For readers who enjoy shorter works of fiction, this collection is a perfect fit. With a focus on brevity, the stories, novellas, and novels contained within are all 200 pages or less, making them ideal for a quick read in one sitting. Short novels are defined as 200 pages or fewer, novellas range from 60 to 120 pages, and short stories average around 4,000 words.
Whether looking for a comforting childhood favorite or a new addition to the TBR pile, this collection offers a diverse range of works that can be consumed in a single sitting. From short stories to novellas, readers can expect to find engaging and thought-provoking works that showcase the beauty of concise storytelling.
1. God Help the Child – By Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s final novel, “God Help the Child,” tells the story of Bride, a young woman who lies about something significant in her past in an attempt to find love. Years later, her lie is exposed, leading to a journey of redemption and healing. Morrison’s legacy of powerful storytelling and unflinching examination of difficult truths is evident in this novel, which explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the lasting effects of childhood trauma.
2. The Mysterious Affair at Styles – By Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s mystery novels are concise and worth reading. Begin with her first novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” which introduces the renowned Inspector Hercule Poirot. Poirot solves a murder, launching Christie’s legendary career and revolutionizing the mystery genre.
3. The Sense of an Ending – By Julian Barnes
In his novel, Barnes challenges readers to reflect on their own lives through the story of Tony Webster, a middle-aged man facing retirement. Webster is forced to confront his past friendships and reevaluate his self-perception. The novel, winner of the Man Booker Prize, is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of memory and the impact of our past on our present.
4. An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good – By Helene Tursten
The book “An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good” by Helene Tursten tells the story of Maud, an 88-year-old woman who lives alone and enjoys ruining people’s lives online. One day, a corpse is found in her apartment, and everyone assumes that Maud has graduated to murder.
Unfortunately, Maud doesn’t have any friends left to vouch for her, making her the prime suspect. The book is a hilarious and twisted two-story collection that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.
5. Dept. of Speculation – By Jenny Offill
In this novel, a married couple faces challenges in their careers and parenthood, leading them towards failure. The wife takes a closer look at their marriage and realizes some uncomfortable truths about their love story.
Offill’s writing style is fragmented and nonlinear, reflecting the scattered thoughts and emotions of the characters. The novel is a poignant exploration of the complexities of relationships and the struggles of modern life.
6. The Final Solution – By Michael Chabon
In this novel, Linus, a nine-year-old boy, flees Nazi Germany with his African grey parrot and ends up in rural England. There, he meets an old man who was once a detective. The parrot repeatedly utters sets of numbers in German, which the old man must decipher. This leads to the discovery of a final solution to a long-standing mystery.
7. We Love Anderson Cooper
In this collection of short stories by R. L. Maizes, the characters’ good intentions often lead to unexpected and humorous outcomes. Maizes explains that she chose to focus on outsiders because it is a theme that resonates with many people, particularly in today’s society. The stories feature a diverse range of characters, all navigating their way through the challenges of feeling like they don’t quite fit in.
8. The Uncommon Reader – By Alan Bennett
In this short and sweet novel, Alan Bennett tells the story of a surprising encounter between the Queen of England and a bookmobile. The palace kitchen worker who happened upon the scene was taken aback when the Queen expressed her love for his book recommendations. Bennett’s work highlights the power of literature to bring joy to unexpected places, even to the highest levels of society.
9. Elevation – By Stephen King
In Elevation, Scott Carey’s illness brings together old friends and new neighbors in a heartwarming tale of community support. Unlike King’s typical horror stories, this novel takes a more tender approach to storytelling, focusing on the power of friendship. However, there is still a supernatural twist to keep readers engaged.
10. Beasts of No Nation – By Uzodinma Iweala
In Iweala’s debut novel, he tells the story of Agu, a young child soldier who finds himself caught up in a brutal civil war. The novel explores the themes of family, loyalty, and survival in the face of unimaginable violence. Despite the bleak subject matter, Iweala’s writing is gripping and powerful, making for an exhilarating read that is hard to put down.
11. Of Love and Other Demons – By Gabriel García Márquez
In his novel, Gabriel García Márquez tells the story of Sierva Maria, a young girl who is bitten by a rabid dog and subjected to a proper exorcism by her cruel parents. Father Delaura, who had previously seen Sierva in a dream, takes care of her and becomes consumed by his love for her, despite the possibility of possession.
12. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – By Truman Capote
Truman Capote’s novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, tells the story of Holly Golightly, a charming young woman from small-town Texas who has made her way to New York City. Against the backdrop of Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers and the Tiffany & Co. storefront, Holly is determined to become a part of the city’s elite social scene.
The name “Holly Golightly” is now synonymous with Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal of the character in the film adaptation, but reading Capote’s original work is a must for anyone curious about the true story behind the beloved movie.
13. The Ocean at the End of the Lane – By Neil Gaiman
In this novel, a young boy finds himself in the company of three generations of women who teach him about the mysteries of life, death, and the supernatural. As an adult, he questions the magical experiences he had in his youth. Neil Gaiman’s writing style inspires readers to seek out the enchantment in their own lives.
14. Last Night at the Lobster – By Stewart O’Nan
In “Last Night at the Lobster,” Manny and his staff are forced to close down the Red Lobster for good. The book is a captivating read, with a main character that is so well-developed, readers will feel as if they know him personally. This novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever worked in a failing chain restaurant, as it provides a relatable and realistic portrayal of the struggles that come with the job.
15. Ghost Wall – By Sarah Moss
Silvie and her father venture into an Iron-Age reenactment village in the heart of the British woods. They aim to experience the simplicity of life in the past.
The villagers construct an authentic ghost wall to prevent invaders from breaching their village. The wall is supposed to be adorned with enemy skulls.
As the world outside rages on, Silvie and her father are determined to connect with the past. But how far are they willing to go to achieve this goal?
The novel, “Ghost Wall” by Sarah Moss, explores the lengths individuals will go to connect with their history and the consequences that may arise.
16. The Vegetarian – By Han Kang
In this Man Booker Prize-winning novel, Han Kang introduces Yeong-hye, a woman who rebels against societal norms by renouncing meat. The story explores themes of bodily autonomy and the consequences of demanding it. It delves into Yeong-hye’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with the implications of her choices.
17. Sing to It – By Amy Hempel
In her latest collection of 15 stories, Amy Hempel explores the emotional struggles of her characters. These struggles include the pain of caring for the unloved, the regret of being childless, and the betrayal of infidelity. Her characters often deal with these issues alone, with the reader as their only witness.
18. Tinkers – By Paul Harding
In his Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel, Tinkers, Paul Harding explores the fleeting nature of life through the story of a man’s final moments. As he slips away, he is transported back in time to his childhood in Maine, where he reunites with his father and memories of a simpler life. Through vivid prose, Harding captures the essence of life’s intangibles and the power of the human spirit.
Summary
Short books are gaining popularity due to their ability to convey information in a concise and easy-to-digest manner. These books are typically under 200 pages and cover a wide range of topics, from self-help to fiction. They are perfect for busy individuals who want to learn something new or enjoy a good story, but don’t have the time to commit to a longer book. Short books also make great gifts and are ideal for book clubs or reading challenges.