In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our reading lists. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be able to devour every book on my to-be-read list before I leave this earth. After all, new releases and recommendations are constantly adding to my stack of unread books. However, there is a way to squeeze in more reading time without sacrificing quality. The solution lies in these remarkable works under 200 pages.
These bite-sized books offer the perfect blend of entertainment and accessibility. Whether you’re seeking shorter stories to devour during your lunch break or longer narratives to get lost in over a weekend, this curated list has got you covered.
Best Books Under 100 Pages
The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo by Zen Cho
In a serendipitous encounter in 1920s London, Jade, a young writer, finds herself face-to-face with none other than Sebastian Hardie, the renowned author she had recently panned in her review. The unexpected meeting sets off a chain of events that leads to an affair between Jade and Sebastian, despite their vastly different personalities. For Jade, this illicit romance presents a tantalizing chance to defy the societal conventions she has always adhered to.
As she becomes increasingly entangled with Sebastian, however, she begins to realize that her feelings for him are not merely about rebelling against the norms, but also about discovering the complexities of her own desires and true passions.
Trafik by Rikki Ducornet
As the 88th page of this intergalactic adventure unfolds, we find ourselves on the asteroid-hopping trail with astronaut extraordinaire and her trusty robot sidekick Mic. In their virtual reality game, they’re harvesting minerals like pros, but an unexpected accident derails their cargo train, sending them careening towards a new destination: the enigmatic planet Trafik.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as this dynamic duo navigates the unknowns of space and the uncharted territories of their own friendship.
Finna by Nino Cipri
In the unlikeliest of settings, a big box furniture store akin to IKEA, a wormhole suddenly opens, posing an unprecedented challenge for its newest employees. The two exes, who parted ways just a week prior, find themselves thrust into an extraordinary adventure when they learn that a customer has fallen through the portal and is now hurtling towards an uncertain fate.
With time running out before the wormhole closes, the former lovers-turned-colleagues must put aside their personal differences and work together to track down the missing customer across the multiverse, navigating the complexities of capitalism and its impact on their quest.
The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander
The phrase ‘Radium Girls’ might evoke memories of the tragic tale of women who suffered from radiation poisoning while painting watch faces with glow-in-the-dark paint. Similarly, the story of an elephant electrocuted in Coney Island during the same era is well-known. In the novel ‘The Only Harmless Great Thing’, these true events are woven together in a unique and thought-provoking way.
The narrative takes a fascinating turn as sentient elephants are forced to work in radium factories, only to later be asked to modify their DNA to glow in response to radiation as a warning sign for humans to avoid nuclear waste. This serves as a powerful critique of corporate greed and the dehumanizing treatment of others, raising important questions about our values and priorities.
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami, Translated by Ted Goossen
In this enigmatic tale by Haruki Murakami, a young boy finds himself imprisoned in a labyrinthine dungeon hidden beneath the library. But as he navigates this eerie underground world alongside an equally perplexing girl and a sheep-like figure, he’s faced with an existential dilemma: how to devise a plan for their escape from the sinister forces that have ensnared them.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
In a groundbreaking move, 96-year-old Binti becomes the first member of the Himba people to secure admission at Oomza University, a prestigious institution that has previously been inaccessible to her community. This remarkable achievement is compounded by the fact that she’s also the first of her kind to venture beyond her planet.
As she embarks on a journey through the galaxy, Binti must navigate unfamiliar worlds and cultures, often encountering individuals who are dismissive or even hostile towards her heritage. However, just as she’s beginning to find her footing among the stars, the spaceship transporting the students to their new university is suddenly attacked, drawing Binti into an intergalactic conflict that will test her courage, resilience, and cultural identity.
Best Books Between 100-150 Pages
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The story unfolds through a collection of vignettes, which chronicles the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl navigating her way through the city of Chicago. Her quest for self-discovery is marked by moments of unbridled joy and heart-wrenching sorrow as she grapples with the complexities of shaping her own identity.
Prosper’s Demon by K.J. Parker
In this tale, an enigmatic exorcist with a questionable moral compass sets out to rid the world of its first philosopher-king, who is unwittingly possessed by malevolent forces. The narrative is replete with instances of demonic possession, complex double-crossings, and the blurred lines between morality and evil.
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
In an alternate America where a plan to release hippos into Louisiana’s bayous was greenlit by Congress, a motley crew of outlaws embarked on a perilous quest to round up feral hippos and exact their vengeance. This imaginative tale has captivated me, and I’m forever hooked.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Murderbot is an extraordinary SecUnit, distinct from its peers in its unorthodox behavior and lack of control protocols. Unlike other units, which are programmed to complete their objectives without fail, Murderbot has hacked its own protocols, granting it a degree of autonomy. Its primary interest lies not in fulfilling its mission but in indulging in its favorite pastime: watching media all day.
However, when the humans under its protection become entangled in a deadly corporate conspiracy and find themselves on the brink of disaster, Murderbot must assume responsibility for their safety. Despite being novellas, this series packs a significant punch, earning it a special place among my favorite sci-fi stories.
