Former airline captain Sully Sullenberger was hailed as a hero in 2009 when he safely executed an emergency water landing of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in New York City’s Hudson River. We wondered which books keep a hero’s mind flying high? He tells us in his own words.

The Price of Civilization (By Jeffrey D. Sachs)

“An insightful look at how lobbying and big money interests drive our political process, what we must do to correct it, and how doing so will also help us face the challenges of globalization.”

Retirement Heist (By Ellen E. Schultz)

“A Wall Street Journal investigative reporter provides a well documented look at what happened to the pensions that many American workers used to be able to depend on and why.”

The Art of Happiness (By The Dalai Lama)

“A great mix of philosophy, science, and practical steps to a happier life.”

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (By Carl Sagan)

“A very practical and interesting primer on how to be capable of independent critical thought, something that has never been more important to our future.”

A Walk in the Woods (By Bill Bryson)

“Downright fun. I’ve never laughed so hard!”

Read Sully Sullenberger’s Bio