The best short books under 100 pages and quick to read

Fantastic books that don't outstay their welcome...

The best short books under 100 pages and quick to read

We all want to be able to read more books and smash through our mounting to-read piles. But life gets in the way and our best intentions to plough through at least a book a week never materialise.

If this sounds like you, it's time to kickstart your reading habit with one (or several) of the best short books of all time.

Adding a few of the best short books to your library is a great idea, especially over the summer.

Rather than beat yourself up for not reading more books, take a break from those long tomes and dive into a short and sweet novella instead.

This might get you out of your barely-any-attention-span funk or it may just be a way to indulge in stories without the investment of a doorstop of a novel at your bedside.

In our list below, you'll find our pick of the best short books of all time. We've included 17 fantastic stories, novellas, and even one really long poem, that you can gorge on in their entirety in an afternoon, meaning even the most time-poor amongst us can add a couple of ticks to that must-read list.

It's time to put down your phone, hit pause on Netlfix, share that selfie tomorrow and get stuck into one of the best short books right now – you won't regret it.

The best short books

The best short books

1 . Animal Farm

Author: George Orwell

Yes, we know you read it at school. We all read it at school. But pick it up again now that you’re a little older, a little wiser, and a little more pissed off at the world’s political failings, and it’ll seem like a whole new and important read to you.

The best short books

2 . The Art Of War

Author: Sun Tzu

"Been reading that book you told me about. You know, The Art of War by Sun Tzu. I mean here's this guy, a Chinese general, wrote this thing 2400 years ago, and most of it still applies today! Balk the enemy's power. Force him to reveal himself. You know most of the guys that I know, they read Prince Machiavelli, and I had Carmela go and get the Cliff Notes once and he's okay. But this book is much better about strategy." – Tony Soprano, on finding mobster strategy inspiration in this book, in The Sopranos.

The best short books

3 . The Old Man And The Sea

Author: Ernest Hemingway

It’s about an old man. And the sea. And the difficulties in admitting that we cannot control the uncontrollable.

The best short books

4 . The Metamorphosis

Author: Franz Kafka

Felt a bit ropey when you woke up, did you? A touch hungover, perhaps? You know who definitely doesn’t care about your AM woes? Gregor Samsa, the protagonist in this, who “woke up one morning from unsettling dreams” to find he’d become a cockroach. Yep, a cockroach. Now take your aspirin, open up what’s often argued to be the finest short story ever written, and quit yo’ self-pitying.

The best short books

5 . The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

Perhaps the most classic tale of good versus evil, and a look into internal battles every man must deal with in life. The idea for this world-famous “shilling shocker” came to Stevenson in a dream, from which he woke in a blind fury and instantly began to write that morning.

The best short books

6 . The Call Of The Wild

Author: Jack London

A hero to Hemingway and Kerouac, London led a crime-filled youth before knuckling down to write more than 50 books before his drug- and drink-assisted death aged just 40. This, his adventurous tale of a sled dog that’s stolen away from domestic life and hurled into a world of cruelty, is as much about canines as it is about the conflicts in humanity.

The best short books

7 . The Dead

Author: James Joyce

TS Eliot believed this, the final story from Joyce’s Dubliners collection that centres around an epiphany about life and death, to be one of the greatest short stories ever written. Yeah, take his word for it. He knew a thing or two about books, he did.

The best short books

8 . The Velveteen Rabbit

Author: Margery Williams

One of the most beautiful children's books ever made, The Velveteen Rabbit is all about a toy who is new to a nursery who wants to understand what being real means. And now we have tears all over our keyboard.

The best short books

9 . Heart Of Darkness

Author: Joseph Conrad

A book perhaps best summed up by its most famous line, “The horror! The horror!” You’ve seen Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocolypse Now, right? Yep, all that madness was inspired by this. That should give you a good idea about how totally messed up and dark this work of literary art gets.

The best short books

10 . Bartleby, The Scrivener: A Story Of Wall Street

Author: Herman Melville

Melville’s tale of the big white whale is a good ten times the length of this read, and even at a snail’s pace you’ll get through this peculiar and compelling story of one man’s isolation in just an afternoon.

The best short books

11 . The Lottery

Author: Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson is the master of eerie vibes, and The Lottery is one of her most famous stories. It's incredibly short, only 16 pages, which is why you'll often find it included in short story collections rather than as a standalone book. We're going to warn you in advance this isn't an easy read. It's horrifying in a way that burrows deep into your psyche. But if you like to feel truly shaken by the fiction you read, give The Lottery a whirl.

The best short books

12 . The Yellow Wallpaper

Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A wonderful book that showcases abuse and the mental turbulence it can cause someone. Having had enough, a woman locks herself in her room to get away from her abusive husband and begins to obsess about the yellow wallpaper. This is a book that has myriad interpretations and is one you will want to reread endlessly.

The best short books

13 . Notes From The Underground

Author: Fydor Dostoyevsky

Cracking into Dostoyevsky seems like a daunting prospect. Hell, it is a daunting prospect – his finest work, Crime and Punishment, is very heavy going. This relatively bite-sized book questions our obsession with destruction and chaos, and is a good place to start before committing to the big boy stuff.

The best short books

14 . The Turn Of The Screw

Author: Henry James

You’d need serious cojones to read this masterful gothic ghost chiller with the lights off. Serious cojones.

The best short books

15 . The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner isn't a novel, it's a very, very long poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. You will find it in e-book and paperback form, though, often accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It tells the story of a sailor who has recently returned from a long sea voyage. It's beautifully-written, eerie and deeply atmospheric. You'll be lingering over the words and unique linguistic style as much as the vivid imagery.

The best short books

16 . The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin

If ever the was a book that holds a mirror up to the current society we live in, it is this one. Over the course of 32 pages, Le Guin showcases a utopia and the price that is paid to have a city of such splendour. This story has all the power of a boxer's fist to the gut

The best short books

17 . Death In Venice

Author: Thomas Mann

Proof that the Devil really does make work for idle thumbs. An aging author’s escape from writer’s block leads him to Venice, and a world of fateful obsession, uncontrollable infatuation, painful lust, forbidden sex and doom.

  • These are the best books to read before you kick the bucket .

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20 Beautiful Novels Under 100 Pages

  • Post date 28/01/2022
  • Post categories In Pretty Things

20 Beautiful Novels Under 100 Pages

I wanted to create a list of novels under 100 pages because one needs a short and thus easy to carry in a bag kind of book while travelling, right? I took a two-hour ride the other day, and there wasn’t enough space for a massive book in my bag, and I couldn’t find a short novel in my bookcase. So I ended up reading from my phone on the train, and I must say I didn’t enjoy it a lot. I took a mental note to buy loads of short novels under 100 pages just to read on relatively short rides, and here we are.

20 Beautiful Novels Under 100 Pages

Sometimes, when we read not so great novels in a row, we may end up with reader’s block. I think shorter books may help us to overcome it. I hope you’ll never have a reader’s block, but if you ever do, novels under 100 pages are here to help. I tried to find novels under 100 pages from various countries and genres. I hope you’ll find one to your liking. Enjoy!

If you want to read more brief novels check out:

20 Brilliant Novels Under 200 Pages
20 Excellent Novels Under 150 Pages
  • Novels Under 100 Pages

Bonsai - Alejandro Zambra

Bonsai – Alejandro Zambra

Bonsai  is the story of Julio and Emilia, two young Chilean students who, seeking truth in great literature, find each other instead. Like all young couples, they lie to each other, revise themselves, and try new identities on for size, observing and analyzing their love story as if it’s one of the great novels they both pretend to have read. As they shadow each other throughout their young adulthoods, falling together and drifting apart, Zambra spins a formally innovative, metafictional tale that brilliantly explores the relationship among love, art, and memory. A Chilean writer among novels under 100 pages.

The Hour of the Star - Clarice Lispector

The Hour of the Star – Clarice Lispector

Living in the slums of Rio and eking out a living as a typist, Macabéa loves movies, Coca-Cola and her philandering rat of a boyfriend; she would like to be like Marilyn Monroe, but she is ugly and unloved. Yet telling her story is the narrator Rodrigo S.M., who tries to direct Macabéa’s fate but comes to realize that, for all her outward misery, she is inwardly free. Slyly subverting ideas of poverty, identity, love and the art of writing itself, Clarice Lispector’s audacious last novel is a haunting portrayal of innocence in a bad world. A Brazilian writer among novels under 100 pages.

The Royal Game A Chess Story - Stefan Zweig

The Royal Game A Chess Story – Stefan Zweig

On the deck of a transatlantic ocean liner, a crowd of passengers gathers to watch reigning chess world champion Mirko Czentovic take on a series of amateur challengers. The haughty grandmaster dispatches all of his opponents with ease, until one Dr B steps forward from the crowd―a passionate lover of the royal game who still bears the mental scars of imprisonment by the Nazis in his native Austria. The enigmatic genius reluctantly agrees to challenge Czentovic, but at what cost to his sanity?

Written during the Second World War,  The Royal Game  was the great Stefan Zweig’s final work―a searing, suspenseful tale of psychological torment and the price of obsession. An Austrian writer among novels under 100 pages.

The Children’s Bach - Helen Garner

The Children’s Bach – Helen Garner

Athena and Dexter live a happy but insular life, bound by routine and the care of their young sons. When Elizabeth, an old friend from Dexter’s university days, turns up with her much younger sister, Vicki, and her lover, Philip, she brings an enticing world into their doorstep. And Athena finds herself straining at the confines of her life. Helen Garner portrays her characters with a clear eye for their dreams, their insecurities and their deep humanity in this intimate and engaging short novel, which was first published in 1984. The Children’s Bach is ‘a jewel,’ in Ben Lerner’s description, ‘beautiful, lapidary, rare.’ An Australian writer among novels under 100 pages.

Ascent - Ludwig Hohl

Ascent – Ludwig Hohl

Two young men with very different personalities set out to climb a mountain. Ull, decisive and competent, has his eye on the goal: the summit. Johann, irresolute, is just along for the climb; after several setbacks, he gives up and turns back. Ull continues on–despite the near impossibility of summiting along, and ignoring all warning signs–determined to reach the summit in defiance of his friend. A Swiss writer among novels under 100 pages.

My Two Worlds - Sergio Chejfec

My Two Worlds – Sergio Chejfec

Approaching his fiftieth birthday, the narrator is wandering in an unfamiliar Brazilian city, in search of a park. A walker by inclination and habit, he decides to explore the city after attending a literary conference-he was invited to following the publication of his most recent novel, although, as he is informed via anonymous e-mail, has not been receiving good reviews. Initially thwarted by his inability to transpose the 2D information of the map onto the impassable roads and dead-ends of the city, once in the park he begins to see his own thoughts mirrored. An Argentine writer among novels under 100 pages.

If You're Not Yet Like Me - Edan Lepucki

If You’re Not Yet Like Me – Edan Lepucki

 Joellyn as judgmental as she is insecure tells her unborn daughter the story of her courtship with an unemployed, terribly-dressed man named Zachary. The novella is a romantic comedy if romantic comedies were dark and screwed up and no one got exactly what they wanted. An American writer among novels under 100 pages.

Notes from the Underground - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Notes from the Underground – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

One of the most remarkable characters in literature, the unnamed narrator of Dostoevsky’s most revolutionary novel is a former official who has defiantly withdrawn into an underground existence. In full retreat from society, he scrawls a passionate, obsessive, self-contradictory narrative that serves as a devastating attack on social utopianism and an assertion of man’s essentially irrational nature. A Russian classic among novels under 100 pages.

Beauty Salon - Mario Bellatin

Beauty Salon – Mario Bellatin

In a large, unnamed city, a strange, highly infectious disease begins to spread, afflicting its victims with an excruciating descent toward death, particularly unsparing in its assault of those on society’s margins. Spurned by their loved ones and denied treatment by hospitals, the sick are left to die on the streets until a beauty salon owner, whose previous caretaking experience extended only to the exotic fish tanks scattered among his workstations, opens his doors as a refuge. In the ramshackle Morgue, victim to persecution and violence, he accompanies his male guests as they suffer through the lifeless anticipation of certain death, eventually leaving the wistful narrator in complete, ill-fated isolation. A Mexican writer among novels under 100 pages.

Daisy Miller - Henry James

Daisy Miller – Henry James

Travelling in Europe with her family, Daisy Miller, an exquisitely beautiful young American woman, presents her fellow-countryman Winterbourne with a dilemma he cannot resolve. Is she deliberately flouting social convention in the outspoken way she talks and acts, or is she simply ignorant of those conventions? When she strikes up an intimate friendship with an urbane young Italian, her flat refusal to observe the codes of respectable behaviour leave her perilously exposed. In  Daisy Miller  James created his first great portrait of the enigmatic and dangerously independent American woman, a figure who would come to dominate his later masterpieces. A classic among novels under 100 pages.

The Alienist - Machado De Assis

The Alienist – Machado De Assis

Brilliant physician Simao Bacamarte sacrifices a prestigious career to return home and educate himself to the budding field of psychology. Bacamarte opens the first asylum hoping to crown himself and his hometown with ‘imperishable laurels’. But then the good doctor starts to see signs of insanity in more and more of his neighbours. With dark humour and sparse prose, The Alienist lets the reader ponder who is really crazy after all. Originally published in 1882, readers will find that this tragically humorous novella remains as relevant as ever. A Brazilian novelist among novels under 100 pages.

The Old Man And The Sea - Ernest Hemingway

The Old Man And The Sea – Ernest Hemingway

This short novel, already a modern classic, is the superbly told, tragic story of a Cuban fisherman in the Gulf Stream and the giant Marlin he kills and loses — specifically referred to in the citation accompanying the author’s Nobel Prize for literature in 1954. A gem among novels under 100 pages.

Foster - Claire Keegan

Foster – Claire Keegan

It is a hot summer in rural Ireland. A girl is sent to live with foster parents on a farm, not knowing when she will return home. In the strangers’ house, she finds a warmth and affection she has not known before and slowly begins to blossom in their care. But in a house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers how fragile her idyll is. An Irish writer among novels under 100 pages.

Ethan Frome - Edith Wharton

Ethan Frome – Edith Wharton

Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena’s vivacious cousin enters their household as a ‘hired girl’, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent. In one of American fiction’s finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio towards their tragic destinies. A classic among novels under 100 pages.

Sweet Days of Discipline Sweet Days of Discipline - Fleur Jaeggy

Sweet Days of Discipline Sweet Days of Discipline – Fleur Jaeggy

A novel about obsessive love and madness set in postwar Switzerland, Fleur Jaeggy’s eerily beautiful novel begins innocently enough: “At fourteen I was a boarder in a school in the Appenzell.” But there is nothing innocent here. With the off-handed remorselessness of a young Eve, the narrator describes her potentially lethal designs to win the affections of Fréderique, the apparently perfect new girl. In Tim Parks’ consummate translation (with its “spare, haunting quality of a prose poem,” TLS),  Sweet Days of Discipline  is a peerless, terrifying, and gorgeous work. A Swiss writer among novels under 100 pages.

Cold Enough for Snow - Jessica Au

Cold Enough for Snow – Jessica Au

A mother and daughter travel from abroad to meet in Tokyo: they walk along the canals through the autumn evenings, escape the typhoon rains, share meals in small cafes and restaurants, and visit galleries to see some of the city’s most radical modern art. All the while, they talk: about the weather, horoscopes, clothes, and objects, about family, distance, and memory. But uncertainties abound.

Who is really speaking here – is it only the daughter? And what is the real reason behind this elliptical, perhaps even spectral journey? At once a careful reckoning and an elegy,  Cold Enough for Snow  questions whether any of us speak a common language, which dimensions can contain love, and what claim we have to truly know another’s inner world. An interesting one among novels under 100 pages.

Larger Than Life - Jodi Picoult

Larger Than Life – Jodi Picoult

Alice is a researcher studying memory in elephants and is fascinated by the bonds between mother and calf – the mother’s powerful protective instincts and her newborn’s unwavering loyalty. Living on a game reserve in Botswana, Alice is able to view the animals in their natural habitat, as long as she obeys one important rule: she must only observe and never interfere.

Then she finds an orphaned young elephant in the bush and cannot bear to leave the helpless baby behind. Alice will risk her career to care for the calf. Yet what she comes to understand is the depth of a parent’s love. A contemporary among novels under 100 pages.

Fredrik Backman

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer – Fredrik Backman

From the  New York Times  bestselling author of  A Man Called Ove ,  My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry ,  Britt-Marie Was Here , and  Anxious People  comes an exquisitely moving portrait of an elderly man’s struggle to hold on to his most precious memories, and his family’s efforts to care for him even as they must find a way to let go.

With all the same charm of his bestselling full-length novels, here Fredrik Backman once again reveals his unrivaled understanding of human nature and deep compassion for people in difficult circumstances. This is a tiny gem with a message you’ll treasure for a lifetime among novels under 100 pages.

So Long a Letter - Mariama Ba

So Long a Letter – Mariama Ba

Written by Mariama Ba and translated from the French by Modupe Bode-Thomas,  So Long a Letter  won the first Noma Award for Publishing in Africa, and was recognised as one of Africa’s 100 Best Books of the 20th Century in an initiative organised by the Zimbabwe International Book Fair. 

This edition includes an introduction by Professor Kenneth W. Harrow of Michigan State University. A gem from Africa among novels under 100 pages.

The Necrophiliac - Gabrielle Wittkop

The Necrophiliac – Gabrielle Wittkop

For more than three decades, Lucien – one of the most notorious characters in the history of the novel – has haunted the imaginations of readers around the world. This new translation introduces English readers to a masterpiece of French literature among novels under 100 pages. Like the best writings of Edgar Allen Poe or Baudelaire, Wittkop’s prose goes far beyond gothic horror to explore the melancholy in the loneliest depths of the human condition, forcing readers to confront their own mortality with unprecedented intimacy. A horror among novels under 100 pages.

