Patiently Waiting: Good Travel Books

Book Buzz is a blog produced in collaboration with neighborhood librarians from Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library and the Bellaire Library.

Recent air travel brought to mind the absolute necessity of having something to read during times of waiting. I had brought along a couple of paperback books and the time spent waiting to board the aircraft and the flight seemed like moments instead of hours.

Other places of waiting that need a book includes doctor visits, dentist offices, DMV, car repair, license plates, jury duty and the many other situations where you do not mind the wait as much when you are caught up in a good book. A good author with richly developed characters and a story line that keeps you turning pages in anticipation can help make those waits bearable.

Most of the books I have for waiting times are of the mystery/adventure genre or characters that find themselves in situations that brings a smile to the face, or even a chuckle (belly laughs can be disruptive in waiting areas). These are not intellectually challenging books, just intriguing enough to forgive the wait and still able to hear instructions.

Characters created by well-known authors that can be read in any order make them perfect for a quick grab when waiting is necessary.

The character of choice for this plane trip was Jack Reacher, created by Lee Child. Reacher is a former major in the US Army military police and roams the United States taking odd jobs, investigating suspicious situations that come across his path. He is a loner with some quirks and triumphs over the bad guys.

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple is another favorite. Jane Marple is an elderly spinster who lives in the village of St. Mary Mead and acts as an amateur detective through observation and knowledge of human nature. She is a sweet lady who catches killers.

Two characters by John Sandford will always make a long wait bearable, Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. The stories are based in Minnesota with Lucas beginning his career as maverick detective, with stints as an investigator, special troubleshooter and a US Marshal. Virgil Flowers, a supporting character in the Davenport books, has developed into a popular protagonist with his own series.

Finally, Stephanie Plum, created by Janet Evanovich, will bring the smiles from the situations the not-so-great bounty hunter finds herself caught in. A little romance adds to the fun.