5 Indispensible Books to Read on an Airplane

5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyby Douglas Adams
A funny, thought-provoking, and conversationally-written sci-fi comedy (sci-fomedy?) book that's twice as entertaining as most films, Hitchhiker's will guide you easily through any lengthy aerial commute and make certani you don't forget your towel.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stoneby J.K. Rowling
Fun and light, particularly when contrasted to later entries in the series, your plane ride may give you just the opportunity you need to rediscover the first entry in the unprecedentedly popular Potter series. You'll catch a lot of foreshadowing you'll likely have missed on the first read-- for example, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, who doesn't become materially relevant until Order of the Phoenix, is mentioned in passing in Philosopher's Stone.

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This meandering tale is enlivened by the narration of its sarcastic and impetuous protagonist, Holden Caulfield, whose personality helped the book become the literary icon it is today. If you haven't yet read Catcher, be sure to use your next plane ride to rectify that.

2. The Philosophy of Andy Warholby Andy Warhol
A collection of wry, weird, and random thoughts from can artist Andy Warhol, ranging from his thoughts on purchasing underwear to his experiences with superstars like Edie Sedgewick to his technique of using perfume to improve memory. If you're not turned off by Warhol's oddball persona, give it a read-- it won't fail to entertain.

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
The perfect travel book-- extremely short (a novella, almost), and, though exceptionally easy to read, deeply engrossing. Animal Farm tells the story of a coalition of farm animals who overthrow the tyrannical and incompetent farmer who has made their lives a misery for so long, establishing a farm run by animals, for animals, with fairness for all. Soon, however, the leadership of Animal Farm begins to behave just as unethically as its predecessor. Worth a read and a re-read. Four legs good! Two legs bad!