Check out my other lists about books!

  • 10 Uplifting Books
  • Great Novels by Poets
  • Feel-Good Cozy Mystery Series
  • Summer Books – 20 Sexy Novels
  • Autumn Books – 20 Cozy Novels
  • Winter Books- 20 Atmospheric Novels
  • Spring Books – 20 Lovely Novels
  • 20 Captivating Gothic Books
  • Japanese Books Under 200 Pages
  • 20 Best Campus and Academic Novels
  • 25 Intriguing Dark Academia Books
  • 20 Literary Romance Novels
  • 20 Best Food Culture and Food History Books
  • Comforting Food Memoirs
  • Top 5 Haiku Books
  • 15 Best Eco-fiction Novels
  • Perfect Christmas Books
  • 20 Best Turkish Books
  • Standalone Fantasy Books
  • Fantasy Book Series
  • Novels Based on Mythology and Legends
  • Tarot Books to Learn From
  • Books About Astrology
  • Books About Esotericism
  • Books for Book Clubs
  • Magical Realism Books
  • Mindfulness Books
  • Captivating Reincarnation Books
  • Remarkable Break-Up Novels
  • Books for Travel Lovers
  • Brilliant Mythology Books
  • Egyptian Mythology Books
  • Train Journey Books
  • Books Set in Museums
  • Books Set in Hotels
  • Books Set on Islands
  • Books Set in Forests
  • Novels Set in Ancient Egypt
  • Novels Set in Bookshops
  • Novels Set in Libraries
  • Books Set in the English Countryside
  • Books Set in Edinburgh
  • Books Set in Oxford
  • Books Set in Istanbul
  • Books Set in Rome
  • Books Set in Portugal
  • Books Set in Egypt
  • Books Set in Greece
  • Books Set in Mexico
  • Books Set in South Africa
  • Books Set in New York
  • Books Set in Paris
  • Books Set in Barcelona
  • Books Set in Berlin
  • Novels Set in China
  • Books Set in Tokyo
  • Books Set in Bali
  • Novels Under 150 Pages
  • Novels Under 200 Pages
  • Novels About Older Woman, Younger Man Relationships
  • Novels About Fortune Telling
  • Novels About Translators and Interpreters
  • Novels About Books
  • Best Books About Books
  • Novels About Vincent Van Gogh
  • Novels About Leonardo da Vinci
  • Novels About Marriage
  • Novels About Food
  • Novels About Writers
  • Novels About Music
  • Books About Witches
  • Books About Divorce
  • Novels About Ernest Hemingway
  • Best Books About Birds
  • Best Books About Walking
  • Best Books About Tea
  • Books on Social Issues and Identity
  • Novels About Scents & Perfume
  • Exciting Thriller Novels of All Time
  • Books on Art and Creativity
  • Mind-Expanding Philosophy Books
  • Historical Fiction Novels
  • Beautiful Poetry Collections
  • Powerful Books About Peace
  • Beautiful Romance Novels

Are there any other novels under 100 pages that should be on this list? Please share your favourite books with us in the comments section below.

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  • December 12, 2023

Top 6 Books Under 100 Pages

Top 6 Books Under 100 Pages

Are you looking for some books under 100 pages?

Sometimes, the best stories come in small packages.

Even though everyone tells you that War and Peace (a 1,000+ page novel) is the epitome of literature, I’m a big believer in short books.

If an author can be profound AND keep my attention? That’s a win-win.

So, let me show you some of my top recommendations for books under 100 pages.

Why Short Books Matter

Short books matter to me because they’re a saving grace for my attention span.

Although social media platforms like TikTok are wonderful places for community, laughter, and many other helpful things, they are unfortunately the only things that entertain me these days.

But, I don’t want to give up reading altogether. And I don’t think you do, either.

So it’s on us to find short books to re-engage us again. Because let’s face it, you don’t want to pick up Les Miserables or The Count of Monte Cristo.

Short books (especially those under 100 pages) are great for devouring in one sitting. They grab you and don’t let go, even after you’ve turned the last page.

Whether you’re looking for a quick read for a cozy weekend or an easy escape during your lunch break, short books will do the trick. 

Here are some of my top picks for books under 100 pages!

1. And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer

2. blue horses, 3. don’t call us dead, 5. the giving tree, 6. animal farm, faqs about books under 100 pages.

And every morning the way home gets longer and longer

It’s an awful thing to miss someone who’s still here.

There’s one thing you need to know about Fredrick Backman: he always packs an emotional punch.

So if you’re not ready to cry, maybe don’t give this one a go. 

But sometimes you need one. 

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer is about a grandfather and his grandson. They sit on a bench, telling stories and reminiscing.

Every day, things look different. Things get more confusing and dimmer, a reflection of the grandfather’s struggle with dementia.

You should read this if you like:

  • Cathartic crying
  • Family bonding
  • Learning how to let go

Blue horses

Maybe the desire to make something beautiful is the piece of God that is inside each of us.

Right before I decided to become an English major in college, I took a course on the color blue. Yep, the entire class was reading blue discourse, listening to blue songs, really anything related to the color.

I was so excited that I went to a local bookstore, saw a book with the word “blue” on it ( Blue Horses ), and took it home.

Mary Oliver immediately became my favorite poet. I loved her love affair with nature, and I found my body singing with every line she wrote.

  • And the color blue?

Don't call us dead

prediction: the cop will walk free prediction: the boy will still be dead

Danez Smith is another must-read poet. 

In Don’t Call Us Dead , they reckon with topics like race, police brutality, AIDS, and much more. It packs a serious punch, and I would recommend it to anyone.

There’s a current of anger and grief running through this poetry collection. It’s so raw that it gives you goosebumps. 

I ended up dog-earing most of the poems (I can already hear the screams of horror)

But seriously, go read it. 

  • Discussion of race and grief
  • Beautiful writing

Bluets

I want you to know, if you ever read this, there was a time when I would rather have had you by my side than any one of these words; I would rather have had you by my side than all the blue in the world.

Surprise, surprise. Another book from my “Blue” class.

While reading about the color blue, of course we had to read Bluets .

It’s hard to describe exactly what Bluets is. At first, it seems like a theoretical discussion of the color blue through the lens of poetry.

But it bleeds into much more. 

There are strings of love and grief. It’s almost difficult to know what Bluets is about, but I’d say you know it when you read it.

  • Poetry mixed with prose

The giving tree

I am sorry, Boy, but I have nothing left to give you.

The Giving Tree is one of those books that we probably all read in our childhood.

But have you gone back to re-read it recently?

It’s much sadder and more nuanced than I remember it being. Albeit, I read this book at a very young age.

I think the Giving Tree could be about a lot of things. Capitalism, climate change, or just the reality of taking too much of what you’re given.

Regardless, it has a place in my heart forever.

  • Children’s books with very adult morals

Animal farm

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

You don’t see me recommending many classics, so when you do you know they’re good. (They’ll almost always be short too)

Animal Farm is a satirical novel about a group of farm animals who rise up against their abusive farmer and take control of the farm. Unfortunately, their reign is worse than the original leadership.

It’s a classic for a reason, although I still disagree with my school making me read this in middle school. How was I supposed to know about the Russian government in the 20th century??

But now I re-read it with fondness. George Orwell is a great writer, and even though it’s a classic, those 100 pages go by quickly.

  • Self-governing animals
  • Political criticism

What is a 100-page book called?

Usually, a 100-page book is called a novella.

How long should my first book be?

Most writers and readers agree that books fall within 80,000 to 100,000 words. Over 40,000 words is a novel, so try to aim for this minimum word count for your first book. 

What is the minimum pages to be called a book?

There’s no set number of pages that immediately qualify something as a book. As you saw in this blog post, books can be as short as 100 pages or less. But, other authors like Brandon Sanderson write novels that are over 1,000 pages. 

That’s it! I hope I helped you find some books under 100 pages.

While you’re here, check out some more (amazing?) insights from a chronically online 24-year-old:

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15 Life-Changing Books You Can Read in a Day

top 10 books under 100 pages

P age numbers vary by edition, but we’ve linked these titles to versions that clock in under 100 pages.

READ MORE : The 100 Best Young-Adult Novels of All Time

READ MORE : The 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time

top 10 books under 100 pages

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12 Interesting Books Under 100 Pages You Can Read In One Sitting

top 10 books under 100 pages

If you’re anything like me, you don’t have hours and hours to invest into reading. That’s why I love to sit down and read my way through a short, but entertaining and informative book. We gathered together 12 interesting books that are under 100 pages that you can sit down and read in one sitting.

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#1 He Made Me Brave by Pam Ogden

No Title No Description

This is not a fairy tale—but it does have suspense, humor, a quest, and a happy ending. When Jason and Pam Ogden decided to adopt a baby, they had no idea that their adoption process would stretch over a period of two years, and that their baby would be a toddler by the time they were able to bring him home. Taken straight from Pam’s personal travel journal, He Made Me Brave chronicles the long-awaited emotional trip she and her husband took to South Korea to meet their new son.

He Made Me Brave is the touching memoir of a mother defying fear to be united with the little boy she had been dreaming of for two years, and an account of hope fulfilled.

Want to read more reviews of this book or buy it? Check out the links below:

  • For readers in the USA
  • For readers in the UK

Contributors : Megan Poling from Lucid Books

top 10 books under 100 pages

Beautiful vulnerability not usually expressed in words! Absolutely great read from a truly inspirational woman!

Great read from a heartfelt, genuine author!

? great book… hugs ❤️

#2 Keeping Tally by Christy Duncan

Wrought with bitterness, consumed with lies, I was a walking, breathing, miserable Christian. I knew sin had to be present, but I struggled to locate the source. I could have been put in the grave at that point and folks would have gone on about how much I loved and served the Lord.

This is a book about recognizing common lies that so often entangle us. Together, let us suit up, pick up the sword, and reclaim the hope in Jesus. He died to set the captives free, and it’s time to live as free men and women.

Great story – very raw. Lets you feel what the author was going through.

#3 Before the Vultures Wake by W. R. Ponder

In this book, you will explore the lives of six Donn Angelos natives as they experience the wonder and terror that lie in wait behind every closed door and within every open casket. A writer who finds an inspiration that won’t let go; a mother colliding with herself as she frantically searches for her son; an elderly man who discovers he has power over the past by entering memories long forgotten; a child whose inventiveness warps an obscured image into a viable threat; a teacher whose mental affair with her student sizzles out of control; a priest who must encourage others to trust in God while wrestling with his own doubts.

#4 Secure by Susannah Baker

This prayer guide is the result of years of personal study on prayer in the life of Susannah Baker and in the lives of women she disciples. Through the use of the acronym PRAY, she provides clear, simple, yet effective tools to use in Praising, Repenting, Asking, and Yielding in prayer on a daily basis.

Each section guides you through how to personalize your prayers to give expression to the struggles and deep, personal desires of your heart so that no matter your circumstances, there is space to walk freely and securely with a good father who dearly loves His children.

Audio and video downloads are also available .

#5 Just Stop by Heather D. Nelson

From the author:

Do you ever really pay attention to some of the casual phrases people throw around? Have you ever had someone toss a platitude your way during times of stress or chaos and thought to yourself 'this is not helping me'? Then THIS is the book for you!  Just Stop: 10 Things Everyone Should Stop Saying is a collection of short essays about some of the most commonly used colloquialisms in today's society. I discuss why flippant delivery can quickly become an errant receipt. I teach how to avoid these common communication pitfalls and how to improve your capacity for human connection thus becoming a more compassionate person.

Contributors : Heather Nelson from HeatherNelson

Great read, thought provoking and humorous

Impactful book, relevant to our current social-media-junky society that has lost some of it’s interpersonal skills.

This is an amazing book by an amazing Author!

#6 In My Head by Peggie Sinders

When American troops were ordered back to the US in 1973, the South Vietnamese bravely fought two more years against the North Vietcong, only to lose the war after running out of supplies in 1975. The North Vietcong immediately captured the South Vietnamese military and condemned them to communist prison camps. The higher in rank, the longer they stayed to live a life of starvation, sickness, and death.

In My Head tells how one man, Thanh Chau, a Major in the Air Force, endured 10 years in prison camps. Over the years, Thanh would move 14 times to various camps (including the jungles of North Vietnam) and be given a change of clothing only four times. Though he would help build huts and plant vegetable gardens, he would not be allowed to eat more than meager rations.

He would also see firsthand the horrific deaths of prisoners at the hands of the Vietcong. Since prisoners were not allowed to talk to each other, Thanh would be forced to keep his thoughts to himself throughout those years. Now, this book allows him the chance to reveal what was in his head throughout the toughest time of his life.

#7 The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This classic novel is over 2,500 years old, but its advice remains as true today as it did the day it was written. Originally written as a battlefield strategy guide that has long been required reading of military officers everywhere, “The Art of War” is an insightful tome whose battlefield insights have been skillfully co-opted by legions of leaders in the business world and beyond. The book is remarkably impactful for being a mere 68 pages long, with dozens of pieces of interesting advice on the tactics and strategies needed to defeat your enemies (or in the business world, competitors) that translate just as well in the boardroom as they do on the battlefield. A true literary treasure!

Contributors : David Ambrogio from Marion Cage

#8 If You’re Not Yet Like MeYet by Edan Lepucki

This wonderful little novella is about a relationship is far from being just another romcom. Short and bittersweet, If You’re Not Yet Like Me is gracefully written, comedic, and complex. It’s a sneaky, deft book that will leave you wanting to read it again and again—and at less than 60 pages, you can!

Contributors : Lauren Walter from Hair Loft Studio

#9 The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

“The Metamorphosis” isn’t just one of the best books under 100 pages, it’s one of the best books, period. It’s a great little novel that serves as an excellent introduction to Kafka for anyone unfamiliar with his work. The book details the transformation of the main character from a man into an insect, in uniquely Kafkaesque fashion. The book proceeds to delve into his adaptation to his new life, although it never precisely explains why this happened. For a short introduction to Kafka, it’s a great choice.

Contributors : David Ambrogio from Tower Books

#10 The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

This is a timeless Christmas story with shows love is the greatest gift of all. Both the husband and wife sell something near and dear to their hearts just to buy each other Christmas gifts. It was a heart-warming beautiful and true to the heart love story that would give any romantic a new book to add to their bookshelf.

Contributors : Sherell Cummings-Jones from SherellCummingsJones

#11 Be EmPOWERed by Rasheda Kamaria Williams

It's a guidebook of sorts written for and inspired by girls to help them live above issues from cyberbullying to societal pressure.

Contributors : Rasheda Kamaria Williams from Empowered Flower Girl

#12 Win No Matter What by Nihar Suthar

It is a book that is only 77 pages long and dives into what truly makes humans happy. It is a really motivating read as well.

Contributors : Nihar Suthar from Inspirational Storyteller

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top 10 books under 100 pages

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Bookish Wisdom

20 Best Short Books Under 100 Pages

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may make a commission at no additional charge to you. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details.

Short books have become increasingly popular in recent years as our busy lives make it difficult to find the time for lengthy reads. But just because a book is short doesn’t mean it lacks substance. In fact, some of the most impactful works of literature are under 100 pages, offering quick and insightful readings that can make a lasting impression.

Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or some thought-provoking material, here are some of the best short books under 100 pages that you should add to your reading list. The following list is an unordered list of best books under 100 pages. Let’s start:

Table of Contents

Best Short Books Under 100 Pages

1. as a man thinketh by james allen.

“As a Man Thinketh” is a self-help book written by James Allen and first published in 1902. The book is a philosophical treatise on the power of thought and its impact on a person’s life.

Allen argues that our thoughts shape our reality and determine the quality of our lives. He writes that the things we think about, both positive and negative, have a direct impact on our emotions, actions, and, ultimately, our success in life. He goes on to say that the key to changing our lives and achieving success is to cultivate positive thoughts and beliefs and to eliminate negative and limiting ones.

top 10 books under 100 pages

This short book explores the idea of personal responsibility and the importance of taking control of one’s thoughts and beliefs. Allen argues that individuals can create their own reality through the choices they make and the thoughts they focus on. He writes that by focusing on positive and constructive thoughts, a person can overcome adversity and achieve success, while negative and limiting thoughts will only lead to disappointment and failure.

In conclusion, “As a Man Thinketh” is a powerful and inspiring self-help book that continues to be widely read and revered more than a century after its publication. Its message of personal responsibility and the transformative power of thought has been a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world, and its simple and straightforward writing style makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are looking to improve your life, cultivate positive thoughts, or simply find inspiration and motivation, “As a Man Thinketh” is a timeless classic that is sure to captivate and inspire.

2. The Art Of War by Sun Tzu

top 10 books under 100 pages

“The Art of War” is a treatise on military strategy written by the ancient Chinese military general and strategist Sun Tzu. The book was written more than 2,000 years ago and is widely considered to be one of the most influential works on military strategy in the world.

The book is comprised of 13 chapters, each of which covers a different aspect of warfare, including strategy, tactics, and leadership. Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding the enemy and using knowledge of the terrain to gain a strategic advantage. He also writes about the importance of deception and the use of spies, and the need to maintain control of one’s own forces while disrupting the enemy’s.

Sun Tzu’s ideas are based on the principle that victory can be achieved with minimal conflict and loss of life, and he stresses the importance of thinking ahead and planning for all possible scenarios in a military campaign. He also highlights the need for effective communication, unity, and discipline among the troops and the importance of adaptability and the ability to change tactics when the situation demands it.

