Everett book lovers recommend hot reads for summer

Reading has always been a hot thing to do in the summer.

Now, it seems, it has become sexy hot with the Hot Dudes Reading sensation on Instagram and other social media, which shows photos of guys in New York City reading books on subways and park benches and leaning against walls. It even resulted in real book called “Hot Dudes Reading” that has lots of pictures of guys reading, plus clever captions and hashtags.

OK, we’re a long way from New York City. No matter.

Everybody looks hot with a book in their hands.

Here’s a rundown of what people in The Herald newsroom are reading and some good reads from the cool cats at Everett Public Library.

What librarians are reading

Kate Larsen, assistant director, head of adult services: On my Kindle “Full-rip 9.0: The Next Big Earthquake in the Pacific Northwest,” by Sandi Doughton. “Full Rip” (2013) predates the July 2015 New Yorker article (“The Really Big One”) that had seemingly everyone in the Pacific Northwest at full attention last year. The book explains the PNW’s geologic history (and why it was largely misunderstood until recently), the science behind the current prediction for the biggest earthquake the world has ever seen, and that an earthquake is likely to happen right here in our back yard. It’s a frightening but necessary read for those who hope to be prepared for, or at least have an understanding of, what’s coming.

Listening on 3M Cloud Library: “The English Spy,” by Daniel Silva. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and like most audiobook listeners, I am pretty picky about narration. So far this Silva book “reads” a lot like a Jason Bourne movie and is full of intrigue — enough to keep me going while I’m doing chores inside the house or outside in the yard.

On paper: “Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex,” by Mary Roach. Roach was the Library’s 2016 Ways to Read author. She’s written several engaging and funny books on topics such as the digestive system and what happens to corpses in the U.S. “Bonk” is just one of those that I’ve been meaning to read for a while. Tip: always read the footnotes!

Leslie Minor, librarian: “Under the Wide and Starry Sky.” This fictionalized account of the relationship of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his spunky, older American wife, Fanny, is beautifully written and meticulously researched. This novel met all of my criteria for good historical fiction: believable characters, atmospheric setting, and it leaves you wanting to know even more about the people, places and events. Besides, the boat that they adventured in is right here on the waterfront in Everett. I highly recommend “Under the Wide and Starry Sky.”

I am currently in love with “The Eighty-Dollar Champion” by Elizabeth Letts. This is the fantastic story of Snowman, a horse saved from the slaughterhouse by a young Dutch farmer named Harry. Together, Harry and Snowman went on to become America’s show-jumping champions, winning first prize in Madison Square Garden. Set in the mid- to late-1950s, this book captures the can-do spirit of a Cold War immigrant who believed — and triumphed. If you liked “Seabiscuit,” this one is for you.

Julie Sisson, library page: “The War That Saved My Life,” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a Newberry Honor Book about a girl and her little brother who are evacuated to the country in WWII. It is a great read if you are a fan of “Call the Midwife,” “Land Girls” and other period dramas. I picked it up on a whim and read over half the book in one sitting.

Margo June, circulation: My summer vacation started with lots of activity; the celebration of our son’s wedding and my husband’s 60th birthday. When it came to enjoying the down time I realized I’d left my book at home. It was imperative I get something to read — I was beginning to have withdrawals! Thank goodness for independent bookstores, where I picked up a Louise Penny mystery “Still Life” and Elizabeth Berg’s “The Art of Mending” novel. I love light easy upbeat reading during the summer, something I can pick up and get lost in. At Evergreen Branch I have the pleasure of facilitating Southside Book Club. We are reading “Small Blessings” by Martha Woodroof.

Eileen Simmons, director: I just finished Cathleen Schine’s “The Love Letter.” I read it because I had read a review of her most recent book, “They May Not Mean To, But They Do,” but when I went to check it out, someone had gotten there first. So I looked at what else she’s written and picked “The Love Letter.” It’s a quintessential beach read — middle-aged divorced bookstore owner receives an anonymous love letter and much drama ensues in a small New England town. There’s love, there are literary allusions, and yes, a beach. And it’s a pretty quick read.

I also just listened to William Boyd’s “Restless.” I read it because I had finished reading his 2015 novel, “Sweet Caress: The Many Lives of Amory Clay,” which made me remember how much I enjoyed his writing. So I downloaded the audio version of “Restless,” the story of a daughter who learns the totally unexpected truth of her mother’s life during World War II. I seem to be reading a lot of WWII novels right now, and not on purpose. First “The Nightingale,” then “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Sweet Caress,” etc.

Jennifer Fulk, library page: Although I’m only halfway through this gigantic book (600-plus pages!), it’s fantastic. It’s by Pat Harris and it’s called “New Hope Chronicles Book One: Dragon Flame.” It’s self-published by my friend, and although it has not been reviewed by a library review (which means it’s too late for libraries to order it and have it on their shelves), I recommend it for lovers of sci-fi and fantasy. I would say it’s a cross-between Star Trek and Eragon. Quite unlike anything I’ve ever read. The book is available on Amazon.

What people at The Herald are reading

Noah Haglund, reporter: I just finished “HHhH” by Laurent Binet. Why? Because it’s about killing Nazis in occupied Czechoslovakia. On deck I have: “The Keeper of Lost Causes” by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Why? Because I’ve been a trendy consumer of Scandinavian crime fiction — so-called Nordic noir — for years.

