Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Certain books seem to ask to be read in certain places – like those easy-to-digest books that go with sun, surf and sand. But what makes a book a good read on a long-haul flight? We would suggest:
1. It should have nothing to do with planes flying or crashing or making so-called ‘water landings’.
2. It should be short enough (or long enough) to be read in its entirety during the flight.
3. It should have some relevance (if you’re heading off on vacation) to the place you’re about to visit.
4. It should not demand much in the way of concentration (flying over-taxes the body, so why over-tax the mind, too).
5. It should be swappable (print edition) or lendable (if on an e-reader) with a traveling companion. If not, then consider changing your traveling companion rather than the book.
Agree or disagree? Other criteria? Any suggestions as to titles? (To read more about the books we traveled with on a recent trip to southern Africa visit us on www.facebook.com/starksmurcutt)

Impromptu Scribe - a riveting fictional short story collection. Perfect for any intercontinental long-haul flight. Easy to dip in and out of between all those rather unsavoury aircraft meals. Good to lose yourself in so you can block out the intermittent sounds of your snoring neighbour and the whining kids across the aisle. Ideal for those moments of short attention span when your miniature bottle of claret starts to make you feel a touch drowsy. Just the job when you feel obliged to stop reading in a hurry as the cabin lights dip and your ultra bright spotlight starts to attract the unwelcome attention of nearby passengers eager to get some much needed shut-eye. Don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.

Alex's post is too funny. I read Ann Veronica last year on a plane ride going from Houston to South Korea. It's set in England so it had no relevance to my destination but it can definitely be read in its entirety on the ride! I loved the book so much that it's now one of my favorites. Would recommend to those traveling to England : )