The end of May means the beginning of summer (which officially starts on 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 what your next pool or beach read is, so we’ve compiled six recently released summer reads by authors with ties to Kansas City to get you started.

“Midlife Bites” by Jen Mann | The New York Times bestselling author of “People I Want to Punch in the Throat” gives her witty + honest play-by-play of her midlife crisis.
“Ripple” by Jim Cosgrove | Decades following a cold case are chronicled in this true crime story by a KC native investigative journalist.
“Kiss & Tell” by Adib Khorram | A snappy YA sizzler about a boy band star learning what it means to be LGBTQ+ in the public eye.
“Designed in Kansas City” by Tom Waggoner | See how Kansas City has become the epicenter of collegiate, professional + Olympic sports architecture.
“Camera Man” by Dana Stevens | Slate’s chief film critic discusses Kansas native Buster Keaton, a performer in show biz from vaudeville through the rise of television.
“Easy Bread” by Judith Fertig | Prefer a read that lets you get your hands dirty? Check out this Heartland chef’s easy bread recipes. Pro tip: if you don’t like your summerwear flour-dusted, you might still enjoy Judith’s culinary drama “The Cake Therapist.”

Need more recommendations? Stop by Prospero’s, Afterword Tavern & Shelves, Rainy Day Books, or BLK + BRWN to get expert advice from Kansas City’s local booksellers. 📚