The road stretches on. The gas station coffee’s lukewarm. The scenery? Miles and miles of beige hills or green nothing. Enter the book — the one tucked between your snacks and your charger. The one that makes your heart race at red lights. The one that keeps you reading at rest stops longer than planned. Whether you’re navigating Route 66 or just staring out the window of a train barreling through misty fields, you need the right story riding shotgun. But which ones?
Here’s a list that skips the obvious and embraces the gripping, the haunting, the wild. These are the top 8 must-read trip books to carry with you. And no, we’re not talking about the books you should read. These are books to keep while traveling — the kind that snatch your brain and don’t let go.
1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
A circus that only opens after sunset. Two magicians entangled in a duel neither fully understands. And writing so vivid it’ll make you forget what state you’re driving through. “The Night Circus” has a pure atmosphere. You’ll smell the caramel popcorn, hear the rustle of black-and-white tents, and want to live inside this book. According to Goodreads, it boasts over 1 million ratings — a solid crowd favorite. For anyone craving mystery, romance, and just the right dose of magic, this is your ticket.
2. “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman
Weird, funny, poignant. Backman spins a tale of a failed bank robbery that turns into a hostage situation — but it’s really a story about people. Regular, neurotic, messy people. On a road trip, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world, zooming past lives at 70 mph. This book will anchor you back to humanity. Bonus: the short chapters make it ideal for those stop-and-start travel moments.
To avoid adding weight and bulk to your luggage, you should consider using a reading app. This way, you can access FictionMe directly from your smartphone. However, even the largest travel backpack would not be able to hold as many books as you can find on FictionMe without paying or having to deal with unnecessary complications.
3. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Forget what you saw on TV. The book is sharper, darker, and more addictive. Three women tangled in lies and motherhood and one murder that ties them all together. Moriarty excels at revealing characters layer by layer. And as your journey continues, so does the unraveling of secrets. Did you know 61% of road trippers prefer fiction that blends drama with suspense? This novel nails both.
4. “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts
Warning: this is a beast at 900+ pages. But if you’re in for a long-haul journey — think coast-to-coast or backpacking across countries — this is your literary fuel. Based on Roberts’ own life as an escaped convict finding redemption in the underworld of Bombay, “Shantaram” reads like fiction dipped in truth. It’s philosophical, violent, tender, and global. Not a light read, but an unforgettable one.
5. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
A quieter book. But not dull. Eleanor is strange — socially inept and totally isolated. Watching her slowly come alive is like watching a flower bloom in fast-forward. It’s the kind of book that makes you chuckle one page and choke up the next. For those solo trips, when you’re more reflective than talkative, this book might feel like a kindred spirit.
6. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple
Funny? Wildly. Heartfelt? Absolutely. Told through emails, documents, and notes, this is a madcap story of a missing mother and the daughter on her trail. Bernadette is quirky, brilliant, and constantly on the brink. If you need a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still hits emotional notes, this is your jam. It’s also set partly in Antarctica — a bonus escape while you’re trapped in traffic somewhere in Nevada.
7. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Part literary thriller, part gothic romance, part mystery — all set in post-war Barcelona. A young boy finds a forgotten book and begins unraveling a story of betrayal, love, and obsession. Zafón’s writing is cinematic, poetic, and rich. You’ll need a window seat and an uninterrupted afternoon for this one. It’s also one of Spain’s most beloved modern novels, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. A perfect companion for readers who like their fiction drenched in beauty and sadness.
8. “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian, this book rockets (literally) into space but never loses its heart. A lone astronaut, a dying sun, and a surprisingly hilarious narrative. It’s science fiction for people who don’t usually like science fiction. Fast-paced, clever, and touching. Ideal for road trips because it mirrors the isolation and the unexpected companionship you often find along the way. Fun fact: 78% of readers finish this book in less than five days, according to Audible stats. That’s saying something.
Bonus Tips for Your Road-Read Strategy
The main advice is to use digital platforms. You can find the Fictionme app directly on the Apple Store and listen to books. It is useful when the lighting does not allow reading or you just want to relax your eyes. Here are a couple more tips:
- Audiobooks are your friend. According to the Audio Publishers Association, audiobook listening has grown by 50% among travelers since 2020. Most of these titles are available in both print and audio.
- Avoid anything too heavy. Emotionally or physically. A 600-page Dostoevsky might sound noble, but your mood will thank you for choosing gripping over grueling.
- Match the vibe. Urban mystery for city drives. Magical realism for endless countryside. And something breezy if the road’s bumpy and your stomach queasy.
Final Turn of the Page
Books on a road trip aren’t just entertainment. They’re escape hatches. They’re bridges to other lives when yours is trapped between mile markers. They are the reason you sometimes forget to take the next exit — and that’s the sign of a book worth bringing. So don’t just pack snacks and playlists. Pack stories. Choose the best novels to read on the go. Let them ride with you.
And who knows? Maybe one day, someone’ll write a novel about a road trip — and you’ll be in it. Just make sure your character reads something good.