Summer arts preview: Top 5 book picks

Summertime is a great excuse to bury your nose in a new book. It’s refreshing to cool down in the hot weather, sit in the shade and read, read, read. In August, you can revel in the printed word another way by attending The San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books at Liberty Station.

“Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man”

Just after midnight on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis is struck by Japanese torpedoes. The ship sinks rapidly, quickly killing 300 men. Nearly 900 make it into the Philippine Sea alive. After five nights and four days, only 317 survive. Some of these men spend years fighting to clear the name of their captain who was court-martialed. The authors, both San Diego residents, researched this harrowing saga and final outcome. Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic. July 10. simonandschuster.com. 544 pages. $28.

“At Least Know This: Essential Science to Enhance Your Life”

San Diego resident Guy P. Harrison doesn’t pull any punches in his new book, “At Least Know This: Essential Science to Enhance Your Life.” He nimbly tackles subjects like who we are, where we come from, how our brain works and the nature of the universe. He provides remedies and answers to the questions why we make poor judgments, poison and deplete the oceans and cling to cultural biases. Guy P. Harrison. July 10. prometheusbooks.com. 416 pages. $19.

“Girls Night Out”

When three friends vacation together to resolve their differences, one of them goes missing. Natalie and Lauren have to piece the puzzle together to unravel Ashley’s mysterious disappearance in this suspenseful novel. What kind of dangerous secrets get revealed? Co-authors Steinke and Fenton, who live in San Diego, have been friends for 30 years. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke. July 24. Lake Union Publishing. 369 pages. $14.95.

Benjamin Gorman

When Benjamin Gorman attended Horton Elementary School in San Diego, his English teacher inspired him. Gorman’s book, “The Digital Storm: A Science Fiction Reimagining of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest,” is set in the near future inside a bank’s intranet. He will be speaking and signing his book. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2. Mysterious Galaxy, 5943 Balboa Ave, Suite 100, San Diego. Free. (858) 268-4747. mystgalaxy.com.

The San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books

The San Diego Union-Tribune is again partnering with KPBS for the second annual Festival of Books. Over 100 authors are expected. Just like last year’s successful event, there will be interactive panel discussions and book signings. A dedicated children’s area and exhibitor booths will add to the fun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25. Liberty Station, Multiple Venues, Pt. Loma. Free event admission, parking. sdfestivalofbooks.com

Davidson is a freelance writer.