Whether an enthralling romance novel, a gripping thriller, or an insightful non-fiction read, the right book can transform your flight!
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the prospect of a long flight: the anticipation of a new destination, the gentle hum of the engines, and the luxurious stretch of uninterrupted hours ahead. For avid readers, this presents the perfect opportunity to dive into a captivating book.
That’s why we’ve scoured bookshelves high and low to curate the top 10 best books to read on your next long flight. So buckle in and get ready to explore literary worlds that will make your travel time truly fly.
The Best Fiction Books for a Long Flight:
While soaring the skies, experience an intergalactic adventure with Frank Herber’s masterpiece, Dune. Travel to the desert planet Arrakis, with its spice melange, political intrigue and thought-provoking themes as you follow Paul Atreides on a quest to reclaim the dessert world from the vile Harkonnens. Beyond adventure, the novel delves into power dynamics, religion, and human nature, making it a timeless classic in science fiction that has captivated audiences for several decades. All this intricate worldbuilding will make your next long flight the perfect chance to read through this engrossing adventure!
Image via Angus and Robertson website.Dune by Frank Hebert
The inspiration for one of the Most Suspenseful Thriller Movies of All Time, Gone Girl is the perfect way to spice up your next long flight. Writer Gillian Flynn crafts a high-tension tale filled with twists and turns that’ll have you second guessing every motive on every page. Flynn’s mastery in building suspense combined with complex characters and thought-provoking exploration of marriage, deception and the media make it a page-turner that can easily consume hours of uninterrupted reading. Get lost with the perfect flight companion, Gone Girl!
Image via Angus and Robertson website.Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Taylor Jenkins Reid spun an incredible story of romance in this perfect plan read. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows the enigmatic life of the titular Evelyn Hugo weaving a tale of love, ambition, and secrets spanning decades – keeping readers engrossed from take-off to landing. Reid’s skillful portrayal of complex relationships and the glamour of old Hollywood offers a compelling escape for travellers, promising to make any long flight fly by in a whirlwind of emotion and intrigue.
Image via Angus and Robertson website.The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What’s more perfect on a long flight than a gritty action thriller? Arguably the book that started author Lee Child’s career, Killing Floor. Introducing audiences to Jack Reacher, a tough, resourceful drifter with a knack for landing in trouble the novel’s blend of mystery, suspense, and gritty action ensures a thrilling reading experience sure to grab your undivided attention from the first page to the last. Child’s crisp, straightforward writing style and well-crafted plot twists keep the tension high and help time fly by as you soar through the skies!
Image via Angus and Robertson website.Killing Floor by Lee Child
From witty exploration of love, wealth, and cultural identity, Crazy Rich Asians is one of the best romance novels to read on a long flight. Written by Kevin Kwan, this is a vibrant portrayal of the opulent lives of Asia’s elite, combined with its heartfelt romance between Rachel Chu and Nick Young. The whimsical prose brings the lavish settings and dynamic characters to life, while also emphasizing themes of family and tradition. This combination of a compelling narrative and a visually stunning adaptation makes Crazy Rich Asians an essential read on your next flight!
Image via Angus and Robertson.Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The Best Non-Fiction Books for a Long Flight:
Image via Angus and Robertson website.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Its common for men to think that great success comes from equally great acts. Yet, in Atomic Habits, world-renowned habit expert James Clear has a much straight-forward way to succeed: habits. Using reams of academic research, Clear explores how real change often comes from the tiny acts we make everyday – two push-ups a day, waking up a few minutes earlier, holding a single short phone call – can snowball into something much greater. Described as atomic habits, this self-help book acts as a masterclass by offering a new revolutionary system that may change your life.
The Happiest Man on Earth is one of the best biographies to read on a long flight. Telling the deeply emotional and inspirating tale of Eddie Jaku, a Holocaust survivor, as he shares his extraordinary life story of resilience, hope, and the power of positivity even in the darkest times. His profound reflections on humanity and his uplifting message of finding happiness amidst adversity provide both emotional depth and thought-provoking content, making the hours in the air pass swiftly. Heartfelt and poignant storytelling will be sure to lift your spirits as you lift up into the skies!
Image via Angus and Robertson website.The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
You can never go wrong with a vivid true crime read on a plane. And nothing is more perfect than the classic that arguably started the entire sub-genre. In Cold Blood, Truman Capote meticulously reconstructs the 1959 murders of the Kansas-based Clutter family. This true crime story dives in the depths of esteemed literary fiction thanks to Capote’s detailed accounts of the investigation and trial, immersing readers in a gripping, real-life drama. Capote’s masterful storytelling and the chilling, atmospheric tension make it a page-turner that helps the hours in the air fly by.
Image via Angus and Robertson website.In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Image via Angus and Robertson website.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
A provocative title for a provocative life philosophy. Mark Mansons’ brutally honest self-help guide contends that yes, life really does suck. But rather than wading into the depressing waters of nihilism, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck will show you how this harsh truth shouldn’t stop us from positive thinking. Instead, this unique self-help book tells us that positivity can go hand-in-hand with the shittier parts of our lives, learning to accept that sometimes, we just have to carry on. A captivating mixture of academic diatribes and the occasional poop joke.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. Image via Angus and Robertson website
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
For those after a really long read on your next flight, there’s no better way to get lost than in the pages of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Written by philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, this modern non-fiction classic explores the 10,000-year history of Homo Sapiens and our profound impact on the planet: from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa to the present day, interweaving a powerful narrative about us and our understanding of what it means to be “human.” From our humble beginnings to our modern megacities, you’ll certainly gain a new experience of humanity reading this epic on your next oversea adventure.
If you’re after an audio book for your next flight, check out our recommendations for The Top 10 Best Audiobooks on Spotify. And for a taste of Australian excellence, flick through the Top 11 Australian Book Authors here.
