By: Elizabeth Schieber
One of the best things about working in an independent bookstore is being able to meet (and support!) so many incredible local authors. Here are some of our faves:
The River of Doubt
Candice Millard
How long does a book have to be around before it becomes a classic? The River of Doubt is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and, in the words of Ann Patchett, “if you haven’t read it, it’s new to you.” Any adventure-loving, history-reading, fan of narrative nonfiction would love this modern classic about Teddy Roosevelt’s trip down the Amazon.
Start With A Vegetable
Jessica Smith
If you had googled “start with a vegetable” at this time last year, you’d see this beautiful cover and the beautiful author photo of Jessica Smith. And you’d learn that Jessica Smith is an Australian Paralympic swimmer. While there is a very accomplished Australian Jessica Smith, she did not, in fact, author this book. Kansas City’s Jessica Smith is a professional meal-planner, Cook Smarts marketing officer, adventurous eater and she couldn’t be more relatable. Vegetables have never looked so good!
La Vie de Guinevere
Paula Lafferty
This 2024 release is the start to a trilogy that’s part time-travel, part romance and part myth retelling. Vera gets a shock when she finds out that she’s actually Lady Guinevere and must travel back in time to save not just Arthur (and Lancelot) but the entire country. Full of dark magic and angst, this will keep you turning pages well into the night.
The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam
Megan Bannen (out 7/8/25)
If you look behind the front desk of Monstera’s Books, you’ll notice a picture of our favorite bookstore owner (Kate) with one of our favorite author-customers, Megan Bannen.
We can’t WAIT for her new book, The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam to hit the shelves on July 8, 2025. If you missed The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, then you also missed the Undermining of Twyla and Frank; we know what you should do between now and July! Get to reading so you can come party with us at her launch party this summer, we promise it’ll be a good time!
Darius The Great Is Not Okay
Adib Khorram
There is no easier person to celebrate than Adib Khorram. So it’s especially nice that his books are all gems and easy to celebrate! His young adult novels are some of our best sellers, whether you’re gravitating towards the Darius books or Adib’s more recent romances - you can’t lose.
Not The Worst Friend In The World
Anne Rellihan
Lou, at the beginning of 6th grade, finds herself wishing to go back in time to undo a fight with her bestie. When the new girl in class passes her a note claiming to be the victim of a kidnapping, Lou finds herself all wrapped up in friend drama and intrigue. If that story doesn’t grab you right away, Anne’s story might! Home with three little babies and a raging pandemic, Anne decided to (and did) write a novel. I was home with three little babies and could barely finish READING a novel. Highly recommend!
Out on a Limb
Jordan Morris, Charlie Mylie
Bally The Amazing Wonderball
Jordan Morris (out 9/2/25)
For the youngest readers in your life, KC author Jordan Morris and KC illustrator Charlie Mylie collaborated on Out on a Limb, the story of a young girl with a broken leg who has to find new ways to do old things. Charlie Mylie has illustrated so many other wonderful picture books - Treehouse Town is a staff fave!
Jordan Morris has a new book coming this fall in which she is both author and illustrator called Bally the Amazing Wonderball. I got a sneak peek of this one and immediately pre-ordered a handful for myself - every kid in my life needs one! It’s the story of Bally, the amazing wonderball who performs nightly for dogs who have a hard time sitting and staying.
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Follow more of Elizabeth's recs on her instagram, @litpicksbooks! If you’re looking for your next summer read or need expertise on gifts for kids… she’s your gal.
