the story of Margaret ("Miss Margaret") Gordon, a West Oakland activist and eco-hero who has improved Oakland's air quality. There's much to take in, and Madrigal's zeal gives the audiobook momentum. R.W.S. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]