While December holidays often mean lounging in the sunshine or exploring a new city, for many South African travellers, it also provides the perfect time to catch up on some reading. According to a recent online poll conducted by Flight Centre South Africa, 41% of respondents mentioned they read at least one to two hours a day during their holiday or ‘every chance they get’. It’s clear a page-turner is a must for a memorable getaway.
The data further unveiled travellers’ reading preferences. Romance was the most popular genre, securing 38% of the vote, followed by murder mysteries at 30%, biographies at 20%, and science fiction at 12%. As for the preferred reading spots, 43% preferred reading during their flight, 27% found solace at the beach, 22% utilised their waiting time at the airport, and 8% loved nothing more than peacefully reading in the tranquillity of the bush.
Flight Centre South Africa has a special treat in store if you enjoy a good book while on holiday. According to Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa, “In July, Flight Centre SA announced the launch of its Frequent Flightie loyalty programme, offering exclusive rewards and discounts that enhance both our customers’ leisure and business trips. One of our Frequent Flightie partners is Estoril Books. That means, by simply booking with Flight Centre SA, travellers can enjoy up to 20% off their holiday read!”
So, which book is a worthy carry-on this year? Here are the top 10 picks, courtesy of Flight Centre SA’s bookworm travellers:
- The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea – Crime Thriller: This nail-biting thriller revolves around the disappearance of two girls from a beach party. While one returns two weeks later, carrying the weight of memories she can’t recall, the whereabouts and fate of the other remains a disturbing mystery. Donlea masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, past traumas, and the lengths we go to uncover the truth.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.20/5
- Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson – Biography: Get an in-depth look at the visionary yet controversial entrepreneur Elon Musk. Isaacson, who shadowed Musk for two years, delves into Musk’s journey from his early days in South Africa to his ambitious ventures into space travel with SpaceX, electric cars with Tesla, and beyond. This biography offers unparalleled insights into the challenges and triumphs of one of the 21st century’s most audacious business magnates.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.47/5
- Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao – Science Fiction/Fantasy: Iron Widow is set in the nation of Huaxia, a futuristic reinterpretation of Medieval China. It’s a world where men pilot giant mechas and female co-pilots serve as concubines and sacrifice their lives for the fight. The book’s heroine, Zetian (a reimagining of the Chinese Empress Wu Zetian), decides to change the narrative. Challenging the deep-seated patriarchal norms of her world, she rises in power, leading a revolt and redefining her destiny.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.10/5
- The Girl in the Eagle’s Talons by Karin Smirnoff – Thriller: Well-known protagonist Lisbeth Salander returns in this title, set in a Swedish village called Gasskas, spilling over with shadows of the past. Lisbeth has been named guardian of her teenage niece, Svala, a gifted girl who’s in danger. The story follows a tumultuous landscape of local politics, dark secrets, and complex family relationships. With every twist and turn, Smirnoff reveals layers of a society holding onto its traditions amid modern challenges.
GOODREADS RATING: 3.43/5
- The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel – Historical Fiction: The second book in Auel’s Earth’s Children series, The Valley of Horses, explores prehistoric Europe through the eyes of Ayla, now a courageous young woman. With remarkable attention to detail, Auel paints a vivid picture of ancient cultures, survival tactics, and the indomitable human spirit, capturing the heartaches and triumphs of our earliest ancestors.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.02/5
- Mess by Dudu Busani-Dube – Romance: Homegrown South African author Dudu Busani-Dube has made waves with The Hlomu series, which was also transformed into a popular TV show, available for streaming on Showmax. Mess is the series’ fifth book and is known to be the most emotional of them all. It spotlights Lahliwe and Mqoqi as they try to salvage their relationship. It revolves around themes of family, love, and mental health – a tear-jerker you won’t be able to put down.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.25/5
- Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell – Crime Fiction: Join Dr Kay Scarpetta, a seasoned forensic pathologist and chief medical examiner, once again as she confronts a series of baffling cases in Virginia. From a grotesquely displayed body by railroad tracks to a mysterious catastrophe in a space lab, Scarpetta’s quest for the truth draws her into a vortex of crimes that edge too close to home. Prepare for some heart-pounding twists.
GOODREADS RATING: 3.84/5
- Double Indemnity by James M. Cain – Crime Fiction: Step into a world where love, greed, and betrayal intertwine. Insurance salesman Walter Huff is lured into a sinister plot by the enchanting Phyllis Nirdlinger. As their plans escalate, Cain delves deep into the psychology of obsession, offering a masterclass in suspense and roman noir storytelling. This is a true classic for any reader who enjoys a great crime thriller guaranteed to keep them up at night.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.06/5
- The Embroidered Book by Kate Heartfield – Historical Fantasy: Witness the enthralling lives of the Habsburg sisters, Charlotte and Antoine, as they navigate 18th-century European courts. Amidst treacherous politics and sweeping societal changes, they secretly wield a powerful book of spells. While the spells are powerful, each one requires a sacrifice.
GOODREADS RATING: 3.70/5
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel – Young Adult Fantasy: Adventure awaits with Matt Cruse, a cabin boy, aboard the majestic airship Aurora. In a world where the skies are as vast and mysterious as the oceans, Matt encounters ethereal creatures, sky pirates, and hidden.
- treasures. Oppel crafts a fantastical tale of wonder, danger, and the timeless quest for discovery.
GOODREADS RATING: 4.18/5
As the year winds down and holiday plans are set in motion, ensure your reading list is as exciting as your travel itinerary. Whether you’re relaxing poolside while on safari or waiting for your flight, there’s a book on this list that’s sure to stimulate your imagination and complement your holiday experience. Happy reading and travelling!
FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$4.4 billion and a current share price of AU$19.70 as of November 2023. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.