Best Commute Reads of 2017

As a frequent Metro and bus commuter, I always get really curious about what people are reading on their commute. I occasionally have the urge to applaud strangers on their book choices if I find them especially riveting, but I’m also a strong believer in public transportation etiquette so I refrain.

But for those who feel the same way as I do, fear not. Last year, the ATP team brought our top five commute reads. Now, we welcome you to our imaginary reading nook to share our favorite books of 2017.

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume (Historical Fiction)

The in-depth storytelling makes this Judy Blume book a great read as the book is focused on an actual event that took place in Elizabeth, NJ in the 1950's. Definitely read if you want to really see how much the airline industry has changed. Maybe pass it if you're already paranoid and afraid of flying. Definitely don't read it on a plane. – Maggie Awad

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (Autobiography)

Trevor Noah narrates his autobiography that details his life growing up during apartheid and after it ended as someone who was half white and half black, where his birth “violated any number of laws, statutes and regulations.” Highly recommend it as an Audiobook. – Sheila McGraw

The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis (Biographical, Social Science)

This book describes the creation of behavioral economics by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman. It describes the basic concepts of a normally dense subject in engaging terms by focusing on the lives of the two men who invented the school of thought. This book is a great introduction to the ideas behind our buying choices and throughout life. – Ross Matters

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Fiction)

1Q84 is a play on words on 1984, like the title of George Orwell's novel, but it's not exactly about a dystopic utopia. It deals with the characters slipping seamlessly into a parallel universe and their realization and struggle to get back to their original world. Each chapter switches between the two main characters' perspectives, and I really enjoyed Murakami's portrayals of them. It was definitely an interesting read; I’d recommend reading it on a Kindle. – Christy Lee

How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas Foster (Literary Criticism)

Yes, homework for your commute but stick with me. This is a very encouraging, down-to-earth breakdown of how to maneuver through literature and peek into the mind of an author. Whether you are an avid reader or are struggling through a book club novel, this is a great commute read. – Claudia Pors

Honorable Mentions

Deliverance by James Dickey (Fiction - or at least we hope)
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson (History, true crime)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (Fiction)
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Historical fiction)
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (Non-fiction)