Top 16 Best Short Books Updated 04 /2024

Most of our favorite books from childhood are short novels or novellas, so it makes sense that having a few thinner books on our TBR list makes us feel better. As a general rule, short novels are 200 pages or less, novellas are 60 to 120 pages, and short stories are 4,000 words or less. This is a collection of short stories, novellas, and novels that we can read in one sitting. They all have 200 pages or less.

We Love Anderson Cooper by R. L. Maizes

Despite their best intentions, the characters in this collection of short stories often act in ways that go against them. This leads to some sad and funny twists. Author: "I chose stories about outsiders because it's a theme that most people can relate to, especially these days."

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

When the Queen of England went for a walk with her corgis, she came across a bookmobile and stopped to look inside. This is how it went: A kitchen worker at a palace came across the Queen's book recommendations. To his surprise, she loved them. Even a Queen can be happy when she reads. This short and sweet book shows that literature can make anyone happy, even a Queen.

God Help the Child by Toni Morrison

Beautiful and hard truths that Morrison spoke about died in August 2019. Bride was so desperate for love when she was young that she lied about something big. This is her last book. Years later, her lies are found out. When things go wrong in her life, Bride's story is one of redemption. She comes out the other side of tragedy safe and sound.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

A boy is welcomed into the home of three generations of women who live next door. They teach him hard lessons about life, death, and the supernatural space in between. There are so many things in his childhood that make him think twice about them now that he's an adult. Ocean is typical of Gaiman. It makes you want to run out and find the magic in your own life, like he does.

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

It took Barnes 163 pages to make you think about your own life. Barnes won the Man Booker Prize for this book. Tony Webster is middle-aged, divorced, nearing retirement, and doesn't want to think about old friendships. He doesn't want to think about them. Yet here he is, having to look again at everything he thought he knew about himself.

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

Maud is 88 years old, lives alone on purpose, and likes to ruin people's lives on the internet. When a body is found in Maud's apartment, everyone thinks she has moved up to murder. Because she doesn't have any friends left, it's a shame. Don't miss this two-story collection that is both funny and twisted.

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill

With their eyes wide open, a husband and wife get married. They know that life is going to have its ups and downs. When they were younger, their careers were faltering and they had kids. Now, though, they are close to failing because of these things. These are some uncomfortable conclusions that the wife makes when she thinks back on the history of their marriage and the way they fell in love.

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson

A chance meeting brings August back to the Brooklyn neighborhood where she spent most of her happy childhood. There were very close friends in the neighborhood, but as an adult, she can see that some of them were flawed, struggling, or even guilty.

Tinkers by Paul Harding

He is freed from the things that make up his life, like clothes, dishes, and mementos. He goes back in time and sees his father and the wild Maine of his childhood before his mind takes him somewhere else. Tinkers, Harding's first book, was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Elevation by Stephen King

When Scott Carey gets sick, old friends and new neighbors come to his aid. You won't find any of King's usual gory stories here. Elevation, in fact, is a very sweet story about friendship and how a community tends to protect its own. There is, of course, a supernatural twist, of course.

Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala

The story of Agu, a child soldier who almost died, put Iweala's first book on the best-seller list. In the wake of the death of his family, Agu finds a new family in the commanders and boys who are also lost. Despite the bad things that happen in his story, it's still a great book to read.

Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel García Márquez

Young Sierva Maria isn't cared for by her cruel parents. During an exorcism at the convent where she was bitten by the dog, they make sure it's done right. It was in a dream that Father Delaura saw Sierva. When he takes charge of her care, his fated love for her gets the better of him.

Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O’Nan

Manny has to put on a brave face as he and his staff close up shop for the last time. You won't believe your eyes when you read this book. The main character in this book is so well-drawn that you'll think you've met him before. This is also true if you've ever had to work at a failed chain restaurant.

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

A village in the British woods is re-enacting life in the Iron Age. Silvie is there with her father. When the villager build a real ghost wall, it's supposed to be topped with enemy skulls. It's hard to connect with the past when the world is going crazy outside. How far will they go?

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Kang, another winner of the Man Booker Prize, introduces Yeong-hye, an unforgettable woman who gives up meat and goes on a dark journey of self-discovery. In every way, this is a book about giving your body permission for things like food, appearances, and sex, and what happens if you don't.

Sing to It by Amy Hempel

In her first book in a decade, Hempel has 15 stories that are both beautiful and heartbreaking. Her characters have to deal with things like the pain of caring for people who aren't loved, the betrayal of infidelity, and the regret of not having children. As a reader, we get to see it all.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

They all deserve to be read, even if they're short. It's best to start with her first book, which also introduces the famous Inspector Hercule Poirot. Poirot solves a murder, Christie starts a legendary career, and the mystery genre is never the same again after that.

The Final Solution by Michael Chabon

When Linus was nine, he and an African grey parrot were able to flee Nazi Germany. This is what happens when he runs all the way to England. He meets an old man who used to be a detective. He takes him in, but only reluctantly. There are a lot of sets of numbers that the parrot keeps repeating in German, so They don't say.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

Holly Golightly has moved from small-town Texas to New York City, where skyscrapers shine and Tiffany & Co. stands out. She charms her way into the swankiest parties in town. A lot of people think of Audrey Hepburn when they hear the name "Holly Golightly." If you haven't read Capote's novella, you should.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Thirty years ago, the book The Alchemist came out and taught us how to follow our dreams. Young Santiago, who wants to find treasures from all over the world, leaves home to look for them Because of what he learns and the friendships he makes on his journey, he doesn't need anything else.

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