Top 5 Books to Read on the Plane

Flying by air is very stressful for everyone, even the seasoned traveler. But take a look at these five books that I think will help take away some of the tension and perhaps even have you forget where you are!

The first book I would recommend for a long-distance plane trip is "The Hobbit", by J.R.R. Tolkien. Now, I know what you're thinking - that's not "Lord of the Rings", it's the prequel that hasn't been filmed yet! But it's a great introduction to the world of Middle-Earth and light reading where you slide into the wonderful world Tolkien has created without having to keep too many storylines straight. A delightful romp through the world of elves, dwarfs and dragons and you'll be able to put it down and pick it back up without losing your place. Not to mention that you'll be ready for when the movie does come out!

Next, I'd suggest Frank Herbert's "Dune". Set on a desert planet, it details the start of a mystical war between Great Houses and the arrival of what some consider a Messiah, others just a lost heir to a dying family. The first of a series, it still stands out as one of the best science-fiction reads ever. Just make sure that you have plenty of water at hand, since I can guarantee that you'll be parched by the time you get near the end of the story! Don't worry too much about the sequels; the first is the best in the series!

With all the books out about demons and vampires, you're bound to find someone pressing the latest book on you as a great escape for your flight. Ignore them all and head for Julie Kenner's series, starting with "Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-hunting Soccer Mom" and continuing through to her newest release, "Demon Ex Machina". Think of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer all grown up and married, putting her demon-killing days behind her. But some jobs you can't walk away from so easily, and even though Kate Connor has remarried after the death of her first husband and is happily raising a teenager and a young child, she has to respond when her town becomes the target of demon attacks. You'll read this one, love it, and then scramble for the rest in the series. And who doesn't want to read about demons when you're 50,000 feet in the air!

For the mystery-lover, I highly recommend any books in the Millers Kill series, written by Julia Spencer-Fleming. The first book, "In A Bleak Midwinter", introduces us to the new Episcopal priest, Clair Fergusson, as she arrives to take up her position in the church and finds her self embroiled in a mystery involved an abandoned child, a murdered mother, and the married police chief Russ Van Alystyne who doesn't know how to deal with a female priest. The first in the series, this will grab your attention and make you long to be driving up to Millers Kill while your plane soars through the air.

And last, but not least in my listing of books that you should take on a long plane flight, is the newest Patricia Briggs book, "Hunting Ground". A sequel to the book "Alpha and Omega", she introduces new characters in the world many recognize from her other acclaimed series, the Mercy Thompson series. If you like werewolves and want to see something different, go visit her world. Anna is an Omega wolf; a rare creature that brings harmony and peace to the aggressive world of the werewolves. Her new-found mate, Charles, is an enforcer who sometimes has to kill to maintain the peace. How they solve a mystery and work on their growing relationship is a delightful read and an excellent way to distract yourself from that crying baby behind you.

Flying doesn't have to be a stressful experience; in fact it can be a great time to tuck yourself between the pages of a good book and spend some quality time with some great characters. Why not grab some of the titles I've mentioned here next time you have to fly and make that trip even more magical?