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How to pass the time on long haul flights is a conundrum that tens of thousands of people have to contend with every single day. The feelings of boredom, claustrophobia, or even anticipation of reaching one’s destination, can become quite overwhelming if a distraction is not found to pass the time on a long flight.

When considering how to pass the time on a long-haul flight, two important factors have to be taken into account. The method of passing the time must be sufficient to take up one’s attention and provide the longed-for distraction but it is also imperative that one consider the comfort of other passengers on the flight. This means that such as noisy, hand-held game devices are an absolute non-starter.

I am a bookworm. It’s a name I’ve had (amongst many!) since school as I forever had my nose stuck in a good book. I haven’t changed much since then, although I don’t read as much as I used to. I do love the power of words and the escapism that it provides and I’m forever asking people/reading reviews and generally seeking out the next best books which will take me away from my little life for five minutes or so.

What books are best to read on long flights?

It’s only right that I contribute my thoughts and hope that some of you may agree with my choices or find my choices interesting enough to add these to your favourite books.

The New York Times Bestseller list of the great books honours and documents those books that are the most popular reads at any given time. The following selection of novels is just a small example of the wonderful books that have made it to the prestigious list—and they are perfect for enjoying on a long flight.

The Godfather By Mario Puzo Is One Of The Best Travel Books

Written by Mario Puzo and published in 1969, The Godfather tells the story of an Italian Mafia family, the Corleones, over a decade. Headed by Don Vito, the Corleones engage in a mob war with the other mafia families in the New York area. This perfect book focuses mainly on Vito’s son, Michael, as he struggles against his ultimate destiny to become the head of the family.

Three films and a video game were adapted from the book; the first film won so many awards that the book became a classic in its own right while still being relevant to contemporary audiences. The book presents lessons about the importance of honor and how close family ties can affect one’s life. The Godfather will most likely appeal to readers interested in the mafia world and the far-reaching implications of the mob’s relationships with various other people not in the “family.”

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone By J.K. Rowling Is A Great Read And An International Bestseller

Originally published in 1997 under the title of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in London, J.K. Rowling’s immensely popular book was renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for a 1998 release in the United States.

The first book in in the Harry Potter series is about a young wizard and the magical world that he inhabits, this best-selling novel and modern classic broke records and led to a successful film franchise and related merchandise and for good reason.

Although this book is written for young adults, older audiences have embraced it as well. Rowling’s endless imagination and witty writing make this book so special. Harry Potter’s world makes for some fascinating lessons about social stratification and culture.

Bag Of Bones By Stephen King Is A Fascinating Read

One of Stephen King’s greatest contemporary novels, Bag of Bones not only appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it also won the British Fantasy Award in 1999. Published in 1998, Bag of Bones is a classic ghost story, focusing on a widower’s struggle to come to terms with the sudden death of his beloved wife.

Many characters from other King novels are mentioned in this book, so his fans will not be disappointed by Bag of Bones. The novel touches on issues of racism and parenting, so it is still a socially relevant story.

Drowning Ruth By Christina Schwarz Is The Perfect Read For A Long Plane Ride

A beautifully written novel by Christina Schwarz, Drowning Ruth shows how the power of a dark family secret can impact the lives of several people in complicated and tragic ways.

Released in 2000, the book was also selected for a spot on Oprah’s Book List. Set in the early 1900s, Drowning Ruth tells the story of a series of sad circumstances that befall a pair of sisters. The book is an easy read, but the thematic elements may be disturbing for some people. It would probably be best for those interested in reading a nuanced mystery.

Journey Through Heartsongs By Mattie J. Stepanek For Those Long Airplane Flights

One of the most touching books I’ve ever read, Journey Through Heartsongs is a collection of poetry written by the late Mattie J. Stepanek. At the tender age of 3, Stepanek, who suffered from a form of muscular dystrophy, began writing poetry. Before his death at the age of 14, Stepanek published several other books and became a powerful motivational speaker. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to read inspirational poetry.

The Lovely Bones By Alice Sebold For A Quick Read

Alice Sebold’s powerful novel, published in 2002, is narrated by a teenage girl after she is murdered. From her Heaven, she watches her family back on Earth as they grow older and learns to find closure with her unexpected death.

