The end of May means the beginning of summer (which officially starts on Tues., June 21, but who's counting), so that means it’s time to break out the bug spray, grill, and sunscreen.

It’s also time to figure out your next pool or beach read, so we’ve compiled 6 recently released summer reads by authors with ties to San Diego to get you started.

“Scalpel’s Plunge: End of the Party” by Richard Brown

Erik “VJ” Brio is an orthopedic surgeon who travels the world to help those in need, with thrilling twists that involve the international drug trade, Russian mafia, and a lifesaving treatment for the Ebola virus. Proceeds from this novel go to Doctors Without Borders.

“In Their Own Words” by James Larrimore

As the grandson of World War I veteran Don Martin, James recaps the day-by-day description of what his grandfather was doing as a war correspondent in 1918 stationed in France through letters to his wife in the US.

“Once Upon a Forest” by Pam Fon

This children’s book follows the narrative of a marmot + her bird friend taking on the task of replanting a forest destroyed by fire completely through visuals.

“Miracle Mantras: 111 Affirmations to Transform Your Life” by Kim Peretz

As a recent graduate of Canyon Crest Academy, Kim has provided teens with 111 affirmations intended to help them live their most authentic lives + unlock their full potential.

“Woman: The American History of an Idea” by Lillian Faderman

Take a deep-dive into the history of womanhood throughout the Americas, the idea of what it means to identify as a woman + how that idea has shifted through history.

“Slave Revolt on Screen: The Haitian Revolution in Film and Video Games” by Alyssa Sepinwall

This local Cal State San Marcos history professor targets students, scholars, gamers, and film buffs in her novel unpacking the Haitian Revolution portrayed in film, video games + its presence in the major motion picture industry.

Need more recommendations? Stop by the Mysterious GalaxyBookstore, Verbatim Books, Warwicks, or any San Diego Public Library to get expert advice from our local book stops. 📚