A SPECIAL REPORT: SUMMER READING

Poolside Books

Summertime, and the readin’ is easy. Suspense is hot at Dutton’s Books in North Hollywood. John Grisham’s “The Runaway Jury” has slowed, but Patricia Cornwell’s “Cause of Death” is moving well, as are books by both Jonathan and Faye Kellerman (she grew up in Sherman Oaks). Popular nonfiction works include “Outrage,” Vincent Bugliosi’s indignant analysis of the O. J. Simpson trial, and “Unlimited Access,” Gary Aldrich’s controversial take on the Clinton White House. “Our No. 1 bestseller is still ‘Snow Falling on Cedars’ in paper,” co-owner Dave Dutton said. . . . That’s David Guterson’s moody tale of racism and murder in Washington state.

Books on Tape

Kim Handler, who manages Barnes & Noble in Northridge, loves books with covers and those on tape. “Listening to a book on tape is like having a play in your car,” she said. . . . Wilbur Smith’s “The River God,” about a slave in ancient Egypt, brightened a recent jaunt.

Books for Kids

Adults think in terms of a book to read on the beach or plane, and “in a very real sense, that’s true for children, too,” said Darlene Daniel, owner of Pages, a Tarzana bookstore for young readers. The big summer book for kids? The new film “Harriet the Spy” has sparked sales of Louise Fitzhugh’s modern classic. Parents remember it fondly, Daniel said, and even boys like its spunky heroine.