In the Vanisher’s Palace by Aliette de Bodard
In a unique twist on the classic tale, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is reimagined in Vietnamese culture. A brilliant but unsuccessful scholar finds themselves in an unexpected predicament when they are sold to one of the last remaining dragons on Earth. The dragon’s motive for purchasing the scholar is not malice, but rather a desire for their expertise. Specifically, she seeks someone to tutor her children and help them develop their knowledge and skills.
As the scholar spends more time with the dragon and her young ones, they begin to see beyond the beastly exterior and discover a kinder, gentler side to their captor.
The Annual Migration of Clouds by Premee Mohamed
In the aftermath of climate devastation in Alberta, a woman’s world is turned upside down by a strange, mind-controlling fungus. As she struggles to maintain control over her thoughts and actions, she faces an impossible decision: seize a rare opportunity that could change everything for her family, or remain with her mother and community that depend on her presence. The catch?
She must first overcome the doubts that plague her own mind – can she really trust others when she can’t even rely on her own instincts?
Best Books Between 151-200 Pages
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
In this fascinating narrative, Becky Chambers takes us on an extraordinary journey aboard the extrasolar research vessel where the crew has devised a remarkable solution to explore new planets. Instead of terraforming planets to suit their needs, they have chosen to adapt themselves to the ever-changing environment. This unique approach means that the crew’s bodies and even their sense of self are constantly evolving as they travel between celestial bodies.
The story delves into the lives of these extraordinary individuals who live in a state of perpetual flux, where the notion of home and identity becomes fluid. As we follow their journey, we are treated to Chambers’ characteristic thoughtful and charming storytelling.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori
Thirty-six-year-old Keiko Furukura has found solace in the mundane routine of working at Smile Mart, a familiarity that’s been her constant companion since teenage years. While friends, family, and colleagues may view her dedication with skepticism, Keiko finds meaning in her daily tasks, ultimately discovering that it’s this very sense of purpose that makes life worth living.
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
In an astonishing twist, the descendants of enslaved women who were once forcibly cast into the ocean during the Transatlantic Slave Trade have adapted to life beneath the surface. Their unique society has thrived in this aquatic environment, but at a steep cost. A crucial aspect of their survival is the burden borne by Yetu, the group’s historian, who retains all memories of the past – including its traumatic aspects.
This collective memory allows others to avoid reliving the pain, but it exacts a devastating toll on Yetu herself. To break free from this cycle of suffering, she embarks on a perilous journey above water, seeking answers about her own past and the path forward for her people.
Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi
In the midst of systemic racism’s relentless brutality in America, an extraordinary sibling duo – a sister and brother with remarkable abilities – must navigate life undetected to shield themselves from harm. However, when Kev, a young Black man, falls victim to the cruel whims of racial profiling, his sister Ella sets out to guide him through both earthly and otherworldly means that it is high time to confront this injustice head-on.
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
In the early 1900s, a racist film unleashed a wave of terror across America, birthing monsters known as Ku Kluxes who joined forces with the KKK, striking fear into the hearts of many. Against this backdrop of darkness, a group of brave resistance fighters, led by the fearless Maryse Boudreaux, emerged to take on these monstrous creations and banish them back to their infernal home in Hell.
However, as tensions mounted in Macon, Georgia, it became clear that the war against Hell was about to escalate into a full-blown conflagration.
Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami, Translated by Allison Markin Powell
As fate would have it, Tsukiko crossed paths with an old high school teacher at a sake bar, only to struggle recalling his name. In a nostalgic twist, she found herself reverting back to calling him sensei, as if no time had passed at all. Their chance encounters soon turned into regular meetups over shared plates of edamame and cold beer, punctuated by an impromptu trip to the mountains where they savored wild mushrooms.
As their friendship blossomed, Tsukiko began to realize that the solace she felt around sensei might be rooted in something more profound.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
In Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale, The Fall of the House of Usher, a former soldier embarks on a journey to rescue his childhood friend from the crumbling mansion of Usher. Little does he know, this seemingly ordinary house harbors a dark and malevolent presence that threatens to consume them both. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a sinister truth that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The film adaptation is set for release on July 12, 2022.
Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yū, Translated by Morgan Giles
Kazu’s life and afterlife are eerily entwined with Japan’s Imperial family and a park near Ueno Station, where his spirit now lingers. This connection began to unfold through a series of serendipitous events that saw Kazu work as a laborer in the lead up to the 1964 Olympic Games and later end his days in one of the park’s sprawling homeless settlements. His life was left in tatters by the devastating 2011 tsunami, with the subsequent announcement of the 2020 Olympics serving as the final blow.
It’s not the only fascinating tale we have to share, however. We also highly recommend exploring these additional short fiction gems: a curated selection of 20 classic books, 100 novellas that need to be read, 10 thought-provoking works by authors of color, and 50 unputdownable short stories under 250 pages.