We can feel it in the air everyone. It smells like crowded airplanes mixed with the familiar smell of disinfectant and body odour. More commonly known as a crowded airplane.
Travel might start again and we cannot hold it back in anymore. No more complaining about long immigration queues or lost luggage, I think most of us just want to cross a border and dust off our passports once again.
However, with long-haul flights or budget airlines providing next to no inflight entertainment, what can you do on your 18-hour or even 45-minute trip to pass the time. We recommend reading because we never do it enough and we all know it is good for you.
Here are our top 6 best books to read when travelling.
Everyday A$$holes by Dean Blake
Friend of the publication, Dean Blake has published his eagerly awaited book of illustrations ‘Everyday A$$holes’. This is inspired by our favourite everyday a$$holes, this first collection of over 160 irreverent sketches by Dean Blake contain some of his earliest (and most popular) online works.
Meet Helen, who literally has an asshole for a boyfriend. And Mr Nigel, who was unfortunately cursed with a generic pedo face. And let’s not forget Carla, who annoyingly forgot to spit in her husband’s coffee again.
To buy his book online, visit his website.
READ MORE: Author Dean Blake shares his favourite haunts in Brisbane for writing inspiration
A Life Intertwined by Leslie Danker
This latest memoir by Raffles Hotel’s Resident Historian, Leslie Danker, marks the hotel’s 133rd birthday. The aptly-named memoir recounts the rich history and heritage of the iconic property through Danker’s collection of mementoes and trivia, as well as interesting anecdotes from his 48-year career at the hotel.
We were luck enough to grab a copy recently and if you love history or have a passion for Singapore, this is definitely a must-read.
You can grab a copy online here.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
I rarely read the New York Times Bestsellers (it is a scam you’ll), but I’ll give this one a rare pass, because it is good. We also seem to include quite a few books with swear words in the title for this article on the best books to read when travelling.
Written by popular blogger Mark Manson this is an honest guide to understanding yourself and being completely comfortable with your shortcomings. Hence, the title including the ‘not giving a f*ck’ part. The book is both funny and also quite educational if you do struggle with trying to fit into the stereotypical nature of what society deems to be normal.
This is perfect for a long flight or for both the legs of a short getaway.
You can grab a copy pretty easily on Amazon.
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain
I truly miss Anthony Bourdain and his natural wit. YouTube videos aside, probably the best way to get your regular fix of his personality. He actually spent a lot of his time travelling to some of the world’s most fascinating places.
‘World Travel: An Irreverent Guide’ is a good collection of Bourdain’s journeys, and even includes essays written by his friends and family. This gives fresh perspectives of his journeys and a completely new way to experience his fascinating life from the pages of a book.
You can buy his book on Amazon as usual.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Right, so I am the biggest Terry Pratchett fan and strong believe the entire Discworld series needs to be immortalised in the literary hall of fame. I have read and reread his books at least three to four times per book, so I am pretty familiar with them all.
Not only does this book and all his books belong in the list for best books to read when travelling, it should also be in the best books to read category as well.
Good Omens is one of the books outside of the Discworld series and is a co-authored by another legend Neil Gaiman. If you only know about the book through the successful TV series, shame on you – go read the book and the rest of his novels.
The story follows the modern day coming of the Anti-Christ shepherded along by a demon and angel – resulting in a hilarious and riveting story that perfectly melds the biblical into modern times.
Buy the book on Amazon now.
Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
There is something about Murakami’s writing that allows me to get lost even when I am sitting still. From his adept understanding of emotion to his ability to tug at your heart strings in the most random ways.
His dabbling in the mystical is on display again as his 2017 book Killing Commendatore is another Murakami classic that forces you to experience the same sorrow and emotional turmoil as his characters. I personally read his books in short spurts, but it is definitely a must-read, so why not take it on your trip.
Follow the journey of a young painter who’s wife leaves him and he isolates himself in response. From there the story melds into the emotional and mystical journey we all come to know and love when it comes to Murakami books.
You can buy the book on Amazon here.
Do you have any favourites you would like to recommend for us to read? We love all genres and are open to suggestions and recommendations that we can add onto this list or future lists.
