TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us build the ultimate Airport Novels book list to carry you through your next flight.

What makes a perfect book to snag in the airport bookstore? In this fun episode, TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us create the perfect book list to get you through delayed flights, endless terminals, and jet-lagged landings with an unputdownable book.

This conversation marks the final installment in the All-Star Book Influencer Series, which has brought together incredible voices in the literary community. I hope you have enjoyed these conversations with our guests, including podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers, who brought fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

As a TikTok creator turned sociological book commentator, Josh offers fresh takes on what we read, and why we pick certain books up in unexpected places—like airport bookstores!

In our fun conversation, we discuss:

• Inside the TellTheBeees TikTok Account: Josh shares how TellTheBeees came to life, what it means to cover pop culture through a sociological lens, and how he spots trends quickly enough to keep TikTok buzzing.
• Defining the Airport Novel: Together, we unpack what makes a book "airport friendly," whether that's a punchy plot, instant engagement, or that oh-so-rare "I-can't-put-this-down" quality.
• The Changing Reputation of Airport Picks:  Gone are the days of dull formula fiction. Josh argues that the airport rack is now a place for surprising, thoughtful, and truly compelling reads. Snag his list of best recommendations for your next flight from today's bestsellers!

 

Meet Josh Lora

Josh Lora, known online as TellTheBees, is a TikTok creator and cultural critic who explores the intersection of books, sociology, and media. His videos dissect everything from reality TV trends to bookish themes through a thoughtful, sociological lens. He’s built a vibrant audience by pairing sharp cultural observations with book recommendations that feel both fun and deeply insightful.

Mentioned in this episode:

Download Today's Show Transcript

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Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Fleishman Is in Trouble

The Age of Adeline

Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley

Woman of the Hour by Claire Polders

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Triangle of Sadness

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Maid by Nita Prose

Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

The Group by Mary McCarthy

Saints For All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

Liars by Sarah Manguso

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Self Care by Leigh Stein

Severance by Ling Ma

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio 

Books About Alternative Realities or Parallel Lives You Will Love

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe 

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

Heft by Liz Moore

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Real Americans by Rachel Khong 

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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