Something to Read on the Plane: A bit of Light Literature, Short Stories & Other Fun Stuff

by Jan Hurst-Nicholson

And for your in-flight entertainment – A Bit of Light Literature, Short Stories & Other Fun StuffA light-hearted variety of humorous articles, short stories ranging from hypochondria to murder, plus a quiz, agony aunt column, limericks and a collection of malapropisms (this muesli must be old. It’s got weasels in it) to keep you amused and divert you from the tedium of flying. A great book to keep with you whilst travelling, and a perfect gift (suitable for both men and women) for someone who is going on a trip.REVIEWS"Should be compulsory reading to keep incorrigible chatterers quiet" - Frequent Flyer."Could also be used to ram down their throats" - Flight Attendant."The stories about me are hugely exaggerated" - Author's Spouse."Shredded drafts of this book line my litter tray. Royalties from this book will go towards proper deodorized litter and reduce complaints about the smell" - Family Cat"What a relief that will be" - Family Dog.

Genres: Humor

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2014

About the author

Jan Hurst-Nicholson has been writing for about 25 years. Her articles, humorous articles and short stories have appeared in South African and overseas magazines and these were compiled into a book: ‘Something to Read on the Plane’ a bit of light literature, short stories & other fun stuff.

Her first children’s book was ‘Leon Chameleon PI and the case of the missing canary eggs’ published by Gecko Books, and was one of Bookchat’s 1993 South African Books of the Year. This was followed by ‘Leon Chameleon PI and the case of the kidnapped mouse’ (both now available as e-books on Amazon) ‘Leon Chameleon PI and the case of the bottled bat’ is awaiting publication. These are humorous, animal, detective stories set in a nature reserve.
‘Bheki and the Magic Light,’ which tells of a rural child’s fascination with a torch, was published by Penguin SA.
‘Jake,’ was published by Cambridge University Press.
The Race (an inspirational story for LEFT-HANDERS)is now avilable as an e-book

Born in the UK, Jan emigrated from Liverpool to South Africa in the 1970s. Her experiences moving to a new continent were the inspiration for her humorous novel ‘But Can You Drink The Water?’ which was a semi-finalist (top 50 out of 5000) in the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
This is now available on Amazon as a Kindle digital book and has sold over 15 000 copies.

Jan worked in the R&D department of a large bakery for several years, and this gave her the idea for ‘The Breadwinners,’ a family saga spanning 50 years and set in Durban. This is now available on Amazon as a Kindle digital book.

Jan has also written a YA novel, Mystery at Ocean Drive, which was a runner-up in the 2010 Citizen/Pan MacMillan YA novel award, and is now available as a Kindle digital book.

Jan's latest novel is "With the Headmaster's Approval" a contemporary story set in the UK,

Jan has also written a non-fiction book. PUBLIC SPEAKING - Banish the Butterflies. A must-read for anyone involved with public speaking.

Jan’s writing also appears in ‘Edge Words’ (20 stories from the Cheshire Prize for Literature 2006) published by University of Chester, ‘Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul’ and ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul 101 best stories On Being a Parent,’ and ‘Summer Shorts’.

Reviews

[Karl Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a new genre of book that is growing in popularity, and that is – for want of a better word – the blog-style genre. Short, humorous anecdotes from raconteurs such as Jan Hurst-Nicholson.

Okay, so we started on clay tablets, moving onto papyrus and later wax tablets and parchment, but over the last 200 years when books began to pour off European printing presses adventure fiction has been the most popular genre. Nowadays, however, there are countless categories an author can slot her / his book into.

More recently, however, authors are viewing the world around them, taking note of the comedy and penning their thoughts in droll, entertaining or whimsical style. And this is just what Hurst-Nicholson has done here.

I have absolutely no hesitation is awarding this 5 Stars. Not only is this a book you can take on the plane, but you’ll also happily carry it into the doctor’s or dentist waiting room, on the bus on your way to work, or even while sitting in a coffee shop with a few precious moments to spare. I assure you, your time won’t be wasted.

I cannot say how much I approve of this new category of book. Brilliant!

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Read on the Plane by Jan Hurst-Nicholson is hilarious, intriguing, and fun! Hurst-Nicholson fills the pages with short stories, a murder mystery, and even a quiz that’s sure to make time fly by for both travelers and non. This one’s well-written and just fun so grab it if you’re looking for a quick read!

[VLynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book free in a giveaway, and I am so thrilled. But, I hope Jan Hurst-Nicholson does not mind, but for my house we need to change the title of this book to "Something to read in the bathroom". We do not travel, and so I put this book in the bathroom and I have to say this book is very entertaining. It's so entertaining I have found myself outside my bathroom door doing the "potty dance" banging on the bathroom telling my husband to "hurry up!". He comes out laughing and says its all my fault. He was caught up in the book and found himself too interested to leave the darn bathroom. So, in summary. The book is greatly entertaining. But make sure you have more than one bathroom if you decide to put in the bathroom! : )

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something to Read on the Plane is quite literally, something to read on the plane... and I did just that (well, technically I read it in the airport waiting for a plane, but the timing was pretty awesome). This is basically a collection of short stories on various topics that didn't necessarily mesh together, but they were all pretty short, easy to read and captivating enough to be able to read them, without interruptions, on the plane. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for something light to read while traveling.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!! It is the perfect size - can fit into any handbag or even pocket! And the stories are just delightful....just what is needed to ease some airplane tension!! This would be a great stocking stuffer for anyone who travels!!! You don't even need to be a traveler to enjoy this--it's a pick-me-up for anyone!!

[Shelley Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting read, just love all the characters. Perfect for those short spells.

[Nikki Litkowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

With its short stories and fun activities this book is great for any type of travel. It was amusing and made the 8-hour car ride pass by in a flash!

[Lil Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick funny read to entertain on a 6 hour flight.

[Shelagh Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

A good mixture. Of quick snippets for all tastes when wanting something to read and not get too upset if your side tracked by someone wanting to move seat

[T. Bilderback · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny

I gave this collection of humor five stars. I started chuckling from the first page, and laughed my way through the rest of the vignettes. The ant battle is hilarious! Highly recommended!

[Mickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a mildly amusing little volume, but not worth the $13 I paid Amazon for it.

[Layla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my humour and I wasn't able to finish it. However senses of humour vary and it may tickle someone else.

[Bonnie Rock Jewell · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF!? This book dosn't even deserve a star. What did I just spend the last hour reading about? The author of this book owes me my money back.

[Scott Thrift · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just my emergency Droid book. It was fine.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quirky book of very short stories which are humorous and, on occasion, moving. I didn't read it on the plane or in the bathroom but it would work well in either location.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced myself to finish this one.

Um. No thank you.

[Hal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short review --- not funny!