Airport paperback exclusives - still a thing?

[Hobbes8]

I had a couple of lean years before covid struck and therefore haven’t been on a proper sunny pool n cocktails holiday in about 5 years. I’m flying out of Gatwick next week and (even though I have a zillion unread kindle books and bought a couple of paperbacks in Waterstones yesterday) I was wondering if they still have exclusive airport books that aren’t out in paperback yet. That was definitely a thing the last time I did this!

I was specifically thinking of Rachel Again (don’t judge me! I just finished the relentlessly depressing American Dirt and I need something funny and soothing) but I’m open to recommendations.

What’s on everyone else’s holiday list? I bought How to Kill Your Family and The Man Who Died Twice (I was v late to the Thursday murder club but really enjoyed it) and I bought a few 99p kindle specials the other day (Eileen, the Idiot, Everything I know about love). I’ve had Still Life on audible but to be honest I think it’s overrated - what’s with the fucking Shakespeare quoting parrot?

I'm rambling now - I’m a bit overexcited about a week’s worth of reading, punctuated by food n booze. I’m even looking forward to the 6 hour flight.

Me too!
To answer your question about airport-only releases, I don't think so any more.

I was going to ask for book recommendations.
It sounds like you have similar taste to me.

Do you want to swap recommendations?

Ooh OK! I really enjoyed Sorrow and Bliss on audible recently and noticed it was 99p on kindle the other day. I bought How to Kill Your Family in Waterstones the other day - looking forward to pulling that out of my bag in front of my in-laws. I tackled Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen earlier this year - it was a bit of a tome but I did enjoy it. I also liked Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers and I’ve got another couple of her books on my kindle plus a couple of Anne Tyler books.

Ive just had a flick through and I’ve got tonnes of unread Kindle books. I’m sure I’ll buy more at the airport anyway!

How long are you going for? And do you read super quickly?

Only a week and not particularly. It’s just possible I’ve overdone it… There’s always room for more books though, right?

Yes they are still a thing! I bought first born by will dean in paperback at the airport last month, and a Sharon Bolton one.