Best Books to Read on a Plane: Unmissable In-Flight Entertainment

Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl’ serves as a twisting tale of mystery that’s perfect for a high-altitude read. As you follow the complex disappearance of Amy Dunne, each page flips with a sense of urgency, mirroring the race against time her husband Nick faces. Suspense builds with each revelation, keeping you glued to your seat just as firmly as your seatbelt.

With ‘The Girl on the Train’, Paula Hawkins crafts a narrative steeped in suspense and psychological intrigue. The story’s rhythmic pulse, akin to the clacking of train wheels, keeps you gripped. As you piece together the blurry memories of the protagonist, Rachel, you’re bound for a destination that’s as unexpected as your final landing spot.

Junot Díaz’s ‘This Is How You Lose Her’ is a collection of brief, yet profound vignettes that delve deep into love, loss, and the human condition. Each story is a world in itself, offering bite-sized narratives that are as rich and satisfying as a full novel, ideal for those shorter flights or when you’re hopping between connections.

Dennis Johnson’s ‘Train Dreams’ is an elegantly compact saga that unfolds across the vast landscapes of the American West. In just a few sittings, you can traverse a lifetime of experiences alongside protagonist Robert Grainier, making every moment of your flight resonate with the poignant ebbs and flows of his life story.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ is a memoir that personifies self-discovery on the move. As you follow Elizabeth’s journey through Italy, India, and Bali, you’ll savor every experience alongside her. This book is not just about the places she visits; it’s also about the internal voyage that leads to personal clarity and transformation, much like the one you embark on with every flight.

Imagine yourself traversing the vast Sahara, seeking treasure and meaning alongside Santiago, the shepherd boy from “The Alchemist.” This enchanting novel by Paulo Coelho is more than just a fable; it’s a universal tale of pursuing one’s destiny. As you embark on your journey in the skies, let Santiago’s quest inspire you to contemplate your path and dreams. With each flip of the page, you’ll be reminded that life is an adventure, much like your travels, and the pursuit of your Personal Legend is well within reach.

As your plane soars above the clouds, dive into “The Beach” by Alex Garland and be transported to the idyllic shores of Thailand. This gripping novel follows the journey of Richard, a traveler who discovers a hidden paradise that’s not as utopian as it seems. The vivid descriptions and psychological twists present a darker side of backpacker culture, making it a compelling read that’s hard to put down, even when the seatbelt sign is on.

Take flight with “Shantaram,” a novel that leads you through the vibrant and chaotic streets of Bombay. Gregory David Roberts recounts the life of a fugitive turned expat, offering an epic narrative filled with love, crime, and redemption. As you journey through its pages, you’ll feel the heartbeat of India and its complex beauty. It’s a hefty tome, perfect for those long-haul flights where time becomes a traveler’s luxury.

Tara Westover’s “Educated” charts a journey from the rural mountains of Idaho to the hallowed halls of Cambridge University. This gripping memoir tells the story of a woman’s struggle for self-invention and learning amidst a survivalist upbringing. As the miles disappear beneath you, Tara’s unyielding quest for knowledge and understanding will remind you of the transformative power of education—and the resilience of the human spirit.

Paul Kalanithi’s “When Breath Becomes Air” offers a profound glimpse into the life of a neurosurgeon faced with terminal cancer. This touching memoir explores what makes life worth living in the face of death, blending the art of healing with the realities of human fragility. It’s an intimate meditation on mortality that will leave you contemplating your own life’s purpose as you gaze out the airplane window, suspended between earth and sky.

Yuval Noah Harari’s “Sapiens” takes you on a sweeping tour of human history, from the earliest hominids to the complex societies we navigate today. As you journey through the epochs, Harari’s accessible prose makes complex concepts easy to grasp, ensuring your flight is as enlightening as it is enjoyable. It’s the perfect read to broaden your mind and spark conversations with your seatmate.

In “Outliers,” Malcolm Gladwell challenges conventional wisdom about success, unraveling the stories of people who have achieved extraordinary things. By examining the factors that contribute to high levels of success, Gladwell invites you to consider how history, culture, and even luck play a role in shaping our lives. It’s a thought-provoking book that will make you look at the world, and your potential place within it, through a new lens.

Fredrik Backman’s “A Man Called Ove” introduces you to an irascible yet lovable curmudgeon whose life changes when new neighbors move in next door. As you explore Ove’s world, you’ll find humor and heart in his interactions with others, proving that connection and community can be found in the most unexpected places. This delightful tale is sure to keep your spirits high, even if there’s turbulence.

Join the precise and socially awkward genetics professor Don Tillman in “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion, as he embarks on an unconventional quest to find love. This romantic comedy with a twist is a refreshing take on the complexities of relationships and the unpredictability of love. With its charming narrative and quirky characters, this novel is a light-hearted companion that will make any flight feel too short.

“Becoming” is more than just a memoir; it’s an intimate reflection on the life of Michelle Obama, who shares her story with candor and warmth. As you cruise above the clouds, her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House is sure to inspire and empower you.

Jeannette Walls’ “The Glass Castle” is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl in the face of a chaotic upbringing. While your flight takes you to new heights, this story of resilience will keep you anchored in the belief that triumph is possible over any turbulence.

Embark on a journey through the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros with George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones.” This epic tale of power, betrayal, and intrigue is the perfect escape to make a long-haul flight pass in the blink of an eye.

Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” combines historical fiction, travel writing, and romance for a captivating read. As you traverse time zones, follow along with Claire’s time-traveling adventures and romance that spans centuries.

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt weaves a tapestry of loss, love, and art that’s as intricate as the masterpiece at the story’s center. Let this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel captivate you as the miles disappear beneath you.

Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi” is a survival story rich with spiritual undertones, set predominantly at sea. As you fly over oceans, join Pi in contemplating the vastness of life’s journey and the power of faith.

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a profound novel that explores the depths of human morality in the face of prejudice. As your airplane book, it invites you into the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, where Scout Finch and her father, Atticus, confront racism and injustice. This book’s powerful message will stay with you long after your plane has landed.

George Orwell’s “1984” offers a harrowing glimpse into a totalitarian future, where surveillance and thought control are the norms. It’s an airplane book that will make you ponder the value of freedom and privacy, themes that are ever-relevant in our modern society. As you traverse the skies, let this dystopian classic challenge your perceptions of power and resistance.

Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus” is a spellbinding adventure set within a magical, mysterious circus that appears without warning. Its rich, imaginative prose is the perfect escape from the hum of the airplane, inviting you into a game of illusion and love that is as unpredictable as the destinations you might be flying to.

Delia Owens’ “Where the Crawdads Sing” combines the intrigue of a murder mystery with a poignant coming-of-age narrative. As you venture towards your destination, this novel’s lush descriptions of the North Carolina marshlands and its gripping plot will keep you absorbed, making the hours of your flight pass almost unnoticed.