So this was the challenge proposed by New York Times columnist Stanley Fish, “You’re at the mystery section of an airport bookstore and the loudspeaker has just announced that your flight is in the late stages of boarding. You have maybe three or four minutes to make a choice. How do you go about deciding?” Here’s his advice:

• NEVER read the back cover (It’s all advertising flack).
• IGNORE the blurbs, especially if it was written by a favorite author. (They probably haven’t read it and are most likely only doing their publisher a favor.)
• DO open up the book and read the first couple of sentences. (You want good forward leading first sentences that grab you and propel you through the story.)

Better yet, bring three or four friend recommended books with you. Then you can skip the airport bookstore all together and go grab some food for the flight instead. Happy travels.