In conclusion, “The Art of War” is a classic work on military strategy that continues to be widely read and studied more than 2,000 years after its publication. Its ideas and principles have been applied in numerous fields, including business, sports, and politics, and its insights into the nature of conflict and the importance of strategy and planning are as relevant today as they were in ancient China. Whether you are interested in military history or strategy or simply looking for a timeless classic that can help you think more critically and strategically, “The Art of War” is a must-read that is sure to captivate and inspire.

3. Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson M.D.

This one is my personal favorite book, and I hope it will be yours, too, after you finish reading it. “Who Moved My Cheese?” was written by Spencer Johnson and first published in 1998. The book uses a simple parable to explore the topic of change and how individuals can handle change in their lives.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Here are the key points of the book:

  • The book uses the allegory of four characters (two mice and two “littlepeople”) searching for cheese in a maze.
  • The cheese represents what people want in life, whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a personal goal.
  • The maze represents the complex and constantly changing environment in which individuals find themselves.
  • The four characters react differently to the changes that occur when the cheese runs out.
  • The two mice quickly adapt to the change and find new cheese, while the two “littlepeople” resist change and struggle to find new cheese.
  • The book explores the idea that change is a constant in life , and that individuals must be prepared to adapt and change in order to achieve success and happiness.
  • The book emphasizes the importance of embracing change, being flexible, and having a positive attitude.
  • The book also highlights the dangers of clinging to the past and being resistant to change, as this can lead to disappointment and frustration.
  • The book has become a classic in the self-help genre and has inspired numerous adaptations and spin-off products, including a video, a workbook, and a board game.

In conclusion, “Who Moved My Cheese?” is a simple yet powerful book that provides a valuable lesson about the importance of adapting to change. Through its allegory of four characters searching for cheese in a maze, the book offers a compelling reminder that change is a constant in life, and that individuals must be prepared to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances in order to achieve success and happiness.

4. Tao te Ching by Laozi

The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text traditionally attributed to the sage Laozi, although the exact authorship of the text is unknown. The text, written in verse, is a work of philosophy and spirituality that explores the Tao, or the Way, and offers guidance for living a virtuous and harmonious life.

top 10 books under 100 pages

  • The Tao Te Ching is a collection of 81 short verses that explore the concept of the Tao and offer guidance for living a virtuous and harmonious life.
  • The Tao is described as the ultimate reality, the source of all things, and the path of nature.
  • The text emphasizes the importance of simplicity, humility, and non-action and suggests that the most effective way to achieve one’s goals is to align oneself with the Tao.
  • The Tao Te Ching teaches that the pursuit of power and wealth leads to conflict and suffering and that true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved by embracing the Tao and living in harmony with nature and with others.
  • The text also explores themes of morality, wisdom, and the nature of existence and offers advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life.
  • The Tao Te Ching has had a profound influence on Chinese philosophy and spirituality, and has been interpreted in many different ways, including as a Taoist text, a Confucian text, and a Buddhist text.
  • The text is widely regarded as one of the great works of Chinese literature and philosophy, and has been translated into numerous languages and read by millions of people around the world.

In conclusion, the Tao Te Ching is a rich and thought-provoking text that explores the concept of the Tao and offers guidance for living a virtuous and harmonious life. Through its verses, the text provides a powerful message about the importance of simplicity, humility, and non-action, and offers a timeless and profound insight into the nature of existence and the human condition.

5. Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic by Elizabeth Kaye

“Lifeboat No. 8: An Untold Tale of Love, Loss, and Surviving the Titanic” is a book by Elizabeth Kaye that tells the story of the passengers and crew who were rescued by Lifeboat No. 8 during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

top 10 books under 100 pages

The book provides a unique perspective on the disaster, using primary sources such as letters, diaries, and eyewitness accounts to paint a vivid picture of the events that took place. The author explores the themes of love, loss, and survival and how these emotions affected the passengers and crew of Lifeboat No. 8 in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The book also highlights the story of the Countess of Rothes, who took charge of the tiller of Lifeboat No. 8 and helped steer it through the dark, icy waters, as well as the budding romance between Roberta Maioni, the Countess’s ladies maid, and Jack Phillips, the Titanic’s wireless operator. “Lifeboat No. 8” provides a fresh and thought-provoking account of one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century and is sure to captivate and inspire.

6. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

“The Yellow Wallpaper” is a short story written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and was first published in 1892. The story is a fictionalized account of Gilman’s own struggles with postpartum depression and the treatment she received from her physician, who prescribed rest and inactivity. The main character in the story is a woman who is suffering from depression and is being treated by her husband, a physician, who believes in the rest cure. The woman is confined to a small room with yellow wallpaper, which becomes a source of obsession and terror for her.

The story is written as a series of journal entries made by the woman, and as she becomes more and more obsessed with the yellow wallpaper, she begins to see patterns and shapes in the design that she interprets as figures moving behind the paper. The woman’s descent into madness is paralleled by her growing defiance against the restrictions imposed on her by her husband and physician. She becomes more and more isolated and is eventually driven to complete madness by the yellow wallpaper and the limitations imposed on her.

top 10 books under 100 pages

“The Yellow Wallpaper” is considered a classic of feminist literature and is often read as a critique of the treatment of women by the medical profession in the 19th century. Gilman’s story is a powerful commentary on the ways in which women’s voices and experiences were ignored and marginalized in a society dominated by men. The story also speaks to the themes of oppression and the effects of confinement and isolation on the human psyche.

Overall, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a haunting and powerful story that continues to captivate readers more than a century after it was first published. Its themes of oppression, isolation, and madness remain relevant and have made it a staple of literature and feminist studies. The story’s vivid descriptions and gripping narrative make it a must-read for anyone interested in literature, feminist studies, or the history of mental health.

7. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

“Of Mice and Men” is a powerful short novel written by John Steinbeck and published in 1937. The book is just a little over 100 pages. The book has around 107 pages.

Coming to the story which takes place during the Great Depression and follows the lives of two migrant workers, George Milton, and Lennie Small, as they travel from job to job in search of work. George is a small, wiry man with quick wits, while Lennie is a large, mentally disabled man with a love for petting soft things. The two men have a close friendship, and George serves as a caretaker for Lennie, who is unable to care for himself.

The story begins as George and Lennie arrive at a new job on a ranch in California. They meet a group of other workers who are all looking for a way to escape their hard lives and find some sense of purpose. Despite their differences, the men form a community and help each other through tough times. However, their plans for the future are disrupted when Lennie accidentally kills the wife of one of their coworkers, Curley. Fearing for their safety, George decides that the only way to protect Lennie is to kill him before the authorities can get to him.

top 10 books under 100 pages

“Of Mice and Men” is a powerful, timeless story that explores the themes of friendship, loneliness, and the American Dream. Steinbeck’s characters are complex and nuanced, and the novel is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the people who inhabit it. The story is both a commentary on the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression and a timeless tale of the bonds of friendship and the power of the human spirit.

One of the key themes in the novel is loneliness. The characters in “Of Mice and Men” are all searching for connection and a sense of belonging, and they find comfort in each other’s company. However, the harsh realities of their lives mean that they are constantly on the move and unable to form lasting relationships. This sense of loneliness and isolation is heightened by the backdrop of the Great Depression, which left many people feeling adrift and without purpose.

Lastly, it is a heartbreaking story that continues to be widely read and studied. Its powerful themes and memorable characters have made it a timeless work of literature that speaks to the human condition and the struggle for meaning in a difficult world. Steinbeck’s writing is both beautiful and brutal, and the novel is a testament to his ability to create vivid and memorable stories that have stood the test of time. If you are a fan of short novels, then this is the book for you.

8. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“We Should All Be Feminists” is a book-length essay by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, first published in 2014. The essay is based on a TEDx talk that Adichie gave in 2012 and draws on her own experiences growing up in Nigeria and her observations about the intersection of gender and race.

top 10 books under 100 pages

  • The essay argues that we need a new definition of feminism, one that includes men and women of all races and classes and that addresses the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression.
  • Adichie describes her own experiences growing up in Nigeria, including her realization at a young age that she was considered inferior because she was female.
  • She argues that the notion of a single, universal definition of femininity is limiting and reinforces patriarchal values and that a more inclusive definition of femininity would benefit both women and men.
  • Adichie argues that society’s expectations of women, such as the expectation that women be nurturing and caring, serve to limit women’s opportunities and reinforce patriarchal values.
  • The essay argues that the concept of “feminism” has been misunderstood and that the true goal of feminism is to create a world in which men and women are treated equally and have equal opportunities.
  • Adichie argues that this goal is not just about women’s rights but about creating a more just and equal society for all people.
  • The essay is written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
  • The book has become a classic of feminist literature and has been widely read and discussed, inspiring a new generation of feminists and sparking important conversations about gender, race, and equality.

In conclusion, “We Should All Be Feminists” is a powerful short essay that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of feminism and to work towards creating a world in which men and women are treated equally. Through her own experiences and observations, Adichie provides a compelling argument for why we should all be feminists and why this is a goal that is not just about women’s rights but about creating a more just and equal society for all people.

9. Very Good Lives by J. K. Rowling

“Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination” is a book by J.K. Rowling, published in 2015. The book is based on a commencement speech that Rowling gave at Harvard University in 2008 and reflects on her own experiences of failure and success and the importance of imagination.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Here are some interesting things about the book:

  • The book reflects on Rowling’s own experiences of failure and success, including her struggles as a single mother and her eventual success as the author of the Harry Potter series .
  • Rowling argues that failure is a necessary part of the path to success and that we should embrace our failures and use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
  • The book emphasizes the importance of imagination and creativity in our lives and argues that these qualities are often undervalued in our society.
  • Rowling shares her own experiences with imagination and creativity and argues that these qualities have been essential to her own success and happiness.
  • The book offers advice on how to cultivate imagination and creativity in our own lives and how to pursue our passions and dreams despite setbacks and failures.
  • The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
  • The book has been widely read and celebrated for its inspiring message about the power of imagination, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, “Very Good Lives” is a powerful and inspiring book that encourages readers to embrace their failures and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Through her own experiences and reflections, Rowling provides a compelling argument for the importance of imagination and creativity in our lives and offers practical advice on how to pursue our passions and dreams. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on how to lead a rich and fulfilling life.

10. Antigone by Sophocles

“Antigone” is a play written by Sophocles, one of the three great ancient Greek playwrights, and was first performed in 441 BC. The play is one of the three Theban plays and is considered one of the greatest works of ancient Greek tragedy.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Here are the key points of the play:

  • The play is set in Thebes and tells the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, who defies the edict of the ruler, Creon, by burying her brother Polynices, who died in a battle against Thebes.
  • Antigone’s actions are seen as a challenge to the authority of Creon, who declares that Polynices should be left unburied as a punishment for his rebellion against Thebes.
  • The play explores themes of loyalty, obedience, and the conflict between individual conscience and the rule of law.
  • Antigone is depicted as a determined and heroic figure who is willing to risk her own life to fulfill her duty to her brother and the gods.
  • The play also explores the consequences of the choices made by Antigone and Creon and the impact of those choices on their families and the city of Thebes.
  • Antigone is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of ancient Greek tragedy and has been performed and adapted for various audiences for over 2,000 years.
  • The play’s themes of civil disobedience, the power of the individual conscience, and the conflict between individual rights and the rule of law continue to be relevant and have inspired countless works of literature, art, and popular culture.

In conclusion, “Antigone” is a timeless masterpiece of ancient Greek tragedy that explores universal themes of loyalty, obedience, and the conflict between individual conscience and the rule of law. Through its powerful characters and memorable dialogue, the play continues to captivate audiences and inspire new interpretations and adaptations. This play is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Western literature or the enduring power of drama.

11. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“The Little Prince” is a timeless and classic tale written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people of all ages since its publication in 1943. The book is a philosophical and imaginative journey that explores the themes of love, friendship, and the meaning of life.

top 10 books under 100 pages

  • The Little Prince is a timeless story about a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting different characters and learning important life lessons.
  • The Little Prince is depicted as a curious and innocent child who is searching for the meaning of life and the essence of what it means to be human.
  • Throughout his journey, the Little Prince meets various characters, including a king, a conceited man, a tippler, a businessman, and a lamplighter, who all teach him valuable lessons about the complexities of human nature and relationships.
  • One of the central themes of the book is the importance of love and friendship. The Little Prince’s relationship with the narrator, a pilot, is a poignant example of the power of genuine friendship and human connection.
  • The Little Prince’s encounters with the various characters highlight the negative consequences of greed, vanity, and the obsession with material things. The book encourages readers to reflect on their own priorities and to appreciate the simple things in life.
  • The Little Prince is a lyrical and imaginative story that transcends time and language, and continues to resonate with readers of all ages. The book’s beautiful illustrations, combined with its philosophical musings, make it a truly unique and enchanting read.
  • The Little Prince is a book that has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers, and to inspire them to think deeply about the meaning of life and the importance of love, friendship, and the simple things in life.

12. Larger than Life by Jodi Picoult

top 10 books under 100 pages

“Larger than Life” is a novel written by bestselling author Jodi Picoult. The novel is a family drama that explores the relationship between a father and his daughter, and the impact of a rare genetic condition on their lives.

  • The novel is set in New Hampshire and focuses on the relationship between Holly, a young girl who has a rare genetic condition called Proteus syndrome, and her father, Luke.
  • Holly’s condition causes her to grow at an accelerated rate and has a profound impact on her physical and emotional well-being.
  • Luke is a single father who is struggling to raise Holly and is faced with the challenges of balancing his work, his relationship with his daughter, and his own emotional needs.
  • The novel explores themes of family, love, and sacrifice, and the impact of a rare genetic condition on a family.
  • Through her character, Holly, Picoult sheds light on the challenges faced by children with rare genetic conditions and their families.
  • The novel also explores the role of medicine in our lives and the ethical implications of modern medical advances.
  • “Larger than Life” is a heart-warming and emotionally charged novel that is both touching and thought-provoking.
  • Picoult is known for her insightful and compassionate approach to complex and controversial issues, and “Larger than Life” is no exception.

In conclusion, “Larger than Life” is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the relationship between a father and his daughter, and the impact of a rare genetic condition on their lives. Through its insightful and compassionate approach, the novel sheds light on the challenges faced by children with rare genetic conditions and their families and offers a message about the importance of family, love, and sacrifice. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in family drama, medical ethics, or the impact of genetic conditions on individuals and families.

13. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

“The Tell-Tale Heart” is a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe, one of the master storytellers of the horror and mystery genre. Published in 1843, it remains a classic of the horror genre and is considered one of Poe’s most famous works.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Here are the key points of the story:

  • The story is narrated by an unnamed narrator who claims to be sane but is struggling with the guilt of having murdered an old man with a “vulture eye.”
  • The narrator describes in vivid detail the planning and execution of the murder and the elaborate steps he took to conceal the evidence of the crime.
  • The narrator’s guilt begins to haunt him as he hears a persistent, pounding heartbeat that he believes to be the old man’s ghost seeking revenge.
  • The narrator’s attempts to convince the police officers of his sanity ultimately lead to his downfall, as he confesses to the crime and reveals the hiding place of the old man’s body.
  • The story is told in a vivid, intense, and almost manic style that builds tension and suspense to a climactic finale.
  • The story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the power of the human imagination and is a perfect example of Poe’s ability to create suspense and fear through his use of language.
  • “The Tell-Tale Heart” is considered one of Poe’s most famous works and continues to be widely read and studied as a masterpiece of the horror genre.
  • The story’s enduring popularity is a testament to Poe’s skill as a storyteller and his ability to evoke fear and suspense through his writing. Themes of guilt, madness, and the power of the human imagination are timeless and continue to resonate with readers to this day.

14. The Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli

top 10 books under 100 pages

“The Prince” is a political treatise written by Nicolo Machiavelli in the early 16th century. It is considered one of the earliest works of modern political philosophy and remains one of the most influential books on political thought.

  • The Prince is a guide for ruling and maintaining power, written for the ruling class of Italy.
  • Machiavelli asserts that the primary goal of a ruler should be to maintain power and that all actions should be taken with this goal in mind.
  • The Prince argues that the ends justify the means and that rulers should not be bound by traditional moral codes but should instead act in the best interest of their state and their own power.
  • Machiavelli argues that it is often necessary for rulers to act harshly and use fear to maintain power and that it is better to be feared than loved.
  • The Prince also includes advice on the use of military power, the creation of alliances, and the importance of diplomacy.
  • Machiavelli argues that a ruler should be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances and should be flexible in their approach to ruling.
  • The Prince remains one of the most influential books on political thought, and its ideas have been studied and debated for centuries.
  • Machiavelli’s ideas are considered controversial, and the book has been both praised and criticized for its frank and pragmatic approach to politics.
  • Despite its controversial nature, The Prince remains an important work in the history of political thought and continues to be widely read and studied. It remains a seminal work on the topic of power and politics and is considered a classic of Western literature.

15. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a classic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. It is a tale of mystery and horror that explores the duality of human nature.

top 10 books under 100 pages

  • The story follows the lawyer, Mr. Utterson, as he investigates the strange case of his friend, Dr. Jekyll, and the evil Mr. Hyde.
  • Dr. Jekyll is a respected physician and scientist who has developed a potion that separates the good and evil aspects of his personality.
  • The evil Mr. Hyde is the result of this separation, and he is violent, cruel, and completely lacking in moral compass.
  • As the story progresses, Mr. Hyde begins to take over Dr. Jekyll’s life, and the good doctor is powerless to stop him.
  • The tale ends with the tragic revelation that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person, and that the potion has permanently transformed him into the evil Mr. Hyde.
  • The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is considered one of the best examples of the Gothic horror genre, and it has been widely adapted into film, television, and stage productions.
  • The novella is also considered an important work of Victorian literature, and it reflects the anxieties and fears of the era.
  • The duality of human nature is a central theme of the book, and the story explores the idea that every person has both good and evil within them.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde remains a popular and enduring work of fiction, and it continues to be widely read and studied. It is considered a classic of English literature and a seminal work in the horror genre.