Greg Ruthruff, layout programmer: Well, I’m more of an old dude than a hot dude but I just got the latest Stephen King book, “End of Watch,” which is part of a trilogy. I’ve always enjoyed his books and have acquired and read most of them. Might re-read the first two books first to reacquaint myself with the story.

Franklin Leon-Guerrero, customer service rep: “Ubik” by Philip K. Dick. I’ve found that reading about a bleak dystopian future pairs strangely well with a lazy afternoon under the sun. Bitter and sweet (like a pomelo?).

Slight sidenote: I’m also going to start hunting down “Pinball” and “Hear the Wind Sing” by Haruki Murakami. I had read “A Wild Sheep Chase” a couple years back, not realizing it was the third in a trilogy. Something about his writing reminds me of Tom Robbins, but way more subtle on the metaphors.

Eve Clarke, multimedia sales: “Mindfulness for Beginners” by Tony Smith. Because I’m tired of being anxious and stressed.

Christina Okeson, copyeditor/page designer: I recently finished “Eleanor &Park,” by Rainbow Rowell. One of the best books I have ever read. Ever. I spent the final 30 pages struggling to finish because I was bawling so hard. It was that good.

Ben Watanabe, social media news producer: I’m reading “A Wonder Book For Boys and Girls,” Greek myths retold by Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1910; because I’m a sucker for vintage books and enjoy reimagining classic tales. Also, “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, because race issues are alive and well today, and this young writer formerly of The Atlantic is one of the best, brightest and most poignant voices on race in America. He is also authoring the current run of Marvel Comics’ “Black Panther,” and it’s fantastic.

Chris Winters, reporter:

“Olive Kitteridge” is the 2008 Pulitzer-winning short story collection by Elizabeth Strout, which I’m reading because 1. It’s good, and 2. I was specifically looking for fiction featuring older women protagonists that were not mysteries, and this rose to the top of the list.

“Justinian’s Flea: The First Great Plague and the End of the Roman Empire,” by William Rosen, a nonfiction social history about the first bubonic plague epidemic in Europe. I’m reading it as research for a personal project of mine, but also enjoying it for covering one of my favorite times and places in history: 6th Century Constantinople during the reign of emperor Justinian and empress Theodora.

Linda Peterson, payroll manager: I just read “Gray Mountain” by John Grisham. Really good. It’s about litigation on the coal fields and the damage it all does to the environment and the people. It is a real eye-opener. Although it is fiction, most of it seems likely and suspenseful.

Margi Hartnett, creative artist: I’m not a hot dude or dame by any means, but just started reading a book about some Gold Rush hotties, “Good Times Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush.” Why? While visiting Skagway, Alaska, I learned some Gold Rush history while aboard the White Pass &Yukon train. I got to see part of the Klondike trail and there was a small mention of the prostitutes who helped build the area — some becoming quite wealthy, opening businesses or others marrying into influence — and it sounded like they found more gold than the prospectors. My curiosity was piqued.

Jennifer Nolan, multimedia sales: I always read two books at a time, one hard copy and one on my Nook. Hard copy right now is “Tender at the Bone” which my daughter gave me for Christmas. I’m reading it because my Italian family life was built around food. And on my Nook my head is spinning through “Dark Money,” which I’m reading because I’m a political junkie and every once in a while I like for my head to explode.

Melissa Slager, reporter: I’m reading “The Goldfinch” for my book club. It was my turn to pick. I presented two other options as well: “The Brothers K” (but withdrew that one because some bookclubbers couldn’t even finish “The Thorn Birds” last go-round and this one’s even meatier) and a short-story collection, “The Shell Collector,” by Anthony Doerr (since his “All the Light We Cannot See,” which was amazing, is too hard to get in libraries right now). (Reporter) Diana Hefley had lent me “All the Light.” When I loved that, I recommended “The Goldfinch,” which had been on my to-read list for awhile.

Jennifer Bardsley, blogger, columnist: I’m reading “Nerve” by local author Jeanne Ryan before the movie hits theaters July 27.

Bryce Bardsley, 11, (Jennifer’s son): I’m constantly re-re-re-reading the “Big Nate” series by Lincoln Peirce so I can memorize it.”

Andrea Brown, reporter: I’ve been wanting to read “A Rose on the Steel Ground” by Everett resident Julie Loan Ky Alexander, about her life in Vietnam, ever since I talked to her for a story about her book. Next on my list is Herald columnist Jennifer Bardsley’s book “Genesis Girl.”

Jessi Loerch, editor: To my daughter, I’m reading the new, illustrated edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” We both love the illustrations. I love that this version of the book hasn’t edited out the British-isms like other versions. (Jacket potato for baked potato amused us both.) I just finished up Alex Honnold’s “Along on the Wall.” Honnold is an amazing climber who often climbs huge routes without ropes. To him, it’s no big deal, but just reading his stories made my palms sweat. I just finished listening to the fourth book in the “Natural History of Dragons” series by Marie Brennan. I love this series. The main character annoyed me at first, but she grows and changes a lot.