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 four recently released summer reads by authors with ties to Columbia + South Carolina to get you started.

“A Cool Girl’s Guide to Courage” by Candace Doby | A self-love workbook for young girls filled with over 125 empowering quotes and journal prompts from Columbia born mentor, and motivational speaker, Candace Doby.
“Decorum” by Jonathan Hickman | A gritty illustrated miniseries from comic book writer and South Carolina native, Jonathan Hickman (best known for his work with Marvel) about a well-mannered assassin.
“Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father” by Craig Melvin | This memoir from Columbia native + news anchor of NBC’s Today show is exploration of fatherhood and race.
“How to Be Human: An Autistic Man’s Guide to Life” by Jory Fleming | USC grad, and Rhodes Scholar Jory Fleming examines what it means to be human through a series of conversations with writer Lyric Winik.

Need more recommendations? Stop by Oddbird Books, Ed’s Editions, or The Book Dispensary to get expert advice from Columbia’s local booksellers. 📚