Martin B. Deutsch created Frequent Flyer magazine in 1980 and was editor-in-chief and publisher for 15 years. He also wrote a column called "Up Front" for Frequent Flyer during those years. In a career that has spanned seven decades, he has published and edited dozens of other travel magazines, including Travel Management Daily and Travel Age. For many years, he also wrote columns for Argosy and Travel Agent magazines. After Joe Brancatelli created JoeSentMe.com in 2001, he called on Deutsch, his former boss at Frequent Flyer, to create its noncommercial format. He is based in New York.

DECEMBER 17: A SPY FOR CHRISTMAS
The recent death of "spymaster" John le Carré gave me a devious idea: Why not give a spy novel or two for the holidays?

NOVEMBER 12: THE SPY MASTER KEEPS RUNNING AND WRITING
He's 88, but John le Carré remains at the top of the game with his latest novel about spy life after the Cold War.

JULY 12: CANDLELIGHT SUPPERS IN THE SKY
The oft-told narrative of the Boeing 747 does not often include tales of what was one of the most tasteful promotions ever crafted in the jet era: Candlelight suppers on the upper deck of Pan Am's specially configured widebodies.

MAY 31: AMERICAN TALES: MORMONS AND THE WORKING CLASS
Inexplicably, book sales have been down during the pandemic. But if you're looking for new reading material, may I suggest 43 tales of the working class by Lucia Berlin and a fictional/factual tale of the Mormons by David Ebershoff?

APRIL 23: GHOST SHIPS, OLD SPIES, MANHUNTS AND MARCHES
It's okay to admit that you're running out of things to do at home. If you've already run through my 2020 reading list, may I suggest these compelling reads?

APRIL 9: JONATHAN FRANZEN'S FICTIONAL DYSFUNCTION
The prolific essayist Jonathan Franzen also has written three novels in the last 20 years and I've read them all. I can recommend his fictional efforts if you are looking for a new set of diversions while we wait for the world to reboot and business travel to resume.

APRIL 2: GOOD COMPANY WHILE WE WAIT
Looking for a good read while we wait for the world to return to what we might consider normal? The Company is a fine novel about the inner workings of the CIA--and reminds me of some personal travel history.

FEBRUARY 20: HISTORY, BUT FUNNY
Hate historical biographies because they're stuffy and dull? Sarah Vowell's bio of Lafayette crackles with humor.

JANUARY 16: MY FLIGHT DELAY READING LIST
Our flights will be delayed this year, so that's why I have already picked the ten books I'll read.