Def will not be reading for that entire time, but I'd at least like to burn a few hours of that time with a book. Preferably something that is super engaging while also being somewhat light, because I will likely be tired and a little anxious, lol. Bonus points if the setting is in Italy or involves an adventure on a Vespa.
Mostly looking for fiction, but non-fiction and any other genres are perfectly fine too! I will read anything.
Tysm!!
by Real_Ganache6597
24 Comments
Hey hey; when i read on flights, i generally pick up feel goods and light-ish reads, so id suggest any Frederick Backman novel, probably Anxious people if i had to recommend one. Also read “remarkably bright creatures” on a flight!
Vroom with a View by Peter Moore is literally this
Let’s do Italian writers. Italo Calvino “iif on a winter’s night a Traveller…, Lampedusa – The Leopard, Umberto Eco – The Name of the Rose
Light reading: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Less light (but excellent) reading: My Brilliant Friend and it’s follow-up books by Elena Ferrante.
Catch 22
Nothing makes the time fly, like a story so vivid and engaging that you forgot you are in the real world because your mind is locked in this fictional world. A couple reads I feel qualify for that description:
Ender’s Game
Ready Player One
Bad Luck and Trouble (Jack Reacher)
And one bonus one: Four Feathers. Though a little slow to start, this is a classic story about a coward who redeems his own life. Very moving and engaging especially at the end.
Safe flight and happy reading!
You’ll be culturally prepped if you read Dante’s _Inferno_.
Still life by Winman starts and ends in Italy. It’s lovely with fantastic characters.
Rosetta Stone
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. There is a reason they are called “airport novels.” This is long, fun, engaging and poorly written (but that’s not terrible when I am on a plane and not fully engaged as a reader). And it partially takes place in Italy.
Why not a comedy? I’m recommending $it my dad says.
Anthony Bourdain.
Tartufo by Kira Jane Burton. No Vespas but the most colorful cast of Italianos.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo – I read it on a plane in one sitting!
Abarat from Clive Barker. Kinda like Alice in Wonderland in his twisted way.
Bahaha, this is kind of in jest, but *Sky Daddy.* I seriously want to catch someone reading this on a plane.
More seriously, I agree with the suggestion of *One Italian Summer.*
Other ideas:
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack
Edit: Also, I love Lindsey Davis mysteries that take place in Ancient Rome – Flavia Albia and/or Marcus Didius Falco. I prefer Flavia most because she’s female, but the Marcus books are also excellent. You in no way need to read one to enjoy the other and can read them out of order if you don’t want to read a series/totally fine to just pick any that strike your fancy.
If you want something utterly nuts, that’s kind of Italian you might go with Joe Abercrombie’s *The Devils*.
*The Spirit Ring* by Lois McMaster Bujold is also Italian-flavored fantasy, as is Paolo Bacigalupi’s *Naviola*.
If you like history, try R. A. Scotti’s *Basilica: The Splendor and the Scandal: Building Saint Peter’s*.
Team of Rivals, about Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet.
Dungeon Crawler Carl (consider downloading the audiobook too it’s fantastic & about 13 hours long)
I’ve never taken an international flight, but when I travel, I try to read something by Anne Tyler. The writing is straightforward and solid. The characters and their situations are relatable, and her observations are excellent.
The Housemaid
Scythes series? ig
4 Past Midnight by Stephen King is 4 novellas that are high quality reads. The first one is all about what might happen on a plane…
Lonesome Dove
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a novel partially set in Italy. It’s literary fiction with a satirical viewpoint and a strong romantic thread. I think it would be good for travel. Not too long, accessible but substantial.