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

It’s also time to figure out what your next pool or beach read is, so we’ve compiled six recently released reads by authors with ties to Indianapolis + Indiana to get you started.

“Booth” by Karen Joy Fowler | This historical fiction novel brings to life John Wilkes Booth and his family.
“Dear Black Girl: Letters From Your Sisters on Stepping Into Your Power” by Tamara Winfrey Harris | A collection of inspiring letters written by Black women with messages to young Black girls.
“Savage Tongues” by Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi | A woman must confront the past to make sense of a tryst with a much older man.
“The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green | This collection of personal essays examines how humans have shaped the planet, rating inventions out of five stars.
“nomaD” by Januarie York | The latest poetry + essay collection from Indianapolis’ Poet Laureate, exploring love, hurt, and hope.
“Sweep of Stars” by Maurice Broaddus | The first in a new science fiction trilogy, where a century from now, a space empire with a goal of utopia must struggle to conquer its enemies.

Need more recommendations? Stop by Indy Reads, Irvington Vinyl & Books, and Beyond Barcodes Bookstore to get expert advice from local booksellers. 📚

Pro tip: Irvington Vinyl & Books will soon be moving to the corner of Audubon Road + Bonna Avenue.