Great Books for Single Commuting Women

For a single woman stuck on a train or bus for hours each day, commuting to and from work, the most terrifying thing is often not the fear of being mugged or assaulted, but that of making eye contact with the creepy stranger in front of you; being forced to make polite small talk is not something you relish. The greatest way to avoid eye contact and enjoyably pass the time away is with a great book - but not too great - you don't want to be so engrossed that you miss your stop!

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Where to begin? Firstly, aim for lighter weight paperbacks which are not too heavy to hold and easy to fit inside your handbag or briefcase, struggling for elbow room to hold a massive tome is not recommended on a busy vehicle. Also, you'll probably prefer not to be sobbing hysterically in public, so leave the weepies for bedtime reading at home.

These are a few of my favourite picks for the single commuting woman:

BRIDGET JONES' DIARY by Helen Fielding

The ultimate single woman's book told humorously and simplistically by a true 'singleton'. Easy reading and light hearted. Beware though, the many laugh out loud moments which could turn a few heads in wonder on a crowded train.

The sequel "Bridget Jones:Age of Reason" is also worth a look.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA by Lauren Weisberger

A wonderfully entertaining novel about a college graduate's hellish new job as personal assistant to a powerful (and power hungry) fashion magazine editor. A great light read.

"BONES" series by Kathy Reichs

With 10 books to date in the "Bones" series (which have now been adapted to a TV series), these tales of Dr Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist, will keep you turning pages and reaching for the next installment. Start with "Deja Dead" and work through the series to the most recent "Bones to Ashes".

THE DAVINCI CODE by Dan Brown

If you're not one of the 60 million people who have already read and enjoyed this book, it is an absolute must read. If you have then try Brown's other titles "Angels and Demons", "Digital Fortress" and "Deception Point". All a great read but not recommended for those who only commute a short way each day - too in depth and hard to put down for installments of less than half an hour.

THE "KAY SCARPETTA" BOOKS by Patricia Cornwell

With 15 titles to date, this best selling series of crime novels starring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, will be a welcome distraction for your trip. The detailed descriptions of post mortem examinations are not for the weak-stomached but do provide engrossing reading. The series starts with "Postmortem" with the latest release being "Book of the Dead".

"IN DEATH" series by Nora Roberts writing as JD Robb

An easy read, these books are part cop / murder fiction, part romance and part futuristic. Follow the life, the crimes and the romance of homicide cop Eve Dallas in this fantastic series.

Finally, BIOGRAPHIES and AUTOBIOGRAPHIES are a great way to while those commuting hours away. Choose those of your favourite public figures, current or historical.

Whatever you choose, relax and enjoy the ride home and above all - AVOID EYE CONTACT!