16. Chess Story by Stefan Zweig

top 10 books under 100 pages

“Chess Story,” also known as “The Royal Game,” is a novella by the Austrian author Stefan Zweig. First published in 1942, it is a story about the power of chess and its impact on the human spirit.

  • The story takes place on board an ocean liner, where two chess players, Mirko Czentovic and Dr. B, engage in a series of chess games.
  • Mirko Czentovic is a chess prodigy and world champion, while Dr. B is an amateur player who has been practicing chess as a form of escape.
  • The two players engage in a series of games that become increasingly intense as Dr. B discovers that Mirko is not just a chess master but a man who has been conditioned to play chess as a way of life.
  • The chess games become a metaphor for the larger struggles in life as the two players engage in a battle for dominance and control.
  • Through the chess games, Dr. B learns the power of strategy and the importance of using his own mind and creativity to overcome obstacles.

The novella explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the power of the mind, and it highlights the importance of using our own skills and abilities to overcome adversity. Chess Story is considered one of Stefan Zweig’s best works, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of literature. The novella is also a commentary on the political and social events of the time, and it reflects the anxieties and fears of the world in the mid-20th century.

Despite its focus on the game of chess, Chess Story is not just a story about the game, but a story about the human spirit and the power of the mind. It is a timeless work that continues to be widely read and appreciated. So, if you’re one of the book lovers of short stories than definitely give this book a try.

17. Daisy Miller: A Study by Henry James

“Daisy Miller: A Study” is a novella written by Henry James and first published in 1878. The story is set in Europe and revolves around the character of Daisy Miller, a young American woman traveling abroad with her family. The protagonist, Winterbourne, is a wealthy American who is captivated by Daisy’s charm and beauty but also puzzled by her behavior and the scandal that seems to follow her wherever she goes.

top 10 books under 100 pages

The main theme of the story is the conflict between European and American cultures, as Daisy’s freedom and independence clash with the social norms and expectations of European society. Through her character, James explores the societal and cultural differences between the Old World and the New World, as well as the attitudes towards women and their roles in society.

Throughout the story, Daisy’s actions and behavior cause controversy and scandal in European society, leading to her being shunned by many of her acquaintances. Despite this, she remains undeterred and continues to act as she pleases, much to her confusion and frustration with Winterbourne.

In the end, Daisy’s defiance and lack of concern for the opinions of others lead to her untimely death, which serves as a warning to the reader about the dangers of disregarding societal norms. The novella ends with Winterbourne realizing that he was mistaken in his judgment of Daisy and that she was in fact, a “very pretty, innocent, lively young girl.”

“Daisy Miller: A Study” is considered a masterpiece of American literature and is widely regarded as one of James’s greatest works. It remains a popular and relevant story today, as its themes of cultural differences and the struggle for independence continue to resonate with readers.

18. The Alienist by Machado De Assis

“The Alienist” is a novel written by the Brazilian author Machado de Assis and was first published in 1882. The story is set in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. It follows the experiences of Dr. Simão Bacamarte, a successful and respected psychiatrist who decides to study the human mind and behavior in order to understand the causes of madness.

Bacamarte returns to his hometown and uses the townspeople as subjects for his research, hoping to determine the root cause of their mental illnesses. As he continues his experiments, the townspeople begin to fear him and his work, and rumors of his madness spread. The townspeople’s reactions to Bacamarte’s work become a central theme of the story, as he faces opposition from those who do not understand or agree with his methods.

top 10 books under 100 pages

The novel is known for its wit, irony, and humor, as well as its commentary on the themes of power, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth. Through Bacamarte’s character, Machado de Assis questions the idea of science as a tool for progress and the use of power in the pursuit of knowledge. The novel also explores the relationship between the individual and society, as Bacamarte’s pursuit of knowledge causes him to be isolated and rejected by the community.

In addition to its themes, “The Alienist” is also notable for its unique narrative structure, as the story is told through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. This narrative style provides a rich and diverse perspective on the events of the story, giving the reader a unique glimpse into the minds of the characters and their motivations.

“The Alienist” is considered a classic of Brazilian literature and is widely regarded as one of Machado de Assis’s most important works. Its themes of power, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth continue to resonate with readers and make it a relevant novel even today.

19. Larger Than Life by Jodi Picoult

“Larger Than Life” is a novel written by bestselling author Jodi Picoult. The story is centered around a family who, after the death of their father, are left with an elephant named Ellie as the only remaining part of his legacy. Ellie is a magnificent and beloved creature, but she is also an enormous responsibility and a reminder of the father who is no longer there.

As the family tries to navigate their loss and the challenges of caring for Ellie, they begin to learn important lessons about themselves and each other. The main character, who is the mother of the family, must come to terms with her own grief and the changes that have taken place in her life. She finds comfort in her relationship with Ellie and begins to see the world in a different way, learning to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the elephant and the lessons she can teach.

The novel explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of love and family. Picoult writes about the complex relationships that exist within a family and the challenges that can arise when a family member is lost. Through the character of Ellie, the story also highlights the importance of taking care of animals and the responsibility we have to protect them.

“Larger Than Life” is a beautifully written novel that is both touching and captivating. Picoult’s ability to create characters that are both real and relatable, combined with her insights into the human condition, make this book a must-read for fans of contemporary literature. The story is a testament to the power of love, family, and the relationships we build with each other and the animals around us.

20. The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin

top 10 books under 100 pages

“The Birds’ Christmas Carol” is a children’s novel written by Kate Douglas Wiggin, originally published in 1887. The book tells the story of Carol Bird, a young girl who is very sick and must stay in bed during the Christmas holiday. Her siblings and friends rally around her, trying to make the holiday special, and in turn, they learn the true meaning of Christmas. The story takes place in a small New England town and focuses on the experiences of Carol and her family, as well as the town’s poor, who are helped by the generosity of the town’s wealthier residents.

Throughout the book, Carol’s health improves, and she learns to appreciate the simple things in life, such as the love and kindness of her family and friends. The story highlights the importance of giving and helping others, as well as the joy that can be found in even the most difficult circumstances. The book also explores themes of family, community, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Lastly, “The Birds’ Christmas Carol” is a heart touching tale that teaches the importance of love, generosity, and selflessness. It is a timeless classic that is sure to warm the hearts of readers of all ages. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its message and the enduring appeal of its characters.

In conclusion, short books can offer a wealth of experiences, insights, and entertainment, despite their brevity. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape, a thought-provoking read, or just a fun, lighthearted book to pass the time, there’s something for everyone in the Best Short Books Under 100 Pages list.

From the timeless classic “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, to the timeless wisdom in “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen, and the timeless strategy in “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, these books are sure to leave a lasting impact on your life.

For those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read, “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson M.D. and “Very Good Lives” by J.K. Rowling offer a perfect perspective. “Tao te Ching” by Laozi and “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offer thought-provoking insights into the complexities of life and human nature.

Short books like “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, and “Antigone” by Sophocles, provide powerful portrayals of human experience and the enduring impact of our choices. And “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and “The Prince” by Nicolo Machiavelli offer timeless lessons on the nature of leadership and power.

In short, the Best Short Books Under 100 Pages list is a diverse collection of books that offer a wide range of experiences and insights, and are sure to leave a lasting impact on your life. So, what are you waiting for? Grab one of these books today mentioned above and see for yourself!

Keywords: james allen genre, hans christian andersen genre, sarah stewart genre, shirley jackson genre, spencer johnson genre, alice hemming genre, taylor jenkins reid genre, munro leaf genre, robert mccloskey genre, jamaica kincaid genre, laura barnard genre, kate douglas wiggin genre, burgess genre, khaled hosseini genre, nellie bly genre, chimamanda ngozi adichie genre, nikolai gogol genre, fredrik backman genre

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43 Short Classics You Have Time to Read

Want to be well-read in the classics, but don’t have time to read War & Peace? Grab one of these short classics you actually have time to read!

Do you want to be well-read but don’t have the time to sit down and read a 1,000+ page novel? While War and Peace is a long classic worth your time , how likely are you to have the time to sit down and read it?

Yet at the same time, you don’t want to feel like a complete fool when you converse with some crazy English major who only reads books written more than 100 years ago. What if you could feel well-read without taking up too much of your time?

Enter my list of short classics you actually have time to read. Though I listed all the short classics I could find, I’ve highlighted the ones that I think would be most valuable. For example, John Steinbeck’s The Red Pony is short, but I’ve never actually come across it in a conversation.

My highlighted list of short classics is more practical in nature. These featured short classics have conversational value.

If you hang around smart people long enough, you might actually have a chance to bring them up in conversation. Plus, you’d be surprised how often classics are referenced in popular culture. For example, Of Mice and Men is referenced in the tv shows Friends and Lost and even a Katy Perry song.

Not only was I aiming for short classics with conversational value but also I chose stories that each taught a valuable lesson. In these short classics, you can see perfect examples of human nature – the darkness, absurdities, and greed that are common to all men.

So, in 200 pages or less, here are some short classics you actually have time to read in your busy schedule.

Sidenote: I included both traditional classics and modern classics on my list. Also, page counts are from Goodreads.

Short Classics Under 100 Pages

book cover Songs of Innocence and Of Experience by William Blake

Songs of Innocence and of Experience

William blake.

If you don’t have much time but want to read short classics, one of the best places to start is with poetry. With a poetry collection, you can easily sneak in a few poems in your free time – and a page of poetry is a lot quicker to read than a page of regular text. William Blake’s small collection of poetry is the shortest classic on my list. Showing the contrary states of the human soul, Blake aims to portray the innocence of childhood against the realities of a fallen world. A perfect example, is his famous poem, The Tyger , in which Blake intones of the tiger, “Did he who made the Lamb make thee?” 56 pages

Tyger Tyger burning bright In the forests of the night. -William Blake, The Tyger

book cover The Misanthrope by Moliere

The Misanthrope

Molière.

Besides poetry, another great way to enjoy short classics is to read classic plays. Even at the same number of pages, plays have much more spacing inside the text, making them quick reads. The second shortest item on my list of short classics is Molière’s famous play, The Misanthrope . This short work is a humorous look at the absurdities of human nature. Molière uses the protagonist, a man quick to judge others but blind to his own flaws, as a perfect satire of not just the French Aristocracy, but people in general.  64 pages

“Betrayed and wronged in everything I’ll flee this bitter world where vice is King And seek some spot unpeopled and apart Where I’ll be free to have an honest heart.” -Molière, The Misanthrope

book cover The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Little Prince

Antoine de saint-exupéry.

If you aren’t in the mood for poetry or a play, The Little Prince is a short illustrated story full of morals – if only you have eyes to see them. It’s one of those classic books in which you can get out of it as much or as little as you want. This short allegory follows a young boy, the Little Prince, who decides to give up his pleasant life on his tiny planet to go discover the universe. Along the way, he encounters a strange place called Earth and learns about some of the absurdities of the adults.  93 pages

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

book cover The Pearl by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck

Imagine having the luckiest day of your life. In today’s world, that might mean winning the lottery. In John Steinbeck’s novella, The Pearl , it meant that a poor diver named Kino found the largest and most beautifully perfect pearl. His luck had changed … or had it? Short classics are best when they teach you about human nature, and The Pearl perfectly captures the vices of greed and envy. “Luck, you see, brings bitter friends,” as poor Kino learns of his fellow man. A short little story with a powerful lesson, The Pearl is a great introduction to the classics and John Steinbeck’s brilliant body of work.  96 pages

“For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more.” -John Steinbeck, The Pearl

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43 Short Classics You Actually Have time to read

Short Classics Under 150 Pages

book cover Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men

Pack your tissues because this classic novel is a book that will make you cry. This memorable story follows eternal optimists George and Lennie who share a common dream – to own some land of their own. When life leads them to work on a California ranch, they bump up against the reality that life can be extremely unfair. I think if you were to only read one of the short classics on my list, this would be the one. Steinbeck is a brilliant writer, and I promise that this story will stick with you long after you’ve read it.  112 pages

“The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.” -Robert Burns, To A Mouse

book cover A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf

A Room of One’s Own

Virginia woolf.

Based on two lectures she gave at women’s colleges at the University of Cambridge, A Room of One’s Own is an influential feminist text. Virginia Woolf believes that for a woman to truly write, she needs two things: money and a room to herself. While you may not agree with everything she says, this short essay covers the interesting topics of intellectual freedom and the process of creating. Of all the short classics on my list, I feel this is the most thought-provoking of them all. 112 pages

“So long as you write what you wish to write, that is all that matters; and whether it matters for ages or only for hours, nobody can say.” -Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

book cover A Room with a View by E. M. Forster

A Room with a View

E. m. forster.

Lucy has her whole life planned out. She’ll marry her perfectly respectable fiance Cecil and live a quiet peaceful life in England. However, when she visits Italy with her cousin Charlotte, Lucy’s life is turned upside down as she meets an explosion of colorful characters, including the passionate George. Can she accept the chaos of this new life or go back to her old ways in England? If you tend toward the romantic, this is the perfect choice for you.  119 pages

“Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice.” -E. M. Forster, A Room with a View

book cover Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm

George orwell.

On the surface, Animal Farm is just a simple tale of animals revolting against the cruel farmer to set up their own government. In reality, Animal Farm is the perfect parable for the danger of giving up our freedoms for the sake of security. If you’ve ever wondered how a dictatorship comes to be, this classic short novel will show you. To get the most of this short classic, you’ll want to pair it with my favorite book of all time, George Orwell’s 1984 .  122 pages

“All animals are created equal. But some are more equal than others.” -George Orwell, Animal Farm

book cover The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger

Albert camus.

Ready for a short novel that will make you think? Enter Albert Camus’ thought-provoking short classic book, The Stranger , the story of Mersault, a seemingly ordinary man without any feelings. After he kills a stranger on an Algerian beach, Mersault is put on trial for murder. On the surface, The Stranger seems like a simple novel, but if you care to look deeper, you can find the roots of many philosophical questions (though few answers).  123 pages

“I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.” -Albert Camus, The Stranger

book cover The Crucible by Arthur Miller

The Crucible

Arthur miller.

Based on actual people and events, The Crucible is a short classic play set during the Salem Witch Trials. In the 1690s, the townspeople of the small New England town of Salem are suddenly engulfed in rumors of witchcraft. The mass hysteria leads to the accusation and trial of Elizabeth Proctor for being a witch. Remember that Miller’s play was written in 1953, right in the middle of the Senator McCarthy era. The hysteria of the townspeople in the play perfectly mirrors the hysteria caused by McCarthy’s anti-communist crusade and reminds us to not let our fears get the better of us.  143 pages

“Until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven.” -Arthur Miller, The Crucible

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Short Classics Under 200 Pages

book cover Fahrenheit 541 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451

Ray bradbury.

One of those short classics you probably read in high school, Ray Bradbury’s novel seems particularly prophetic in our current age of technology. Set in a society where printed books are considered dangerous, Fahrenheit 451 tells the tale of Guy Montag, a fireman whose job it is to search out and burn books until he begins to question everything he has ever known. Ray Bradbury’s novel serves as a warning against the dangers of censorship and the consequences of an addiction to television. 175 pages

“A book is a loaded gun in the house next door … Who knows who might be target of a well-read man?” -Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

book cover The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

F. scott fitzgerald.

I swear every American teenager reads this classic in high school, but if you happen to have skipped it, you really ought to read it now. Even if you read it in high school, you really should read it again as an adult. You’ll pick up a lot more of the underlying themes. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great American novel serves as the quintessential work of the Jazz Age. As the narrator enters the world of Long Island’s fabulously wealthy, we meet the mysterious Jay Gatsby and the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. A short but memorable book that everyone should read in their lifetime. 180 pages

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

book cover Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Lord of the Flies

William golding.

What happens when a group of English schoolboys is marooned on a deserted island? The above quote perfectly summarizes this novel. As the boys attempt to rule themselves, the dark side of human nature comes out in all its ugliness. Even if our society isn’t perfect, this book makes you glad that at least you live in a civilized society. If you didn’t by chance read this book growing up, now is a great time to pick it up. It’s probably even more terrifying to read as an adult imagining your kids as characters in the novel than it was to read as a teen. 182 pages

“We did everything adults would do. What went wrong?” -William Golding, Lord of the Flies

book cover The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The Awakening

Kate chopin.

Coming in just below the 200-page mark and the final of the short classics I’ll feature is Kate Chopin’s The Awakening . I can’t say I particularly liked this novel, but I still feel it deserves to be highlighted on my list of short classics. For its time, Kate Chopin’s tale of a woman’s infidelity was rather shocking and delves into the main character’s psychology. I’ve chosen more fun easy reads thus far, but I figure I might as well end on a short book that might impress the English major sitting next to you. 195 pages

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.” -Kate Chopin, The Awakening

Do You Prefer Short Classics or Long Classic Books?

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my Short Classics list? What short classic books have I forgotten? Or would rather have the depth of long classic books? As always, let me know in the comments!

More Classic Books Reading Lists:

  • 100 Classic Books to Read Before You Die
  • Long Classics Actually Worth Your Time
  • 33 Children’s Classics Your Kids Will Love
  • 27 Classic Books Published in the 1920s
  • 29 Classic Books Published in the 1930s

Recommended

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Reader Interactions

Mark Scheck says

January 13, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Thank you so much, going to try and jump into a few of these tonight!!

