Our Summer Reading List, ft. seven local bookstores
Need an aesthetic spot to do your reading? Try Monstera’s Books. | Photo via Monstera’s Books
This goes out to any adult bookworms who miss the thrill of being called a “voracious reader.” We see you and we hear you.
If you’re looking to recapture the thrill of devouring your school’s summer reading list, look no further than KCtoday’s adult-friendly version. With recommendations from local indie bookstores across the metro, we’ve got everything from saucy romance to riveting autobiographies.
Pro tip: Want to remember these on your next bookstore run? Bookmark this guide to keep tabs on KCtoday’s ever-growing Summer Reading List.
The third book in this local author’s “Black Tie Billionaires” trilogy comes out Thursday, June 20 — but don’t worry, “it can be read as a standalone.” Grab a copy from Under the Cover, included with a release party ticket, and bring it next door to El Torreon for a night of book signing + fangirling.
Interested in autobiographies? Try “Show Me Justice” by self-educated Kansas City civil rights lawyer Alvin Lee Sykes. “When he died in 2021, his obituary said that Sykes ‘changed the face of American law, and he learned it all in a Kansas City library.’”
Illustrated by Kansas City’s own Charlie Mylie, “Treehouse Town” is a “rhyming story about a town where children and animals live together atop the trees. And the illustrations will blow you away! Perfect for ages 3-6.”
This Latin historical fantasy novel is set in Kansas City during its infamous Prohibition era. “It tackles some serious issues in a way that doesn’t feel heavy and ends up really being a fun and satisfying read.”
Have any recommendations of your own (or just want to brag that you finished)? Drop us a line and we’ll be sure to check it out.
Badass Women+ Entrepreneurs | Tuesday, June 11 | 8-11 a.m. | Second Cup Cat Cafe, 417 N. Rawhide, Ste. F, Olathe, KS | Free | Join the entrepreneurs of BAW+ to exchange ideas and build connections over a cup of joe.
Golf Gals Happy Hour | Tuesday, June 11 | 6 p.m. | Golf Ranch, 1501 US 40, Lee’s Summit, MO | $25 | Whether you have never swung a golf club or you’ve been playing forever, sip drinks + put put with your new gal pals.
Donny Osmond | Tuesday, June 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Kauffman Center, KCMO | $141 | The icon himself presents this 90-minute spectacle full of timeless hits like his Disney classic “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You.”
Wednesday, June 12
Sip + Glaze | Wednesday, June 12 | 8:30-9:30 p.m. | The Big Rip Brewing Company, 216 E. 9th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | $50-$65 | Paint pottery while enjoying pints in a laid-back atmosphere.
Thursday, June 13
Rummage Sale | Thursday, June 13-Friday, June 14 | Times vary | Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS | Free entry | All proceeds directly benefit women, children, and families in need right here in Kansas City.
Friday, June 14
Boulevardia | Friday, June 14-Saturday, June 15 | 4-11 p.m. | Crown Center, KCMO | $45-$1,100 | Enjoy the unique beer, food, and music at this giant bash.
In the latest installment of the Stadium Saga... The Royals are officially considering a Kansas address for their new home. The announcement comes just before the Kansas legislature’s Tuesday, June 18 special session, where it will discuss both STAR bond + tax cut packages for the Chiefs and Royals. (FOX4)
Travel
Southwest Airlines has added 42 new flights for NFL fans, including a few for any Red Kingdom faithful traveling to Chiefs away games. KC is adding flights to Baltimore, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Buffalo. Make sure to check your foam fingers at the gate. (FOX4)
Open
Coffee by day, cocktails by night. OP’s Entity Lounge is finally pouring at its CityPlace location (11216 Switzer Rd.). Stop by the new spot daily from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for a full cafe menu, and sample its craft drinks from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Johnson County Post)
Development
Walking on sunshine. The City of Overland Park and KDOT are partnering to connect a gap in the Indian Creek Bike/Hike Trail. The new addition will stretch a one-mile loop from Corporate Woods under 69 Highway to Valleybrooke Park near Quivira Road + Interstate 435. Construction will begin in 2026. (Johnson County Post)
Announced
Bye-bye Bo Lings on the Plaza. The staple Chinese spot is under new management and will soon be renamed Heritage-Asian American Fusion. “Elevated” dishes will accompany many Bo Lings faves on the menu. The change will not affect other metro Bo Lings. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
You’ve heard him on NPR, now you can see him IRL. Iconic radio personality Ari Shapiro is speaking about his new book, “The Best Strangers in the World” at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch on Thursday, June 13. The next round of tickets will go live today at 10 a.m.
History
Need something to tide you over until our next KCtoday history lesson? Check out Kansas City Magazine’s “40 Moments that Shaped Kansas City” for a fun fact timeline spanning three centuries in the metro.
Closed
Tex-Mex chain Chuy’s has closed its Plaza location, the last in the metro. After its initial introduction to the KC market in 2013, the “big as yo’ face” burritos spot open and shuttered two other locations in Olathe and Overland Park. (Kansas City Star)
Wellness
Looking for a game-changing night of sleep? Fall asleep + wake up rested with Cornbread Hemp’s CBD Sleep Gummies. Get 30% off a $55 minimum purchase with code CBDSLEEP30.*
Finance
Expert tip: During economic times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. By simply transferring your existing credit card balances to this card, you’ll give yourself 18 months to pay it off — without interest. (Bonus: Earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases while you’re at it.)*
Shop
Find a diamond in the dust
Hunt for hidden treasure at these five local antique stops
This scene is making my budget sweat. | Photo via Slater St. Antiques
After bemoaning our once-a-month opportunity at West Bottoms warehouses, local antiquers asked KCtoday to find spots to shop the oldies during normal weekday hours. And we did just that.
Slater St. Antiques | 5905 Slater St., Merriam, KS | Daily 12-5 p.m. | History-lovers try not to drool when you step in this 1920s home-turned-vintage-store.
Boomerang | 3900 Pennsylvania Ave., KCMO | Tues-Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | It’s City Editor Maddie’s favorite stop for vintage clothing of all kinds, especially for accessories and outerwear.
The Green Door Antiques | 2507 Jefferson St., KCMO | Wed-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Online shoppers rejoice — you can browse its inventory from the comfort of your couch and call in your order anytime.
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