The end of May means the beginning of summer (which officially starts on Tues., June 21, but who's counting?) — 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 Seattle to get you started.

Novels

With Love from London by Sarah Jio | When a librarian inherits a bookshop from her estranged mother, it leads her on an adventure of self-discovery revolving around the bonds of love and family + the challenges that come with them.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | A 1960s California scientist has an abrupt change in lifestyle + career when she becomes the star of a TV cooking show.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka | The novel about a man on death row offers a familiar narrative of the American serial killer, but also offers a deeper look into the justice system + the cultural obsession with crime stories.

Nonfiction

Readying to Rise: Essays by Marcus Harrison Green | Marcus shares his personal experiences growing up in South Seattle, including encounters with police, and dissects the influence modern day media plays in our lives.
I'm in Seattle, Where Are You? by Mortada Gzar | Mortada crafted this memoir to share his compelling life story, starting with his childhood work as a scrap-metal collector in an Iraqi war zone and then detailing his impossible love story with a soldier + journey to the US.

Short stories

Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century by Kim Fu | These twelve other-worldly tales blur the boundaries of the real + fantastic, showcasing insights into human nature — from a runaway bride that encounters a sea monster to a vendor that sells toy boxes with the ability to control the passage of time.

Need more recommendations? Stop by BLMF Literary Saloon, Third Place Books, L.E.M.S. Bookstore, or any Seattle Public Library to get expert advice from our local book stops. 📚