July 20, 2021 at 11:39 am

Great list! I read The Pearl for my challenge pick. Love your blog, thanks!

Leslie says

November 2, 2022 at 7:25 pm

Great list. Needed ideas for my neighborhood book club!!

Vianca says

December 9, 2022 at 12:39 am

Excited to dive into more classics!

top 10 books under 100 pages

50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages

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Sarah S. Davis

Sarah S. Davis holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's of Library Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Sarah has also written for Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, Audible, Psych Central, and more. Sarah is the founder of Broke By Books blog and runs a tarot reading business, Divination Vibration . Twitter: @missbookgoddess Instagram: @Sarahbookgoddess

View All posts by Sarah S. Davis

In a previous mega list here on Book Riot, I highlighted 50 must-read books over 500 pages . It only seems right to follow that up with this list of 50 must-read short books. A mix of narrative styles and genres, the 50 books in this essential list of the best short books are all under 250 pages. If you’re planning what to read for your next readathon, hoping to break through a reading slump or book hangover with a quick read, or need to meet your reading challenge goal with a few books you can read in one sitting, this list has you covered.

Descriptions graciously supplied from publisher descriptions and condensed when necessary.

Dig into these excellent short books, all under 250 pages. These short books cover ever genre, style, and format, as well as offer up a variety of easy reads and challenging picks. book lists | short books | must-read short books | short books to read | best short books

Best Short Books

All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg (Fiction)

“Who is Andrea Bern? When her dippy therapist asks the question, Andrea knows the right things to say: she’s a designer, a friend, a daughter, a sister. But it’s what she leaves unsaid—she’s alone, a drinker, a former artist, a shrieker in bed, captain of the sinking ship that is her flesh—that feels the most true. Everyone around her seems to have a different idea of what it means to be an adult, though. But when Andrea’s niece finally arrives, born with a heartbreaking ailment, the Bern family is forced to reexamine what really matters. Will this drive them together or tear them apart? Told in gut-wrenchingly honest, mordantly comic vignettes,  All Grown Up  is a breathtaking display of Jami Attenberg’s powers as a storyteller and a whip-smart examination of one woman’s life, lived entirely on her own terms.” (Amazon)

American Housewife by Helen Ellis (Fiction)

“Meet the women of  American Housewife . They wear lipstick, pearls, and sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. They casserole. They pinwheel. And then they kill a party crasher, carefully stepping around the body to pull cookies from the oven. Taking us from a haunted pre-war Manhattan apartment building to the unique initiation ritual of a book club, these twelve delightfully demented stories are a refreshing and wicked answer to the question: ‘What do housewives do all day?'” (Amazon)

American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin by Terrance Hayes (Poetry)

“A powerful, timely, dazzling collection of sonnets from one of America’s most acclaimed poets, Terrance Hayes, the National Book Award-winning author of  Lighthead.  In seventy poems bearing the same title, Terrance Hayes explores the meanings of American, of assassin, and of love in the sonnet form. Written during the first two hundred days of the Trump presidency, these poems are haunted by the country’s past and future eras and errors, its dreams and nightmares. Inventive, compassionate, hilarious, melancholy, and bewildered–the wonders of this new collection are irreducible and stunning.” Amazon

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good  by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlane Delargy (Mystery)

“Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and… no qualms about a little murder. This funny, irreverent story collection by Helene Tursten, author of the Irene Huss investigations, features two-never-before translated stories that will keep you laughing all the way to the retirement home.” (Amazon)

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Mystery)

“‘Ten . . .’ Ten strangers are lured to an isolated island mansion off the Devon coast by a mysterious “U. N. Owen.”

‘Nine . . .’ At dinner a recorded message accuses each of them in turn of having a guilty secret, and by the end of the night one of the guests is dead.

‘Eight . . .’ Stranded by a violent storm, and haunted by a nursery rhyme counting down one by one . . . as one by one . . . they begin to die.

‘Seven . . .’ Which among them is the killer and will any of them survive?” (Amazon)

the cover of Art Matters

Art Matters by Neil Gaiman (Nonfiction)

“Drawn from Gaiman’s trove of published speeches, poems, and creative manifestos,  Art Matters  is an embodiment of this remarkable multi-media artist’s vision—an exploration of how reading, imagining, and creating can transform the world and our lives.  Drawn together from speeches, poems and creative manifestos,  Art Matters  will explore how reading, imagining and creating can change the world. A creative call to arms, the book will champion freedom of ideas, making art in the face of adversity and choosing to be bold. It will be inspirational to young and old, and will encourage glorious, creative rebellion.  ” (Amazon)

Beast in View by Margaret Millar (Mystery)

“Thirty-year-old Helen Clarvoe is scared and all alone. The heiress of a small fortune, she is resented by her mother and, to a lesser degree, her brother. The only person who seemingly cares for her is the family’s attorney, Paul Blackshear. A shut-in, Helen maintains her residence in an upscale hotel downtown.

But passive-aggressive resentment isn’t the only thing hounding Helen Clarvoe. A string of bizarre and sometimes threatening prank phone calls has upended her spinster’s routine. Increasingly threatened, she turns to a reluctant Mr. Blackshear to get to the bottom of these strange calls. Blackshear is doubtful of their seriousness but he quickly realizes that he is in the midst of something far more sinister than he thought possible. As he unravels the mystery of the calls the identity behind them slowly emerges, predatory and treacherous.” (Amazon)

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (Fiction)

“ The Bell Jar  chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under — maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that Esther’s insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made  The Bell Jar  a haunting American classic.” (Amazon)

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (Fiction)

“Annie Proulx has written some of the most original and brilliant short stories in contemporary literature, and for many readers and reviewers, “Brokeback Mountain” is her masterpiece.

Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two ranch hands, come together when they’re working as sheepherder and camp tender one summer on a range above the tree line. At first, sharing an isolated tent, the attraction is casual, inevitable, but something deeper catches them that summer.

Both men work hard, marry, and have kids because that’s what cowboys do. But over the course of many years and frequent separations this relationship becomes the most important thing in their lives, and they do anything they can to preserve it.” (Amazon)

Calvin by Martine Leavitt (YA Fiction)

“Seventeen-year-old Calvin has always known his fate is linked to the comic book character from Calvin & Hobbes. He was born on the day the last strip was published. His grandpa put a stuffed tiger named Hobbes in his crib. And he even had a best friend named Susie.

Then Calvin’s mom washed Hobbes to death. Susie grew up beautiful and stopped talking to him. And Calvin pretty much forgot about the strip―until now.

Now he is seventeen years old and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Hobbes is back, as a delusion, and Calvin can’t control him. Calvin decides that cartoonist Bill Watterson is the key to everything―if he would just make one more comic strip, but without Hobbes, Calvin would be cured.

Calvin and Susie (is she real?) and Hobbes (he can’t be real, can he?) set out on a dangerous trek across frozen Lake Erie to track down Watterson.” (Amazon)

the cover of Chemistry

Chemistry by Weike Wang (Romance)

“At first glance, the quirky, overworked narrator of Weike Wang’s debut novel seems to be on the cusp of a perfect life: she is studying for a prestigious PhD in chemistry that will make her Chinese parents proud (or at least satisfied), and her successful, supportive boyfriend has just proposed to her. But instead of feeling hopeful, she is wracked with ambivalence: the long, demanding hours at the lab have created an exquisite pressure cooker, and she doesn’t know how to answer the marriage question. When it all becomes too much and her life plan veers off course, she finds herself on a new path of discoveries about everything she thought she knew. Smart, moving, and always funny, this unique coming-of-age story is certain to evoke a winning reaction.” (Amazon)

Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley (Graphic Memoir)

“In her graphic memoirs, New York Times-best selling cartoonist Lucy Knisley paints a warts-and-all portrait of contemporary, twentysomething womanhood, like writer Lena Dunham ( Girls ). In the next installment of her graphic travelogue series, Displacement , Knisley volunteers to watch over her ailing grandparents on a cruise. (The book’s watercolors evoke the ocean that surrounds them.) In a book that is part graphic memoir, part travelogue, and part family history, Knisley not only tries to connect with her grandparents, but to reconcile their younger and older selves. She is aided in her quest by her grandfather’s WWII memoir, which is excerpted. Readers will identify with Knisley s frustration, her fears, her compassion, and her attempts to come to terms with mortality, as she copes with the stress of travel complicated by her grandparents’ frailty.” (Goodreads)

Edinburgh by Alexander Chee

“Twelve-year-old Fee is a shy Korean American boy and a newly named section leader of the first sopranos in his local boys’ choir. But when Fee learns how the director treats his section leaders, he is so ashamed he says nothing of the abuse, not even when Peter, his best friend, is in line to be next. When the director is arrested, Fee tries to forgive himself for his silence. But when Peter takes his own life, Fee blames only himself. In the years that follow he slowly builds a new life, teaching near his hometown. There he meets a young student who is the picture of Peter and is forced to confront the past he believed was gone.” (Amazon)

The End We Start From by Megan Hunter (Fiction)

“Megan Hunter’s debut is a searing original, a modern-day parable of rebirth and renewal, of maternal bonds, and the instinct to survive and thrive in the absence of all that’s familiar.

As London is submerged below floodwaters, a woman gives birth to her first child, Z. Days later, she and her baby are forced to leave their home in search of safety. They head north through a newly dangerous country seeking refuge from place to place. The story traces fear and wonder as the baby grows, thriving and content against all the odds.

The End We Start From  is an indelible and elemental first book―a lyrical vision of the strangeness and beauty of new motherhood, and a tale of endurance in the face of ungovernable change.” (Amazon)

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Fantasy)

“Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere… else.

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children.

Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced… they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of things.

No matter the cost.” (Amazon)

Ex Libris cover

Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman (Nonfiction)

“Anne Fadiman is–by her own admission–the sort of person who learned about sex from her father’s copy of  Fanny Hill , whose husband buys her 19 pounds of dusty books for her birthday, and who once found herself poring over her roommate’s 1974 Toyota Corolla manual because it was the only written material in the apartment that she had not read at least twice.

This witty collection of essays recounts a lifelong love affair with books and language.” (Amazon)

Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill (Poetry)

“In this rousing new prose and poetry collection, Nikita Gill gives Once Upon a Time a much-needed modern makeover. Through her gorgeous reimagining of fairytale classics and spellbinding original tales, she dismantles the old-fashioned tropes that have been ingrained in our minds. In this book, gone are the docile women and male saviors. Instead, lines blur between heroes and villains. You will meet fearless princesses, a new kind of wolf lurking in the concrete jungle, and an independent Gretel who can bring down monsters on her own.

Complete with beautifully hand-drawn illustrations by Gill herself,  Fierce Fairytales  is an empowering collection of poems and stories for a new generation.” (Amazon)

The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis (Nonfiction)

“Michael Lewis’s brilliant narrative takes us into the engine rooms of a government under attack by its own leaders. In Agriculture the funding of vital programs like food stamps and school lunches is being slashed. The Commerce Department may not have enough staff to conduct the 2020 Census properly. Over at Energy, where international nuclear risk is managed, it’s not clear there will be enough inspectors to track and locate black market uranium before terrorists do….

If there are dangerous fools in this book, there are also heroes, unsung, of course. They are the linchpins of the system―those public servants whose knowledge, dedication, and proactivity keep the machinery running. Michael Lewis finds them, and he asks them what keeps them up at night.” (Amazon)

Fox 8 by George Saunders (Fiction)

“Fox 8 has always been known as the daydreamer in his pack, the one his fellow foxes regard with a knowing snort and a roll of the eyes. That is, until he develops a unique skill: He teaches himself to speak “Yuman” by hiding in the bushes outside a house and listening to children’s bedtime stories. The power of language fuels his abundant curiosity about people—even after “danjer” arrives in the form of a new shopping mall that cuts off his food supply, sending Fox 8 on a harrowing quest to help save his pack.” (Amazon)

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez (Fiction)

“When a woman unexpectedly loses her lifelong best friend and mentor, she finds herself burdened with the unwanted dog he has left behind. Her own battle against grief is intensified by the mute suffering of the dog, a huge Great Dane traumatized by the inexplicable disappearance of its master, and by the threat of eviction: dogs are prohibited in her apartment building.

While others worry that grief has made her a victim of magical thinking, the woman refuses to be separated from the dog except for brief periods of time. Isolated from the rest of the world, increasingly obsessed with the dog’s care, determined to read its mind and fathom its heart, she comes dangerously close to unraveling. But while troubles abound, rich and surprising rewards lie in store for both of them.

Elegiac and searching,  The Friend  is both a meditation on loss and a celebration of human-canine devotion.” (Amazon)

Cover of Goodbye, Vitamin

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (Fiction)

“Her life at a crossroads, a young woman goes home again in this funny and inescapably moving debut from a wonderfully original new literary voice.

Freshly disengaged from her fiancé and feeling that life has not turned out quite the way she planned, thirty-year-old Ruth quits her job, leaves town and arrives at her parents’ home to find that situation more complicated than she’d realized. Her father, a prominent history professor, is losing his memory and is only erratically lucid. Ruth’s mother, meanwhile, is lucidly erratic. But as Ruth’s father’s condition intensifies, the comedy in her situation takes hold, gently transforming all her grief.

Told in captivating glimpses and drawn from a deep well of insight, humor, and unexpected tenderness,  Goodbye, Vitamin  pilots through the loss, love, and absurdity of finding one’s footing in this life.” (Amazon)

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn (Mystery)

“A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the “psychic” visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it. ” (Amazon)

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (Horror)

“First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson’s  The Haunting of Hill House  has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.” (Amazon)

Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot (Memoir)

“ Heart Berries  is a powerful, poetic memoir of a woman’s coming of age on the Seabird Island Band in the Pacific Northwest. Having survived a profoundly dysfunctional upbringing only to find herself hospitalized and facing a dual diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder and bipolar II disorder; Terese Marie Mailhot is given a notebook and begins to write her way out of trauma. The triumphant result is  Heart Berries , a memorial for Mailhot’s mother, a social worker and activist who had a thing for prisoners; a story of reconciliation with her father―an abusive drunk and a brilliant artist―who was murdered under mysterious circumstances; and an elegy on how difficult it is to love someone while dragging the long shadows of shame.

Mailhot trusts the reader to understand that memory isn’t exact, but melded to imagination, pain, and what we can bring ourselves to accept. Her unique and at times unsettling voice graphically illustrates her mental state. As she writes, she discovers her own true voice, seizes control of her story, and, in so doing, reestablishes her connection to her family, to her people, and to her place in the world.” (Amazon)

Her Body and Other Parties by Carman Maria Machado (Fiction)

“In  Her Body and Other Parties , Carmen Maria Machado blithely demolishes the arbitrary borders between psychological realism and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and fabulism. While her work has earned her comparisons to Karen Russell and Kelly Link, she has a voice that is all her own. In this electric and provocative debut, Machado bends genre to shape startling narratives that map the realities of women’s lives and the violence visited upon their bodies.” (Amazon)

the cover of How to Be a Good Creature

How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery (Memoir)

“Understanding someone who belongs to another species can be transformative. No one knows this better than author, naturalist, and adventurer Sy Montgomery. To research her books, Sy has traveled the world and encountered some of the planet’s rarest and most beautiful animals. From tarantulas to tigers, Sy’s life continually intersects with and is informed by the creatures she meets.

This restorative memoir reflects on the personalities and quirks of thirteen animals—Sy’s friends—and the truths revealed by their grace. It also explores vast themes: the otherness and sameness of people and animals; the various ways we learn to love and become empathetic; how we find our passion; how we create our families; coping with loss and despair; gratitude; forgiveness; and most of all, how to be a good creature in the world.” (Amazon)

I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya (Memoir)

“A trans artist explores how masculinity was imposed on her as a boy and continues to haunt her as a girl–and how we might reimagine gender for the twenty-first century.

Vivek Shraya has reason to be afraid. Throughout her life she’s endured acts of cruelty and aggression for being too feminine as a boy and not feminine enough as a girl. In order to survive childhood, she had to learn to convincingly perform masculinity. As an adult, she makes daily compromises to steel herself against everything from verbal attacks to heartbreak.

Now, with raw honesty, Shraya delivers an important record of the cumulative damage caused by misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia, releasing trauma from a body that has always refused to assimilate.  I’m Afraid of Men  is a journey from camouflage to a riot of colour and a blueprint for how we might cherish all that makes us different and conquer all that makes us afraid.” (Amazon)

The Incendiaries by R.O. Kwon (Fiction)

“Phoebe Lin and Will Kendall meet in their first month at prestigious Edwards University. Phoebe is a glamorous girl who doesn’t tell anyone she blames herself for her mother’s recent death. Will is a misfit scholarship boy who transfers to Edwards from Bible college, waiting tables to get by. What he knows for sure is that he loves Phoebe.

