Finding time to enjoy a good book can be challenging, but short books offer a perfect solution. These 7 Short Books You Can Finish in a Day combine timeless themes, impactful storytelling, and concise writing to deliver meaningful experiences in under 200 pages. Whether you are looking to tackle your reading goals or enjoy a quick literary escape, these classics, novellas, and anthologies will captivate you.
1. Classic Short Books to Add to Your Reading List
Classic short books have earned their place in literary history, offering timeless stories and profound themes in compact formats. Here are two iconic classics that can be read in a day:
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
A masterpiece of brevity, Hemingway’s short-length fiction tells the story of an old fisherman’s struggle with a giant marlin. It is a compelling short classic that explores themes of perseverance, dignity, and the human spirit, all within just over 100 pages.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
This classic short book is a political allegory that critiques totalitarian regimes. With fewer than 120 pages, it is an impactful read that remains relevant even today. Its concise storytelling makes it a great choice for anyone looking to dive into timeless themes in short literature.
Both of these short books are easily finished in one sitting, making them excellent choices for readers who want to immerse themselves in classic short books without investing too much time.
2. Modern Novellas for Contemporary Readers
For those who prefer more recent works, modern novellas provide a refreshing twist on storytelling. These books often explore contemporary issues while maintaining the charm of shorter narratives:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
A quirky and introspective novella, this book delves into the life of a socially awkward woman working in a convenience store. It is a fantastic pick for anyone interested in modern novellas that explore personal identity and societal expectations.
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
A heartfelt exploration of loneliness and connection in old age, this novella is perfect for readers looking for novels under 200 pages that still pack an emotional punch. It is an example of novellas for a single sitting that tackle themes of love and companionship.
These modern novellas are excellent for those seeking quick literary reads that resonate deeply, all while being easy to read in a single afternoon.
3. Women’s Voices in Short Fiction
Women authors have consistently produced some of the most influential short books that highlight women’s resilience and tackle complex social issues. Here are two short classics like The Bell Jar that you can finish in a day:
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This short classic tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a young woman struggling with mental health and societal pressures. The Bell Jar is a thought-provoking read about self-discovery, making it an essential choice for readers interested in women’s voices in short fiction.
Passing by Nella Larsen
This novella examines race, identity, and the complexity of passing as white in 1920s Harlem. Passing is a powerful and thought-provoking read that tackles issues of racial identity and personal conflict, making it a great example of stories of marginalized communities.
These works exemplify the power of women’s voices in short fiction, offering stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
4. Books That Challenge Societal Norms
Many short books push boundaries and question societal norms. If you are interested in stories that explore cultural resilience or challenge the status quo, these two books are for you:
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
This surreal novella explores themes of alienation and societal rejection as the protagonist transforms into an insect. It is a powerful piece of short fiction that examines existentialism and personal identity, making it a short book with powerful storytelling.
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
A poignant novella about a man’s struggle with identity and societal rejection, No Longer Human is a must-read for those interested in fiction exploring cultural resilience and the complexities of human emotion.
Both of these novellas are great for readers who want short reads with impactful narratives that delve deep into themes of societal norms, identity, and belonging.
5. Quick Reads with Emotional Depth
Some of the most impactful short books focus on deep emotional themes like grief, love, and personal growth. These quick reads are perfect for those who want a short book that leaves a lasting impact:
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This novella is a collection of vignettes that explore the coming-of-age journey of a young Latina girl in Chicago. Each story touches on themes of identity and belonging, making it a book with deep themes.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
This novella about friendship and dreams is a short book with powerful storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings. The themes of loneliness, dreams, and the human condition are explored in a way that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Both of these books feature short-length fiction with emotional depth, making them perfect for readers who want a quick yet thought-provoking read.
6. Nonfiction Short Reads with Actionable Lessons
If you prefer nonfiction, there are also short books that provide valuable insights in a quick read. These books offer actionable lessons and thought-provoking ideas:
Why I Write by George Orwell
A collection of essays where Orwell reflects on his motivations as a writer and the role of literature in society. This is a great example of short nonfiction with actionable lessons that can be read in one sitting.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This influential essay discusses feminism in the modern world and is a short nonfiction read that provides valuable insights on gender equality. It is a compact book with cultural significance that is both enlightening and accessible.
These short nonfiction reads offer profound insights into the human experience, making them ideal for readers who want to learn something new in a short amount of time.
7. Short Stories and Anthologies for Busy Readers
For those who enjoy variety and do not want to commit to a single long story, compact anthologies are the way to go. Here are two collections that offer bite-sized but impactful stories:
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
A Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of stories about the lives of Indian-Americans, exploring themes of cultural identity and human connection. It is a wonderful example of short fiction masterpieces that you can read in a day.
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
This feminist retelling of classic fairy tales is a compact anthology for quick reading that combines dark, magical stories with powerful feminist themes.
These collections are ideal for busy readers who enjoy short fiction masterpieces but need a more flexible reading experience.
Conclusion
Short books prove that literary quality does not depend on length. From classic short books to modern novellas, the 7 Short Books You Can Finish in a Day featured here deliver unforgettable stories in compact formats. These reads are perfect for tackling your Goodreads goals, finding quick literary escapes, or simply savoring powerful storytelling.
So why wait? Start your next literary adventure with 7 Short Books You Can Finish in a Day. Discover more great reads at Pen to Press Publication!
FAQs
Q1: What are some short books under 100 pages?
Books like Animal Farm by George Orwell and We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are impactful and under 100 pages.
Q2: What’s the difference between novellas and novels?
Novellas are shorter than novels, typically under 40,000 words, and focus on concise storytelling.
Q3: Can I read these books online?
Yes, many are available as eBooks or audiobooks, making them easily accessible for quick reads.
