Reading Bypasses the Standard In-Flight Entertainment

Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to pass the time, so naturally when I am looking for in-flight entertainment I grab a good book or two. Whether they are novels for travel or a great non-fiction, I find that reading on the plane not only helps to shorten my time in the air but also provides some of the most incredible adventures.

In Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" you will meet Eddie, an 83 year old carnival worker who dies while at work. After his death Eddie finds out he is to meet five people before he can get to heaven. Each was from his life and each holds a key to the meaning of his life. It was a quick and easy read and at only 198 pages can be read in just a couple hours.

"The Bridges of Madison County" by Robert James Waller is an exceptional love story that tells of a middle aged farm wife, Francesca Johnson, who falls for a traveling nature photographer, Robert Kincaid. Their love grows deep and both are forever changed by the circumstances surrounding their affair. A quick read but it is a must for any romantic.

Stephen King has always been a favorite so I have to include "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon". In this short and semi-sweet tale, King tells of a young girl, Trisha McFarland, who is separated from her mom and older brother while on a hike. Trisha is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and in particular relief pitcher Tom Gordon. As night settles, she finds solace only in her love of Tom Gordon and he is the one who saves her from her terrible nightmare.

In "Lucky", Alice Seabold shares her personal story of a violent rape and the after math of events that followed. Because it was almost impossible to put down, "Lucky" is an excellent choice for reading on the plane. Regardless of your gender or age, Alice's story is one that will continue with you even after you managed to put it down.

My final recommendation is a book of short stories collected by Marty Becker called "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul - Stories about Pets as Healers, Teachers, Heroes, and Friends". A perfect choice for anyone who loves animals with light and quick to read tales of pets who have touched the lives of their owners.