Shocker! Readers seeking greater escapes.

(From Jerusalem Post)

Byline: Gur Salomon

For the "People of the Book," summer reading can be an escape. From the scorching heat. From streets haunted by emptiness. From suicide bombers. And from the whole garrison mentality that has taken over.

So, what are Hebrew-reading Israelis reading?

Halper's on Allenby Street in Tel Aviv has been selling mostly escapist literature, sci fi, new age, as well as recent best sellers.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Daniel, manager and part-owner of Dani Books on Jerusalem's Jaffa Street, reports a 50 percent plunge in sales since the beginning of 2002 in com- parison to the same time period last year. His local clientele, who mostly frequent the …