Grieving and guilt-ridden, Phoebe is drawn into a secretive cult founded by a charismatic former student with an enigmatic past. When the group commits a violent act in the name of faith, Will finds himself struggling to confront a new version of the fanaticism he’s worked so hard to escape. Haunting and intense,  The Incendiaries  is a fractured love story that explores what can befall those who lose what they love most.” (Amazon)

Killing and Dying by Adrian Tamine (Graphic Novel)

“ Killing and Dying  is a stunning showcase of the possibilities of the graphic novel medium and a wry exploration of loss, creative ambition, identity, and family dynamics. With this work, Adrian Tomine ( Shortcomings ,  Scenes from an Impending Marriage ) reaffirms his place not only as one of the most significant creators of contemporary comics but as one of the great voices of modern American literature. His gift for capturing emotion and intellect resonates here: the weight of love and its absence, the pride and disappointment of family, the anxiety and hopefulness of being alive in the twenty-first century.” (Amazon)

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto (Fiction)

“With the publication of  Kitchen,  the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature.  Kitchen  is an enchantingly original book that juxtaposes two tales about mothers, love, tragedy, and the power of the kitchen and home in the lives of a pair of free-spirited young women in contemporary Japan. Mikage, the heroine, is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who has passed away. Grieving, Mikage is taken in by her friend Yoichi and his mother (who is really his cross-dressing father) Eriko. As the three of them form an improvised family that soon weathers its own tragic losses, Yoshimoto spins a lovely, evocative tale with the kitchen and the comforts of home at its heart.” (Amazon)

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline book cover

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (YA Fiction)

“Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands. For now, survival means staying hidden—but what they don’t know is that one of them holds the secret to defeating the marrow thieves.” (Amazon)

Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit (Nonfiction)

“In her comic, scathing essay, “Men Explain Things to Me,” Rebecca Solnit took on what often goes wrong in conversations between men and women. She wrote about men who wrongly assume they know things and wrongly assume women don’t, about why this arises, and how this aspect of the gender wars works, airing some of her own hilariously awful encounters.

This updated edition with two new essays of this national bestseller book features that now-classic essay as well as “#YesAllWomen,” an essay written in response to 2014 Isla Vista killings and the grassroots movement that arose with it to end violence against women and misogyny, and the essay “Cassandra Syndrome.” This book is also available in hardcover.” (Amazon)

The Merry Spinster by Daniel M. Lavery (Fantasy)

“Adapted from the beloved “Children’s Stories Made Horrific” series, The Merry Spinster takes up the trademark wit that endeared Daniel M. Lavery to readers of both The Toast and the bestselling debut Texts from Jane Eyre . Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster twists traditional children’s stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief. Unfalteringly faithful to its beloved source material, The Merry Spinster also illuminates the unsuspected and frequently alarming emotional complexities at play in the stories we tell ourselves, and each other, as we tuck ourselves in for the night.” (Amazon)

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (Poetry)

“The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache.  Milk and Honey  takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.” (Amazon)

The Misfit’s Manifesto by Lidia Yuknavitch (Nonfiction)

“The feeling of not fitting in is universal.  The Misfit’s Manifesto  is for misfits around the world—the rebels, the eccentrics, the oddballs, and anyone who has ever felt like she was messing up. It’s Lidia Yuknavitch’s love letter to all those who can’t ever seem to find the “right” path. She won’t tell you how to stop being a misfit—quite the opposite. In her charming, poetic, funny, and frank style, Lidia will reveal why being a misfit is not something to overcome, but something to embrace. Lidia also encourages her fellow misfits not to be afraid of pursuing goals, how to stand up, how to ask for the things they want most. Misfits belong in the room, too, she reminds us, even if their path to that room is bumpy and winding. An important idea that transcends all cultures and countries, this book has created a brave and compassionate community for misfits, a place where everyone can belong.” (Amazon)

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Nutshell by Ian McEwan (Fiction)

“Trudy has been unfaithful to her husband, John. What’s more, she has kicked him out of their marital home, a valuable old London town house, and in his place is his own brother, the profoundly banal Claude. The illicit couple have hatched a scheme to rid themselves of her inconvenient husband forever. But there is a witness to their plot: the inquisitive, nine-month-old resident of Trudy’s womb.

As Trudy’s unborn son listens, bound within her body, to his mother and his uncle’s murderous plans, he gives us a truly new perspective on our world, seen from the confines of his. McEwan’s brilliant recasting of Shakespeare lends new weight to the age-old question of Hamlet’s hesitation, and is a tour de force of storytelling.” (Amazon)

The Only Great Harmless Thing by Brooke Bolander (Sci-Fi)

“ The Only Harmless Great Thing  is a heart-wrenching alternative history by Brooke Bolander that imagines an intersection between the Radium Girls and noble, sentient elephants.

In the early years of the 20th century, a group of female factory workers in Newark, New Jersey slowly died of radiation poisoning. Around the same time, an Indian elephant was deliberately put to death by electricity in Coney Island.

These are the facts.

Now these two tragedies are intertwined in a dark alternate history of rage, radioactivity, and injustice crying out to be righted. Prepare yourself for a wrenching journey that crosses eras, chronicling histories of cruelty both grand and petty in search of meaning and justice.” (Amazon)

The Red Parts by Maggie Nelson (Memoir)

“Late in 2004, Maggie Nelson was looking forward to the publication of her book  Jane: A Murder , a narrative in verse about the life and death of her aunt, who had been murdered thirty-five years before. The case remained unsolved, but Jane was assumed to have been the victim of an infamous serial killer in Michigan in 1969.

Then, one November afternoon, Nelson received a call from her mother, who announced that the case had been reopened; a new suspect would be arrested and tried on the basis of a DNA match. Over the months that followed, Nelson found herself attending the trial with her mother and reflecting anew on the aura of dread and fear that hung over her family and childhood–an aura that derived not only from the terrible facts of her aunt’s murder but also from her own complicated journey through sisterhood, daughterhood, and girlhood.

The Red Parts  is a memoir, an account of a trial, and a provocative essay that interrogates the American obsession with violence and missing white women, and that scrupulously explores the nature of grief, justice, and empathy.” (Amazon)

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood (Fiction)

“Welcome to sunny suburban 1960s Southern California. George is a gay middle-aged English professor, adjusting to solitude after the tragic death of his young partner. He is determined to persist in the routines of his former life.  A Single Man  follows him over the course of an ordinary twenty-four hours. Behind his British reserve, tides of grief, rage, and loneliness surge―but what is revealed is a man who loves being alive despite all the everyday injustices.” (Amazon)

Sisters by Lily Tuck (Fiction)

“In her singular new novel  Sisters , Tuck gives a very different portrait of marital life, exposing the intricacies and scandals of a new marriage sprung from betrayal.

Tuck’s unnamed narrator lives with her new husband, his two teenagers, and the unbanishable presence of his first wife―known only as  she . Obsessed with her, our narrator moves through her days presided over by the all-too-real ghost of the first marriage, fantasizing about how the first wife lives her life. Will the narrator ever equal  she  intellectually, or ever forget the betrayal that lies between them? And what of the secrets between her husband and  she , from which the narrator is excluded? The daring and precise build up to an eerily wonderful denouement is a triumph of subtlety and surprise.

With  Sisters , Lily Tuck delivers riveting psychological portrait of marriage, infidelity, and obsession; charting with elegance and insight love in all its phases.” (Amazon)

the cover of Skim

Skim by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki (YA Graphic Novel)

“‘Skim’ is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls’ school in the early ’90s. When her classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself — possibly because he’s (maybe) gay — the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. It’s a weird time to fall in love, but that’s what happens to Skim when she starts meeting secretly with her neo-hippie English teacher, Ms. Archer. But then Ms. Archer abruptly leaves the school, and Skim has to cope with her confusion and isolation while her best friend, Lisa, tries to pull her into ‘real’ life by setting up a hilarious double-date for the school’s semi formal. Suicide, depression, love, homosexuality, crushes, cliques of popular, manipulative peers — the whole gamut of teen life is explored in this poignant glimpse into the heartache of being 16.” (Amazon)

Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P.D. James (Mystery)

“When it comes to crime, it’s not always a question of ‘who dunnit?’ Sometimes there’s more mystery in the  why  or the  how . And what about the clever few who carry out what appears to be the perfect crime? Or whose most essential selves are changed by the crimes they commit? And what about those who know the identity of the murderer but keep the information to themselves? These are some of the questions that these six stories begin to unlock as they draw us into the inner workings—the thoughts and emotional machinations, the recollections and rationalizations, the dreams and desires—behind both murderous cause and effect. And no one gets inside the head of a perpetrator—or makes it a peerlessly thrilling and entertaining read—like the incomparable P. D. James.” (Amazon)

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami, translated by Ted Goossen (Fiction)

“Opening the flaps on this unique little book, readers will find themselves immersed in the strange world of best-selling Haruki Murakami’s wild imagination. The story of a lonely boy, a mysterious girl, and a tormented sheep man plotting their escape from a nightmarish library, the book is like nothing else Murakami has written. Designed by Chip Kidd and fully illustrated, in full color, throughout, this small format, 96 page volume is a treat for book lovers of all ages.” (Amazon)

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (Fiction)

“When her corgis stray into a mobile library parked near Buckingham Palace, the Queen feels duty-bound to borrow a book. Discovering the joy of reading widely (from J. R. Ackerley, Jean Genet, and Ivy Compton-Burnett to the classics) and intelligently, she finds that her view of the world changes dramatically. Abetted in her newfound obsession by Norman, a young man from the royal kitchens, the Queen comes to question the prescribed order of the world and loses patience with the routines of her role as monarch. Her new passion for reading initially alarms the palace staff and soon leads to surprising and very funny consequences for the country at large.” (Amazon)

The Vegetarian by Han Kang, translated by Deborah Smith (Fiction)

“Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams—invasive images of blood and brutality—torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It’s a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that’s become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself.” (Amazon)

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Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman (Fiction)

“Eden Malcom lies in a bed, unable to move or to speak, imprisoned in his own mind. His wife Mary spends every day on the sofa in his hospital room. He has never even met their young daughter. And he will never again see the friend and fellow soldier who didn’t make it back home–and who narrates the novel. But on Christmas, the one day Mary is not at his bedside, Eden’s re-ordered consciousness comes flickering alive. As he begins to find a way to communicate, some troubling truths about his marriage–and about his life before he went to war–come to the surface. Is Eden the same man he once was: a husband, a friend, a father-to-be? What makes a life worth living? A piercingly insightful, deeply felt meditation on loyalty and betrayal, love and fear,  Waiting for Eden  is a tour de force of profound humanity.” (Amazon)

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour (YA Fiction)

“Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.” (Amazon)

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nonfiction)

“In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.” (Amazon)

The White Darkness by David Grann (Nonfiction)

“Henry Worsley was a devoted husband and father and a decorated British special forces officer who believed in honor and sacrifice. He was also a man obsessed. He spent his life idolizing Ernest Shackleton, the nineteenth-century polar explorer, who tried to become the first person to reach the South Pole, and later sought to cross Antarctica on foot. Shackleton never completed his journeys, but he repeatedly rescued his men from certain death, and emerged as one of the greatest leaders in history.

Worsley felt an overpowering connection to those expeditions. He was related to one of Shackleton’s men, Frank Worsley, and spent a fortune collecting artifacts from their epic treks across the continent. He modeled his military command on Shackleton’s legendary skills and was determined to measure his own powers of endurance against them. He would succeed where Shackleton had failed, in the most brutal landscape in the world.

In 2008, Worsley set out across Antarctica with two other descendants of Shackleton’s crew, battling the freezing, desolate landscape, life-threatening physical exhaustion, and hidden crevasses. Yet when he returned home he felt compelled to go back.” (Amazon)

the cover of Women & Power

Women & Power: A Manifesto by Mary Beard (Nonfiction)

“Britain’s best-known classicist Mary Beard, is also a committed and vocal feminist. With wry wit, she revisits the gender agenda and shows how history has treated powerful women. Her examples range from the classical world to the modern day, from Medusa and Athena to Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Beard explores the cultural underpinnings of misogyny, considering the public voice of women, our cultural assumptions about women’s relationship with power, and how powerful women resist being packaged into a male template.

With personal reflections on her own experiences of the sexism and gendered aggression she has endured online, Mary asks: if women aren’t perceived to be within the structures of power, isn’t it power that we need to redefine?” (Amazon)

top 10 books under 100 pages

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8 Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

Posted by Why Read | Apr 5, 2015 | Classic Books , War & Military Books , Young Adult Books

8 Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

These books are not only a quick read, they are worth a read because of the quality and their impact. Regardless of how many pages they have, these books have managed to be highly influential since their publication.

If you don’t have too much time to commit, here are some of the greatest books ever written which under a 100 pages (or so) long.

1. The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

The Metamorphosis is not only one of the best books under 100 pages, it’s one of the best books ever written.

A man wakes up one day to find he has been changed into a large insect. The story follows his efforts to deal with this, and his family’s reaction to the change. But it’s not just a story about a man turning into an insect. It’s a clever way of writing about how a family would deal with the main breadwinner becoming unable to work, and also on a wider scope, the way society reacts to someone who is disabled, or terminally ill.

2.  The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

(Featured in  7 Books That Will Change Your Outlook On Life )

The narrator is a downed pilot in the Sahara Desert, frantically trying to repair his wrecked plane. His efforts are interrupted one day by the apparition of a little, well, prince, who asks him to draw a sheep. “In the face of an overpowering mystery, you don’t dare disobey,” the narrator recalls. “Absurd as it seemed, a thousand miles from all inhabited regions and in danger of death, I took a scrap of paper and a pen out of my pocket.” And so begins their dialogue, which stretches the narrator’s imagination in all sorts of surprising, childlike directions.

3. Utopia – Thomas More

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

Utopia is a work of fiction and political philosophy. In his definition of Utopia, More’s gives us an oppressively conformist society which often parallels modern communist ideas. It is a society where freedom of choice, in modern terms, is sacrificed in a trade off for efficiency and order. The crux of this conundrum has always been, who gets to judge what is desirable in the quest for this efficiency and order.

4. The Prince – Nicolo Machiavelli

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

The Prince is filled with stand-out quotes such as:

“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”

This book does describe most (not all) power situations very well. From politics to corporations to most settings where advancement, influence and control exist, Machiavelli’s observations and rules apply.

5. Animal Farm – George Orwell

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

(Featured in  8 Outstanding Classic Books Which Are Easy To Read )

If like me you were forced to read this in high school and therefore hated it, I urge you to read it again. George Orwell found an incredible way to show how the power structures of the world work, how revolutions come about and how absolute power can corrupt, absolutely.

6. The Art Of War – Sun Tzu

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

War is ugly, dirty, brutal, wasteful and expensive. That is the reality of it. Let’s not pretend otherwise. Having said that, the ancient Chinese master strips away all the familiar trappings of war – the warriors, weapons, forts and tactics – to reveal the essence of conflict and how to win.

7. The Old Man and The Sea – Ernest Hemingway

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

(Featured in  Nobel Prize in Literature: 6 Classic Winners You Must Read )

With “ The Old Man and the Sea ,” it is so easy to see why Hemingway  was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, and why he deserves all of his accolades. This short novel is fierce, full of vibrant energy and humanity, all the while being a slave to the realities of finite power, of the inability to struggle against something greater than yourself. 

8. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens

Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

A classic, the book Charles Dickens wrote while heavily in debt turned out to be one of his finest. As much a part of the holiday season as carols and mistletoe.

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top 10 books under 100 pages

The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Under 200 Pages

Or, 50 afternoons well spent.

About a month ago, we published a list of 50 of the best contemporary novels over 500 pages , for those of you who suddenly have a lot of extra time on your hands. But for those of us who suddenly have a lot less  extra time on our hands, or who just can’t really pay attention to anything anymore unless it’s a) short or b) what were we talking about? For us, I present this list of 50 of the best contemporary novels under 200 pages.

For our purposes here, “contemporary” means published (in English) after 1970. NB that I’m not making a distinction between novellas and novels—I’m not sure there really is one—but I’m not including short story collections, or books that include a novella and stories. Finally, as ever, “best” is subjective, and this list is limited by time and space and the literary tastes of this editor. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments below.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Mary Robison, Why Did I Ever (200 pages)

Probably the best fragment novel on the block: the saga of Money Breton, errant script doctor, mother of two, obsessive obssesser, is funny, irreverent, and weirdly moving. Not for nothing, but this novel is my own personal ultimate coolness test, because yep, I am an adult who judges other people’s coolness, and I do it based on the books they read.

Jenny Offill, Dept. of Speculation 

Jenny Offill, Dept. of Speculation (177 pages)

My other candidate for the best recent fragment novel—not to mention one of the best novels of the decade , full stop—is of course Offill’s luminous, eye-wormy (this is a term I have just now invented for the literary version of ear-wormy, you’re welcome, and sorry), and consistently wise modern classic, which is ostensibly the story of a marriage but is more importantly the story of a mind.

Denis Johnson, Train Dreams

Denis Johnson, Train Dreams (116 pages)

Johnson’s novella is a shibboleth among a certain kind of reader (and, typically, writer). In our list of the best novels of the decade , editor Dan Sheehan described it as “the incantatory story of a turn-of-the-century logger and railroad laborer, Robert Grainier, who loses his family to a wildfire and retreats deep into the woods of the Idaho panhandle as the country modernizes around him. Johnson’s spare, strange, elegiac prose conjures a world that feels both ancient and ephemeral, full of beauty and menace and deep sorrow. . . . An American epic in miniature,  Train Dreams is a visionary portrait of soul untethered from civilization, a man stoically persevering on his own hermetic terms in the face of unimaginable tragedy. A haunted and haunting reverie.”

top 10 books under 100 pages

Han Kang, tr. Deborah Smith, The Vegetarian (188 pages)

The Vegetarian has come under scrutiny for its translation, and the accuracy thereof, but since I can only read English, all I know is that whatever came out of the union of Kang and Smith is very, very good. In our list of the best debut novels of the decade, editor Molly Odintz wrote , “Han Kang’s tale begins with a description of a dutiful wife, unusual only in her refusal to wear a bra, whose sudden decision to stop eating meat sends her partner and family into a spiral of confusion, where forcible consumption of meat quickly becomes a metaphor for violation. The vegetarian begins a slow transformation into vegetable itself—first, she stops eating meat; gradually, she stops eating everything. Her withdrawal from culinary delights is mirrored by her withdrawal from the world. She basks in sunlight, is painted all over with flowers by her sister’s husband (a not-so-successful artist), and for all intents and purposes, attempts to become a plant. Is she onto something, or is she out of her mind? Is she denying the world, or is she fully embracing it? Han Kang leaves the answers to these questions deliberately vague, and the sign of a great work is its ability to be read by many people and interpreted differently by each one.”

