Long flight? Keep the best company with these books that'll have you hooked

When you’ve planned the dream vacation and you’re all set to walk the cobblestoned streets of Italy or sunbathe on the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean islands, it can seem like forever away. It’s especially tedious to keep yourself occupied on the long-haul flight there, particularly for those who struggle to nap or aren’t prone to pick the right stuff to binge-watch, courtesy of in-flight entertainment. 

There’s something special about reading on a flight—no distractions, just you and a story unfolding thousands of feet above the world. Whether you’re in the mood for an immersive historical drama, a gripping mystery, or a book that simply makes time disappear, the right read can turn a long flight into an escape too. Get set to be transported to enthralling worlds, thanks to these reads that should leave you on the edge of your seat, from takeoff to landing.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A tale of old Hollywood, ambition, forbidden love and so much more. This novel follows Evelyn Hugo, a legendary actor, as she finally reveals the secrets of her seven marriages. Filled with glamour, heartbreak, and unexpected twists, it’s impossible to put down. 

Page count: 391

Average read time: ~7 hours

The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

A 10/10 story through and through, this spellbinding retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi is one of the most fascinating narratives ever. The novel brings mythology to life with poetic prose, making it a perfect escape into a world of love, power, and destiny.

Page count: 384

Average read time: ~6.5 hours

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

This deeply insightful and unexpectedly humorous memoir should sit well with every kind of reader even if self-reflection isn’t typically your go-to genre. Offering a rare glimpse into the world of therapy—from both sides of the couch—in a way that's conversational yet insightful, it follows therapist Lori Gottlieb as she navigates her own personal crisis, leading her to seek therapy while helping her patients navigate their own struggles. With warmth, vulnerability, and sharp wit, Gottlieb explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves— engaging enough to keep you turning pages yet reflective enough to linger in your thoughts long after landing.

Page count: 432

Average read time: ~7.5 hours

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

This highly-acclaimed novel is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the world of video game design. The story follows two childhood friends as they create a gaming empire. Thought-provoking and deeply emotional, it’s a story that lingers long after you turn the last page.

Page count: 416

Average read time: 5 hours and 39 minutes

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

A sensational, razor-sharp satire that tackles racism, cultural appropriation, and the dark side of the publishing industry. Ruthless, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down, it’s exactly the kind of gripping read that makes time disappear on a long flight.

Page count: 336

Average read time: ~5.5 hours

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

If you’re a murder mystery buff, you’d know nobody does it like Agatha Christie. This story is no exception—ten strangers, a secluded island, and a masterful whodunit will keep you on edge, making it the ideal read for a flight where you want suspense that builds with every chapter.

Page count: 264

Average read time: ~4.5 hours

Circe by Madeline Miller

A reimagining of Greek mythology through the eyes of Circe, the sorceress from The Odyssey, this beautifully written novel delves into the story of her life. With stunning prose and a heroine who defies gods and men alike, this one is a feminist retelling that transports you to another era.

Page count: 400

Average read time: ~7 hours

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

With sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Jennette McCurdy details her tumultuous relationship with her mother, the dark realities of child stardom, and her journey toward healing. Balancing heartbreaking revelations with unexpected humour, the book is poignant, gripping, and impossible to put down.

Page count: 320

Average read time: ~5.5 hours

Lead image: iMDB

Also read: Vacation chemistry—why couples connect better when travelling together

Also read: Pack like a pro—luxe travel essentials for newlyweds