The Lovely Bones is so well-written that it’s difficult to put the book down. Both heartbreaking and touching, this novel makes a point about protecting our children and never taking our loved ones for granted. The story of Susie Salmon is difficult to forget, a fact that is made obvious in the recent film adaptation of the book.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull By Richard Bach Has One Of The Most Memorable Characters

This fable was written by Richard Bach in 1970, and the book stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 38 weeks. At first glance, this novel might seem to be a simple, easy read, but the commentary it makes about society and the pressure to conform is rather interesting. It tells the story of Jonathan, a seagull who is so disillusioned with the limitations of his banal existence that he goes on a search for something more in life. There are so many lessons in this book, from freedom and individuality to respect and forgiveness.

Looking For Mr. Goodbar By Judith Rossner

Loosely based on a true story about the brutal murder of a young woman and a schoolteacher, Looking for Mr. Goodbar was written by Judith Rossner in 1975. The main character, Theresa Dunn, spirals downward into despair by picking up strangers in bars.

The last man she goes home with ends up killing her, bringing about an end to a sad life. Looking for Mr. Goodbar would be enjoyed by readers who like fictionalized true crime stories. Contemporary audiences will still find this good airplane books relevant because women continue to face similar dangers. The novel was adapted into a controversial film starring Diane Keaton in 1977.

September By Rosamunde Pilcher Is Great For Short-Haul Flights

Published in 1990 by British novelist Rosamunde Pilcher, September follows a family and their friends as they work together to move past various happenings in their shared history. An unforgettable cast of characters gives this book a special quality, and it will likely appeal to readers who enjoy sweeping and romantic novels.

Although September was written as a companion book to another Pilcher novel, The Shell Seekers, both can be read as separate, stand-alone books. It was later retold in a mini-series in 1996, and the movie is just as good as the book.

The Kitchen God’s Wife By Amy Tan Is A Beautifully Written Book

Following the overwhelming success of her first novel, The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan wrote The Kitchen God’s Wife in 1992. An interesting story about the tense relationship between a Chinese-American woman and her mother, The Kitchen God’s Wife shows the difficulties of dealing with biculturalism.

Like Tan’s other works, The Kitchen God’s Wife deals with Chinese women struggling to find their identities in America. The book is a moving and satisfying read. Anyone who likes stories about mother-daughter relationships will probably enjoy this novel.

Other Book That You Should Consider

Agatha Christie

Often referred to as the Queen of Crime, wrote numerous bestselling mystery and crime novels throughout her prolific career. She is the best-selling novelist of all time.

• Murder on the Orient Express: One of Christie’s most famous novels for travel lovers, it follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates a murder that occurs on the luxurious Orient Express train.
• And Then There Were None: This suspenseful and cleverly plotted novel for crime lovers brings together ten strangers on a secluded island, where they are systematically killed off one by one. It is widely considered one of Christie’s finest works.
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd: Regarded as a groundbreaking novel in detective fiction, it features Hercule Poirot investigating the murder of a wealthy industrialist in a small English village.

Paulo Coelho

A renowned Brazilian author known for his inspirational and philosophical works.

• The Alchemist: Coelho’s most famous work, it tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to find his personal legend. Filled with symbolism and spiritual insights, it has become a modern classic.
• Brida: This novel follows the journey and the entire life of Brida, a young Irish girl who sets out on a quest for self-discovery and spiritual awakening, exploring themes of love, magic, and mysticism.
• Veronika Decides to Die: The book revolves around Veronika, a young woman who, after a failed suicide attempt, finds herself in a mental institution. It explores themes of mental health, identity, and the meaning of life.

Jane Austen

Widely regarded as one of the most celebrated and influential authors in English literature. Her novels are known for their wit, social commentary, and exploration of romantic relationships.

• Pride and Prejudice: This iconic novel follows the good story of spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates social expectations, family dynamics, and her evolving relationship with the proud Mr. Darcy.
• Sense and Sensibility: The story revolves around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they face the challenges of love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in 19th-century England. It’s worth reading it.
• Emma: The main character, Emma Woodhouse, is a young woman with a penchant for matchmaking. The novel explores the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and the consequences of meddling in others’ lives.

Final Thoughts

One of the most common ways to pass the time on a long flight is to read a book or a magazine. In this respect, it is best to have plenty of reading material available and enough books – especially if one happens to be a fast reader – as finishing the book or magazine with perhaps two or more hours of the flight to go could be frustrating. Many airlines, though, do have in-flight magazines available and some of the features can be quite entertaining.

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