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Original poster

Ok so I am on a plane for 27 hours - what shall I read?

39 replies

flagging · 06/05/2011 15:52

I need a few really unputdownable/page turning books that easy to read (no Kafka please) but not crap fiction either. Last time I did a huge flight I read Angela's Ashes and before that Twilight! Any suggestions as I spent ages in Waterstones yesterday and didn't buy a thing. Grin

OP posts:
Pounamu · 15/05/2011 22:35

Ah yes Touching the Void. My DH and I have both read that one, except he read it on the Tube while commuting to work. Picture smartly dressed suited man sitting on the Tube holding a book with one hand, while other hand is clasped over his face in disbelief and horror at what Joe Simpson went through. Fantastic reading though...

I will also second (third, fourth, whatever) The Book Thief, another great read

Ruthie32 · 16/05/2011 15:16

Flagging and Pounamu - if you liked Touching the Void I would read any about the disaster on Everest in 1996. They'll make you cry but are gripping. I liked Boukreev's the best but there are many

pirateparty · 16/05/2011 15:23

Haven't finished it yet but if you like an epic 800 pager The Crimson Petal and the White is good so far...

Also Wolf Hall for another good, long book....

typsical · 16/05/2011 19:22

Anything by Lesley Pearse! I love her work. Favourites are 'Trust Me' and 'Hope'. But they are all fab! I think you should make room for one more in your luggage! :)

Original poster
flagging · 16/05/2011 21:56

Have just ordered The Climb. Read reviews of Book Thief but I don't like Holocaust literature (Primo Levi finished me off) so not sure it is for me.

OP posts:
PieMistress · 28/05/2011 13:04

If you like Touching the Void try Andy Kirkpatrick's Psychovertical.

Would also recommend Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

VivaLeBeaver · 28/05/2011 15:20

Joe Simpsons other books are fab - This Game of Ghosts been my favourite. Its like reading about my youth of climbing in the Peak District, hanging round Sheffield, going out to the Alps. Love it.

VivaLeBeaver · 28/05/2011 15:22

Just thought - White Spider by Herinich Harrer. If you liked Touching The Void then you'd like this one.

allegrageller · 28/05/2011 15:31

I suggest Sophie Hannah's books. Intelligent, readable, gripping.

BlackSwan · 28/05/2011 20:41

Try reading the side of a packet of Valium for 5-10 mins then sleep for the rest of the journey. Be sure to ask someone to check you're still breathing before everyone disembarks.

UltimateTurkey · 28/05/2011 20:44

Try Shantaram - one of the best books I have ever read and it kept me engrossed on a long haul

Mellowfruitfulness · 28/05/2011 20:48

Wild Swans by Jung Chang helped me through pre-eclampsia - effectively took my mind off it. It's an autobiographical account of three generations of women in China, before and during the Cultural Revolution.

WorzselMummage · 28/05/2011 20:53

He last book I read and really enjoyed was Ken Folletts Pillars of The Earth.

Ruthie32 · 28/05/2011 23:10

Flagging - would love to know how you get on with The Climb

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