Michael Olesker's Baltimore

In this collection of humorous and poignant newspaper columns written for the Baltimore Sun and the News American over the last two decades, Michael Olesker captures the essence of Baltimore - a big city with the heart of a small town. Here in the closing years of the 20th century is Baltimore, with all its unexpected triumphs, crushing troubles, idiosyncratic characters, and lively neighborhoods.

Olesker is hard-edged and straightforward but also warmhearted in his portrayal of Baltimore's colorful characters and their settings. In a style that combines police-blotter and Sunday-feature writing, he tells brief stories that show why - to visitors and residents alike - Baltimore feels like home.