Milan Kundera, Slowness

Milan Kundera, Slowness (176 pages)

A metafictional meditation on modernity and memory—and on “the dancer,” showing off for the abstracted “everyone,” the concept of which gets more relevant every day.

Kazuo Ishiguro, A Pale View of Hills

Kazuo Ishiguro, A Pale View of Hills (192 pages)

Ishiguro’s debut, first published in 1982, takes shape through the recollections of an aging Japanese woman, living in England, now alone after her husband’s death. But as she reflects, the memories become less secure—or at least less restricted to the past. Like everything Ishiguro writes, it’s beautiful, subtle, and not a little shadowy.

near to the wild heart

Clarice Lispector, tr. Alison Entrekin, Near to the Wild Heart (194 pages)

I register that this is something of a cheat, since Lispector’s first novel was originally published in Brazil in 1943—but considering that it wasn’t translated into English until 1990, I’m going to sneak it in here. After all, it is too glorious to ignore: evidence of a mind on fire. We follow Joana through her life in this short novel, but it’s really the sentences you should read for: sometimes inscrutable, sometimes wild, sometimes transcendent.

Susanna Moore, In the Cut

Susanna Moore, In the Cut (179 pages)

Okay, I’m hereby warning you: this novel is not for the squeamish. My best friend recommended this book to me not too long ago and didn’t tell me anything about it except that it was amazing, and it was totally a replay of that time she made me go see Hard Candy  with her and told me it was going to be an indie comedy. And look, it is amazing, in the sense that you will have physical reactions reading this book, and in the sense that Moore perfectly captures a range of emotions and impulses rarely committed to paper. But like . . . you’re not going to feel good at the end. So just know that.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Samanta Schweblin, tr. Megan McDowell, Fever Dream (189 pages)

This is a weird and terrifying, almost suffocating novel that kept me up for an entire night. In our list of the best debut novels of the decade , our editorial fellow Eleni Theodoropoulos wrote that in this novel, “detail is dramatized through dialogue, and Schweblin knows just what to pick and what to leave out so that characters and readers alike are obsessed with the story about the poison. Everyone is at the mercy of someone: David is at the mercy of Amanda, Amanda at the mercy of David, and the reader at the mercy of both of them. The only way to find out the truth in Fever Dream  is by trusting someone else’s narrative. Even in being swept away in the horrific progression of the novel, and simultaneously, the disease, the reader identifies with Amanda, a mother who realizes she cannot protect her child. In just under 200 pages, Schweblin has delivered a poignant, tragic tale of a fear come true.”

what belongs to you garth greenwell

Garth Greenwell, What Belongs to You (191 pages)

If you’ve been reading Lit Hub for any amount of time, you know how much we love Garth Greenwell’s debut (not to mention his latest,  Cleanness ), which is, after all, one of the best debut novels of the decade . It’s an exquisite book, both on the sentence and the story level, a mesmerizing work of art.

Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

Ben Lerner, Leaving the Atocha Station (181 pages)

I still love Lerner’s debut, which is basically about a poet not writing poetry in Madrid, but is actually very good, despite that. In our list of the best debut novels of the decade, our editor Jessie Gaynor described it as one of the “most subtly hilarious novels around” and wrote that “Lerner invites the reader to laugh with his protagonist as well as with him. The novel feels propulsive rather than meandering, as if the reader is the one whose fellowship is quickly running short.”

top 10 books under 100 pages

Don DeLillo, Point Omega  (117 pages)

DeLillo’s the rare writer who excels in both the long and the short form. This one, his fifteenth, is a destabilizing, compelling portrait of grief refracted through art. According to me, at least—it’s also one of DeLillo’s most polarizing novels, so you might as well read it, at least to have an opinion on the matter.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Thomas Bernhard, tr. Jack Dawson, The Loser (190 pages)

Possibly the best ill-tempered 190 page monologue in contemporary literature, if you’re into that sort of thing.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Danielle Dutton, Margaret the First (160 pages)

This lucid gem is the first-person tale of Margaret Cavendish, a real-life 17th century Renaissance woman and writer whose story would be captivating enough on its own, even without Dutton’s elegant, winking treatment. But the winks do not go unnoticed, of course (nor does that gorgeous cover). In our list of the best novels of the decade , editor in chief Jonny Diamond described the book as a “glinting dagger of novel” and wrote that Dutton “realizes the outsize ambitions of this remarkable book with virtuosic efficiency, braiding first- and third-person perspectives with passages from Cavendish’s original writing. I will be recommending this book for the next decade.”

Leonard Michaels, Sylvia

Leonard Michaels, Sylvia (123 pages)

Michaels’ autobiographical novel is a matter-of-fact retelling of his marriage to his first wife, the “abnormally bright” but depressed and volatile Sylvia Bloch. Reading it feels like looking, through Michaels’ clear eyes, at a moment in his life in his early 20s that has been hermetically sealed, so by the time he tells the story, it’s become a sort of still-water legend. You can discern pretty much right away that this relationship is doomed, but it still feels essential to watch it unfold.

renata adler speedboat

Renata Adler,  Speedboat   (193 pages)

If you’re a certain kind of woman living in a certain kind of city, this is a bible. If you’re a certain kind of writer with a certain kind of sensibility, it’s a bible too. Adler’s wry, discursive novel is a brilliant portrait of New York and of a singular, elliptical mind—the kind of book that, if you’re a certain kind of person, will have you looking at everything around you a little bit more carefully and taking notes like mad.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending (163 pages)

The winner of the 2001 Man Booker prize is a wonderful if melancholic novel about memory, aging, and what it is to live a good (or at least not a bad) life.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Jenny Erpenbeck, tr. Susan Bernofsky, Visitation (150 pages)

This is another book that I feel like I carp on about all the time on this website, but I don’t actually feel too sorry about that. As I wrote in our list of the best translated novels of the decade , this is a book about a house on a lake outside of Berlin—a house that is as much the subject, as a place in time, as the people who move through it. “There are little human dramas within this grander and colder scheme, ones that secretly hook us in, however minor they seem, so that we are devastated when time passes, so that we mourn the ones we barely knew, for their fixations, their tragedies, their trying. Elegiac, often astoundingly gorgeous, sometimes strikingly brutal, this is one of the most wonderful novels of any sort that you could hope to read.”

top 10 books under 100 pages

Yuri Herrera, tr. Lisa Dillman, Signs Preceding the End of the World (128 pages)

As I wrote in our list of the best translated novels of the decade , this book “is almost fable-like, both in length and tone: when you begin reading it, you’re not sure (or at least I wasn’t) whether you’re in our world or another—it begins with a sinkhole, a curse, and a quest. Soon it becomes clear that this  is  our world, or almost, sliced by the border between Mexico and the United States. Borders in this novel—between worlds, between words, between people—are both dangerous and porous, messages meaningless and profound in equal measure. It is an intense, indelible book, an instant myth of love and violence.”

The Lover Marguerite Duras cover

Marguerite Duras, The Lover (117 pages)

I love this novel so much I once made a playlist for it . And I’m not the only one who is obsessed with this assured, severe book, which Duras originally planned as an annotated photo album of her youth. “Through the years, I have come to think of The Lover as a lake without a bottom, or perhaps more accurately with a bottom that is ever-shifting: each dive yields an altered and enriched understanding of the topography, and there is the sense that you could dive forever and never grasp that topography absolutely,” wrote Laura van den Berg . “In every reading, I have been stunned still by language that is at once crystalline and enigmatic: ‘The light fell from the sky in cataracts of pure transparency, in torrents of silence and immobility. The air was blue, you could hold it in your hand. Blue.'”

top 10 books under 100 pages

Rachel Ingalls, Mrs. Caliban (125 pages)

I think at this point, every single person on the Literary Hub staff has read Mrs. Caliban —the deceptively simple tale of a housewife who falls in love with a mysterious creature escaped and on the run from a government lab—after its reissue by New Directions during the Autumn of Sea Monsters , we just kept passing it around, one to the other. Our editor Dan Sheehan, who interviewed Ingalls before her death, described it as “an intoxicating mix of sensuality, sorrow, and supernatural horror, and a damn-near perfect novella.”

Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street

Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street (101 pages)

The forever classic of a girl growing up in Chicago.

Sayaka Murata, Convenience Store Woman

Sayaka Murata, tr. Ginny Tapley Takemori,  Convenience Store Woman   (176 pages)

A dry, funny novel about, well, a woman who works in a convenience store. In our list of the best translated novels of the decade , editor Jessie Gaynor writes that “it reads, by turns, like a love story (woman meets store), an unusually charming employee handbook, and a psychological thriller—but somehow, it never feels disjointed. It was interesting to read this novel in the midst of a glut of English books about the dehumanizing nature of underemployment.  Convenience Store Woman  doesn’t, in my reading, take a stance on the Value of Work. Instead, it presents Keiko in all her glorious strangeness, and invites the reader to delight in it.”

Edward St. Aubyn, Never Mind

Edward St. Aubyn, Never Mind (197 pages)

A harrowing work of genius—and for the uninitiated, consider this the entry point for many, many hours of literary enjoyment.

Autobiography of Red Anne Carson

Anne Carson, Autobiography of Red (149 pages)

Carson’s novel in verse, a retelling of a classic Greek myth, is one of those books that retrains your mind, erasing all the rules about what novels should—or even can—be. Ocean Vuong lists it among the books he needed to write his celebrated debut  On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous , writing “perhaps what’s most inspiring to me about this book is Carson’s refusal to enact her protagonist’s development via a false and forced inhabitation of heteronormative ideals. Geyron, a quiet, small, artistic mama’s boy, does not become a masculinist hero in order to “solve” his outcast position. Instead, he bravely embodies his otherness, or “monstrosity,” as Carson writes, through emotionally-informed aesthetic vision. It’s a book that insists on the necessity of alterity as agency instead of succumbing to the readily assimilative.”

donald antrim elect mr. robinson for a better world

Donald Antrim, Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World (164 pages)

Antrim’s stucco-pink, subtropic suburban nightmare concerns a town gone mad and the schoolteacher determined to get everything back to normal—albeit with highly suspect methods. This surreal mini-masterpiece is one of my favorite novels of all time, and one of the funniest, in the darkest possible way.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Fleur Jaeggy, tr. Tim Parks, Sweet Days of Discipline (101 pages)

An actually perfect novel, which elsewhere I ranked as the fourth best campus novel of all time (give me a book, I’ve ranked it somewhere). It’s set in a boarding school in the Appenzell; when disdainful, mysterious new girl Frédérique, our narrator is enthralled—and determined “to conquer her.” Everly line is ice cold in its deliberation, and yet the whole thing feels hot. Which is not even to mention the incredible new cover designed by Oliver Munday, who I daresay agrees with me about the merits of the book .

sara levine treasure island

Sara Levine, Treasure Island!!! (172 pages)

A truly insane novel about a young woman who decides to live her life by the principles of Robert Louis Stevenson’s  Treasure Island , those principles being Boldness, Resolution, Independence, and, of course, Horn Blowing. One of the most fun reading experiences I can remember.

ghosts

César Aira, tr. Chris Andrews, Ghosts (141 pages)

Many of Aira’s books could be candidates for this list—Ghosts is a personal favorite: a builder’s family squats in an unfinished apartment building, also populated, for those who can see them, by ghosts. That said, Mark Haber also makes a very good argument for  Ema the Captive here . We can just call this the Aira spot.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Elena Ferrante, tr. Ann Goldstein, The Days of Abandonment (188 pages)

Psst. This is the  real  Ferrante. I mean, look, I love the Neapolitan series as much as everybody (well probably not as much as everybody but I admit they’re good), but in my opinion, this short novel about a woman unraveling is her true masterpiece.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Nicholson Baker, The Mezzanine (145 pages)

Baker’s hilarious, cerebral debut takes place over the length of a single escalator ride, but turns out that a single escalator ride can actually contain multitudes. It is about as packed as a book can be with witty observations, cultural criticism, and human behavior. And milk cartons. (Sorry, but this is one of those books you can’t explain to people, you just have to trust me and give it a try.)

such small hands

Andrés Barba, tr. Lisa Dillman,  Such Small Hands   (94 pages)

It is my solemn duty to proselytize this vicious little book—in which a girl is sent to an orphanage after her parents are killed in a car crash, and I can’t tell you anymore—everywhere I go. My latest victim was our editor Katie Yee, who wrote in our list of the best translated novels of the decade that the book “reads like logic breaking, like a melon dropping on the ground. It is the unexpected word choice (the seatbelt had become  severe !) that makes this work simultaneously sinister and a joy to read. . . . At only 94 pages,  Such Small Hands is a cruelly quick read that makes you feel, in the best way, like the walls of language are closing in on you.”

Susan Steinberg, Machine

Susan Steinberg, Machine (149 pages)

Steinberg is an undersung genius, and her elliptical novel about one tragic summer—a girl, a drowning—should be a modern classic in the vein of Jenny Offill and Maggie Nelson.

Julie Otsuka, The Buddha in the Attic

Julie Otsuka,  The Buddha in the Attic (144 pages)

Otsuka elegantly employs the first person plural to tell the story of a group of Japanese “picture brides” who come  to California to meet their husbands. In our list of the best novels of the decade , our editor Katie Yee writes that “the collective first person narration matches the subject matter beautifully; it mimics the immigrant experience, the way “others” are often seen as the same and the automatic camaraderie and safety we might find among those who share our stories. . . . I’ve re-read this novel many times, trying to understand how it can encompass such a wide scope of things. What Julie Otsuka has accomplished here is both an artful, intimate portrait of individual lives and a piercing indictment of history.”

paula fox desperate characters

Paula Fox, Desperate Characters (180 pages)

Scraping through with a 1970 pub date, one of my all-time favorite novels about a woman who may or may not have rabies.

William Maxwell, So Long, See You Tomorrow

William Maxwell,  So Long, See You Tomorrow   (145 pages)

Though he’s better known for being the fiction editor of The New Yorker during its glory days, Maxwell also wrote short stories and several novels—the last of which, a slim autobiographical novel which won a National Book Award in 1982, was shortest and greatest.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Toni Morrison, Sula (192 pages)

Morrison’s  Sula  features one of the most enduring (and convincing) female friendships/rivalries ever committed to literature: that of Sula and Nel, living in “the Bottom” in Ohio. As Mira Jacob put it , “what I particularly love about  Sula is the full complexity of her female characters. It’s like reading those characters when I was younger was seeing, for the first time, who centered dark women. Who centered, who whole-heartedly said this story is hers, and hers, and hers, and they—we are allowed to be as complex as we need to be, and hold the ground in the story.  . . . This is the book that I keep by my bed because when things don’t make sense, I will turn to a single paragraph and just meditate on it. Because I feel like everything is very deftly placed, but even within that, I feel a sense of wonder in here. A real curiosity about people and how they work and what they’re willing to settle for and what they’re not willing to settle for, and the real friction of what that looks like.”

top 10 books under 100 pages

Jeanette Winterson, The Passion (160 pages)

A sly little historical fairy tale, in which a web-footed Venetian pickpocket named Villanelle has lost her heart (literally) to a noblewoman, and a stumbling soldier named Henri will try to get it back.

James Welch, Winter in the Blood

James Welch, Winter in the Blood (160 pages)

In Welch’s brutal, celebrated first novel, our unnamed narrator, a young man living on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, seeks both connection—to his tribe, his history, his culture, his fractured family—and independent self-actualization. As Reynolds Price wrote in The New York Times Book Review , “the story it tells, the knowledge it contains, has as much to say of the bone‐deep disaffection and bafflement, the famous and apparently incurable psychic paralysis of several million Americans of varied origins now in their twenties, early thirties, as of any smaller group. Permafrost in the blood and mind—why and how and what to do?”

"Grief is the Thing With Feathers" by Max Porter

Max Porter, Grief is the Thing with Feathers (128 pages)

A lovely, surrealist novel, and one of the most convincing stories about grief I have ever read.

top 10 books under 100 pages

Valeria Luiselli, tr. Christina MacSweeney, Faces in the Crowd (162 pages)

Though she’s published a lot of wonderful work since then, I’m still partial to Luiselli’s debut novel, originally published in 2011 and translated into English in 2014, a fresh and compelling portrait of the artist as a young translator taken askance and doubled back on itself.

Tobias Wolff, Old School

Tobias Wolff, Old School (195 pages)

An unnamed senior, an unnamed boarding school, a literary world so close you could almost offend it. As Michael Knight put it last year, this is the perfect campus novel (I ranked it twelfth on my list of the best ), both fulfilling and transcending the expectations of the genre. “Here we have the musty but beautiful buildings, the arcana of campus customs, the rivalries and ambitions of the students at his all-male academy, all rendered in Wolff’s spare and lucid prose. We even have a plagiarism case, hardly exotic to the genre. The novel is rich in familiar ways throughout, but it’s not until Wolff shifts point of view in the last section, away from first person and into third, away from student life to an English teacher burdened by a secret of his own, that the book lifts up and out of the boarding school tradition and into something altogether more devastating.”

Lorrie Moore, Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? (160 pages)

In Moore’s indelibly observed, sneakily devastating second novel, a discontented woman on a trip to Paris with her husband looks back at the summer she was 15, dragged along by her luminous friend Sils, when everything was still possible and exciting—but soon, like all things, to end.

