My reading tends to pick up in the summer. I have some obstacles with a busy comedy schedule on my hands, but I made good work of five books recently. I only read two at the beach (I have done twice that some years), but they were the two books I looked forward to the most all year and did not disappoint. They lead off a list that includes no clunkers.

Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman: Maybe my favorite book by my favorite writer. A love letter to Baltimore and old guys obsessed with the things of their youth. When you connect my hometown with memories of music, I can’t put up a fight. But then to do it as well as Norman does just isn’t fair. None of it is played as a gimmick. All the details make up the rich personality of Baltimore that has a hold on people like Billy Perkins. And there’s a good chance his story will have a hold on you.
The Time Has Come by Will Leitch: I first discovered Leitch 20-some years ago when he was a key part of the wave of snarky sports bloggers who changed the game forever. Now he has developed into an incredibly talented storyteller with an amazing ability to create worlds where ordinary people do extraordinary things. The build-up as we get to know a group of Athens, Ga., residents, knowing that they will be part of something special at the end is beyond thrilling. He is 2-for-2 in everyday thrillers, and I can’t wait for what he does next.
Kids These Days by Drew Perry: One of those books that somehow ended up on my Amazon wishlist and went on sale at just the right time. This story follows a couple as they head to Florida after a layoff upsend their life. A family apartment is open due to an aunt’s death so they decide to move closer to family. That doesn’t always work out, does it? Boat trips through swamps, parasailers and more than our fair share of scams keep this thing moving. I’m not really sure of the point other than fun so I’ll take it at face value.
A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman: Oh, boy. A friend suggested this, and I had enjoyed Backman’s Anxious People so I gave it a try. I really knew very little about the plot other than it was about a grumpy man. This thing takes you for a ride. I read an interview with Backman before I read this where he said he didn’t think he was a great writer, but he thought he was a great storyteller. That is so true. I do think he’s a great writer, but the way he tells a story sucks you in. I am ready for the rest of his work, even though I know it might knock me for a loop again.
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kalsuke: I love a good hook, and this book has one. The whole thing is told through Slack messages between a team of workers. It gets weirder beyond that with a small supernatural element that is played for comedy, not horror. Because of the device, I sailed through this one. It was not groundbreaking in any way, but it made me laugh. Sometimes that’s all I need.