The Bookshop Penelope Fitzgerald

Penelope Fitzgerald,  The Bookshop   (118 pages)

A perfect jewel of a novel about a woman who opens a bookstore in a small town in Suffolk, fights with a local bigwig, and ultimately (spoiler alert) gets evicted.

Stephen Graham Jones, Mapping the Interior

Stephen Graham Jones, Mapping the Interior (112 pages)

Jones is an extraordinarily prolific writer, and he’s an expert at genre manipulation; no surprise then that Mapping the Interior is both a coming-of-age story and a horror story, a book about menace, memory, and hope.

Ron Hansen, Mariette in Ecstasy

Ron Hansen,  Mariette in Ecstasy (192 pages)

Hansen’s gorgeous, precise little novel is set in a Roman Catholic convent in upstate New York in 1906. In The Times , Patricia Hampl called it “a novel whose language is so exquisite that the book runs the danger of being praised only for its diamondlike prose, which is often as pleasing as the most crystalline poetry. And yet Mariette in Ecstasy  is not solely a novel of sensibility, a mere esthete’s exercise. For while its descriptions dazzle, they never preen or degenerate into overblown virtuoso riffs. The greatest beauty—and the fundamental success—of this gripping novel is that its author has managed to find a voice that is entirely at the service of its strange and elusive subject.”

the-orange-eats-creeps-2

Grace Krilanovich,  The Orange Eats Creeps   (172 pages)

I remember reading this novel when it came out in 2010, and gasping audibly at the audacity of its rule-breaking: this was a novel unlike any I had read before, and boy was it fun, and weird, and gross, and punk. I never hear people talking about it these days, but they should be: it’s a careening, side-elbowing nightmare of a book that you should definitely read if you liked Samanta Schweblin’s Fever Dream .

Justin Torres, We the Animals

Justin Torres, We the Animals (125 pages)

Another skinny novel that made our list of the best debuts of the decade —a barbaric yawp of a book that celebrates and sings boyhood in all its grimy glory.

Marie Redonnet’s Hotel Splendid

Marie Redonnet, tr. Jordan Stump, Hôtel Splendid (113 pages)

Allow me to use this space to recommend not just Hôtel Splendid , a weird and charming novel about three sisters maintaining a hotel that seems determined to sink back into the earth, but the whole of the loose trilogy of which it is a part, the other two books being  Forever Valley , in which a teenage girls digs holes looking for the dead, and Rose Mellie Rose , in which another young girl in a decaying landscape tries to outline her life.

Ottessa Moshfegh, McGlue

Ottessa Moshfegh, McGlue (160 pages)

Moshfegh’s debut novella won the Fence Modern Prize in Prose and the Believer Book Award, but it still seems like no one has read it—a shame, but understandable. Rather than explain, I’ll direct you to the opening of the review that made me want to pick it up, which goes like this : “Ottessa Moshfegh’s first novel reads like the swashbuckled spray of a slit throat—immediate, visceral, frank, unforgiving, violent, and grotesquely beautiful. McGlue, a transient drunk with a crack in his head, beats (at times quite literally) against his own possibility with overconsumption, nihilism, self-destructiveness, and utter depravity.” You’re either into that kind of thing or you aren’t.

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Emily Temple

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10 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Based on Books, Ranked

W hether it's within the pages of books or on TV screens, sci-fi narratives are always thrilling. The best of them often stimulate the mind and captivate people’s imaginations while remaining grounded in reality. The increasing demand for sci-fi stories imply that viewers will not tire of this genre any time soon. Considering that unique and intriguing science fiction TV shows and movies continue to be churned out, it is evident that sci-fi is one of the most prevalent genres today.

Fans of sci-fi books understand the thrill of seeing their favorite stories adapted for the screen. If skillfully executed, seeing characters come to life deepens the reader’s connection to them. These visual adaptations not only bring intricate details in source materials to life, but also create a more immersive and tangible experience that extends beyond the reader’s imagination. Silo , for example, is one of the newest sci-fi TV series based on books, which has garnered a dedicated audience after it premiered in May 2023.

These 10 sci-fi TV shows bring the imaginative worlds created by authors to a larger audience.

Brave New World (2020)

Brave new world.

Release Date 2016-00-00

Main Genre Sci-Fi

Brave New World is loosely based on Aldous Huxley’s classic novel of the same name, which is set in a future where technological and scientific advancements have created a highly controlled and stable society. While everyone may seem happy in this utopian world, a hidden decay lurks beneath the surface.

What Makes It Great

This sci-fi TV show boasts a thought-provoking narrative that will appeal to both fans and non-fans of the source material. Despite not following the book closely, the series compensates with its great acting, excellent pacing, camera work, and visual effects. Rooted in the book’s universe, Brave New World proves to be an absolute enjoyment across its nine episodes for those willing to see it as its own story. Overall, it is a riveting sci-fi series that exposes the hypocrisies of the modern world.

Stream on Peacock

Under the Dome (2013-2015)

Under the dome.

Release Date 2013-06-24

Cast Eddie Cahill, Mackenzie Lintz, Alexander Koch, Rachelle Lefevre, Mike Vogel, Dean Norris, Colin Ford

Main Genre Drama

Genres Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, Under the Dome unfolds in the small town of Chester’s Hill, where a massive transparent dome descends, cutting the town from the outside world. As the town grapples with this abrupt isolation, tension arises, prompting characters to delve into the mystery behind the doom and its origins.

Opinions on Under the Dome are mixed, with some commending its suspenseful premise and exploration of individuals trapped in a confined environment. Others, however, argue that it deviates from its source material and has pacing issues. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of Stephen King’s works or those who enjoy sci-fi shows set in small towns, this series proves to be intriguing, especially when viewed with an open mind. Notably, this sci-fi series features great love stories between its characters, emerging as one of its strongest points.

Stream on Paramount+

The 100 (2014-2020)

Release Date 2014-03-19

Cast Marie Avgeropoulos, Lindsey Morgan, Richard Harmon, Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, jr bourne

Genres Family, Drama, Thriller

The 100 is a dystopian sci-fi series that sees the Earth no longer habitable, with the world's population residing in various spacecrafts. After some time, 100 delinquents are sent back to the planet's surface to test its habitability. While there, they form a new colony, but also face off against multiple threats that include, among many things, human survivors with no restraint and mutated creatures. Beyond its simple survival story, The 100 incorporates elements of political intrigue and power struggles among characters, making it more intriguing.

While there are some significant changes in plot, character development, and narrative direction, The 100 shares some fundamental concepts with Krass Morgan’s book series, on which it is based. Viewers who expect an exact adaptation may be disappointed, but the TV series is equally intriguing as the book, never afraid to delve into darker themes while constantly keeping viewers guessing about the fate of the characters and, by extension, humanity.

Stream on Netflix

Related: Best Sci-Fi Movies of 1950s, Ranked

Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

Altered carbon.

Release Date 2018-02-02

Cast Renee Goldsberry, Will Yun Lee, Anthony Mackie

Genres Sci-Fi

Set in a futuristic urban landscape reminiscent of Blade Runner , The Matrix and Akira , this Cyberpunk cinematic work centers on Takeshi Koviacs, who awakens centuries after his death to discover his consciousness has been placed in a new body. A gritty noir series, Altered Carbon is based on Richard K. Morgan’s 2002 novel of the same name.

While screen adaptations can’t translate every detail of a book, Altered Carbon effectively captures Takeshi Koviacs’ journey in a strange world marked by a big divide between the privileged and the less fortunate. Despite certain discrepancies between the book and series that may be noticed by those who have read the source material, Altered Carbon will be enjoyed by viewers who appreciate dystopian futures with a blend of well-choreographed action and philosophical exploration. The series boasts a compelling combination of an intriguing plot, strong characters, thought-provoking themes, and more, just like Morgan's novel.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)

The handmaid's tale.

Release Date 2017-04-26

Cast O.T. Fagbenle, Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, Ann Dowd

Genres Drama

Regarded as one of Hulu’s finest series , The Handmaid’s Tale unfolds in an authoritarian regime where women are treated like second-class citizens and any who tries to escape is punished. June is one of those who tried to escape her fate in this oppressive society but ends up getting caught and is forced to become a Handmaid, tasked with bearing children for childless government officials.

The Handmaid’s Tale transforms one of the most celebrated works of contemporary literature into a compelling yet nightmarish television series. It undoubtedly captivates viewers, immersing them in the miseries and emotions of its characters. Critically acclaimed for its faithful adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s book, the show, like its literary counterpart, has earned praise for its powerful exploration of real-life injustices and the dangers of religious extremism.

Stream on Hulu

Foundation (2021-Present)

Release Date 2020-00-00

Cast Lee Pace, Terrence Mann, Jared Harris

Inspired by the classic sci-fi novel series by American author Isaac Asimov, whose work has had a profound influence on the science fiction genre, the high-concept sci-fi series, Foundation , follows a band of characters as they join forces to prevent humankind from falling into the dark age.

While the series does stray somewhat from the book, Foundation is quite exceptional in its own rights. Although fans of the book may not be entirely happy with its deviation from the book's core aspects, some viewers agree that it is an epic story with an intellectual depth seen in its source material. For those willing to look beyond its faults, this AppleTV+ original emerges as a well-crafted, modernized sci-fi series with a cool concept, well-executed character arcs, and outstanding performances.

Stream on AppleTV+

The Man in the High Castle (2015-2019)

The man in the high castle.

Release Date 2015-01-15

Cast Ferry van Tongeren, Jaap Sinke, Chelah Horsdal, Jason O'Mara, Rufus Sewell, Brennan Brown, Alexa Davalos

The Man in the High Castle is a well-crafted portrayal of an alternate world where Nazi Germany and Japan both won World War II, and subsequently divided up America. Various characters living in this divided America navigate political intrigue, resistance movements, and a series of films depicting an alternate reality where the Allies won the war.

The Man in the High Castle is as ambitious and thought-provoking as Philip K. Dick’s historical novel, from which it is adapted. Despite its flaws, the series is a unique and visually striking series that delves into the darker side of authoritarian rule, while capturing humans' indomitable spirit in the face of harsh realities and adversity. As a brilliant alternate history TV show, it does its best to earnestly follow its well-written source material, with actors skillfully breathing life into both virtuous and villainous characters.

Stream on Prime Video

The Peripheral (2022)

The peripheral.

Release Date 2022-10-21

Cast T'Nia Miller, Gary Carr, Louis Herthum, JJ Feild, Jack Reynor, Chloe Grace Moretz

Genres Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction

Rating TV-MA

Ranking among the best sci-fi series on Prime Video , The Peripheral is adapted from the 2014 novel by the renowned sci-fi author, William Gibson. The narrative revolves around a gamer who, after witnessing a murder in virtual reality, embarks on a journey to save humanity from a menacing force bent on destroying it.

The Peripheral is one of those adaptations that feel like you're actually watching the book come to life. It’s an exciting and original Prime Video show that demands viewers’ attention right from the onset as its twisty plot unfolds. While it’s often praised as a solid sci-fi series with great visuals and outstanding performances, others feel its premise is not fully developed. Despite any shortcomings, viewers who enjoy mysterious and engaging sci-fi will find satisfaction in both the book and the series.

Silo (2023-Present)

Release Date 2023-05-05

Cast Rebecca Ferguson, Common, Harriet Walter, Will Patton, Tim Robbins

Genres Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Creator Graham Yost

Read Our Review

An AppleTV+ series, Silo is an adaptation of the first book, Wool , from Hugh Howey’s trilogy of the same name. Set in a distant future where Earth has become uninhabitable due to toxic air and environmental hazards, this dystopian series follows a group of survivors who live in a massive underground structure known as the Silo.

Much like the book, the series presents an engaging storyline with great world-building and a gradual revelation of truth that keeps viewers invested in the characters’ fate. While some aspects of the show may be puzzling to viewers, fans of the book will, however, have a better understand of the unfolding of events and characters. It is an interesting and suspenseful dystopian series that many may find difficult to stop, just as readers similarly couldn’t put down the book.

The Expanse (2015-2022)

The expanse.

Release Date 2015-00-00

Cast Wes Chatham, Steven Strait, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cas Anvar

Genres Drama, Sci-Fi

The Expanse is adpated from the series of sci-fi novels written by James S. A. Corey, the collective pseudonym for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Remaining true to its source material throughout its six seasons, the series begins with a mysterious conspiracy involving a missing woman which threatens the fate of earth. As the tension escalates, a tough detective and a renegade ship’s captain join forces to investigate the unfolding crisis.

The Expanse stands as a show committed to closely following its source materials, even though there may be minor differences between the show and the book, due to the latter’s more detailed nature. Also, while the book tells the story from the point of view of certain characters, the show unfolds through the perspective of various characters. Nevertheless, it is one mind-blowing sci-fi series .

10 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Based on Books, Ranked

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  1. The Top 10 Books I Read in 2023

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Books Under 100 Pages (181 books)

    Listopia Best Books Under 100 Pages The best books of any genre, fiction or non-fiction under 100 pages long (according to the Goodreads page count.) See also: Best 100 Some Odd Pages Best 200 Some Odd Pages Best 300 Some Odd Pages Best 400 Some Odd Pages Best 500 Some Odd Pages Best 600 Some Odd Pages Best 700 Some Odd Pages

  2. 32 Incredible Short Books (Under 100 Pages) That You Can Read in One

    The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco. Genre: Children's classics. Pages: 32. First published in 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit is a well-known classic book written by British author Margery Williams. It narrates the story of a stuffed rabbit that came to life. A touching story about friendship and love.

  3. Most influential books under 100 pages (244 books)

    Listopia Most influential books under 100 pages To qualify for this list each book/edition must have fewer than 100 pages, according to Goodreads data. My intention is for us to vote on the widespread influence of the books, not whether we liked them.

  4. The best short books under 100 pages and quick to read

    1. Animal Farm Buy now from Amazon Author: George Orwell Pages: 56 Yes, we know you read it at school. We all read it at school. But pick it up again now that you're a little older, a little wiser, and a little more pissed off at the world's political failings, and it'll seem like a whole new and important read to you. 70 21 2. The Art Of War

  5. 20 Beautiful Novels Under 100 Pages

    2 Novels Under 100 Pages Bonsai - Alejandro Zambra Bonsai is the story of Julio and Emilia, two young Chilean students who, seeking truth in great literature, find each other instead.

  6. 50 Short Nonfiction Books You Can Read in a Day (Or Two)

    Nonfiction does not have to be long to be important. In fact, many of the titles I've listed below are the absolute best nonfiction books I've ever read. All of the books (except one) are under 300 pages, and the books closer to the 300 page mark are so absorbing and fast-paced they can be read in a single sitting.

  7. 9 books under 100 pages for a quick afternoon read

    4. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Okay, so chances are you're probably not headed into battle anytime soon. But there's still a lot to learn from this classic, like how to motivate, win over your ...

  8. Top 6 Books Under 100 Pages (For Short Attention Spans)

    Short books (especially those under 100 pages) are great for devouring in one sitting. They grab you and don't let go, even after you've turned the last page. Whether you're looking for a quick read for a cozy weekend or an easy escape during your lunch break, short books will do the trick. Top 6 Books Under 100 Pages. Here are some of my ...

  9. Classic Books Under 100 Pages for National Reading Month

    Kurt Wolff Verlag, Leipzig The Old Man and the Sea By Ernest Hemingway, 96 pages. Hemingway's Pulitzer Prize-winning novella follows fisherman Santiago as he battles alone against an enormous...

  10. Behind on Your Reading Goal? Here's 10 Books Under 100 Pages

    · Jan 20, 2022 -- Photo Credit: Author — Hales I do it every year. I set a reading goal for the year, and forget about it until December. Because let's be honest, if I'm working my way through a...

  11. 12 Interesting Books Under 100 Pages You Can Read In One Sitting

    #1 He Made Me Brave by Pam Ogden No Title No Description This is not a fairy tale—but it does have suspense, humor, a quest, and a happy ending.

  12. 20 Best Short Books Under 100 Pages

    In fact, some of the most impactful works of literature are under 100 pages, offering quick and insightful readings that can make a lasting impression. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or some thought-provoking material, here are some of the best short books under 100 pages that you should add to your reading list.

  13. 43 Short Classics You Have Time to Read

    Short Classics Under 100 Pages. Songs of Innocence and of Experience William Blake. If you don't have much time but want to read short classics, one of the best places to start is with poetry. With a poetry collection, you can easily sneak in a few poems in your free time - and a page of poetry is a lot quicker to read than a page of ...

  14. 100+ Best Short Classic Books and Novels Under 250 Pages

    Best Classic Short Novels Under 175 Pages. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carol. Animal Farm by George Orwell. The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. Candide by Voltaire.

  15. 20 of the Best Books Under 200 Pages

    From SFF stories under 100 pages you can read in one sitting to 150 page novellas with rich narratives, these 20 of the best books under 200 pages are the perfect novels to read in a day. Best Books Under 100 Pages. The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo by Zen Cho. Pages: 87.

  16. 50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages

    In a previous mega list here on Book Riot, I highlighted 50 must-read books over 500 pages. It only seems right to follow that up with this list of 50 must-read short books. A mix of narrative styles and genres, the 50 books in this essential list of the best short books are all under 250 pages. If you're planning what to read for your next ...

  17. 8 Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages

    8 Most Influential Books Under 100 Pages. 1. The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka. The Metamorphosis is not only one of the best books under 100 pages, it's one of the best books ever written. A man wakes up one day to find he has been changed into a large insect. The story follows his efforts to deal with this, and his family's reaction to ...

  18. Books under 100 pages recommendations! : r/smallbooks

    Books under 100 pages recommendations! FICTION. Galatea by Madeline Miller (56 pages) Waiting on a Bright Moon by J.Y. Yang (41 pages) The Terracotta Bride by Zen Cho (51 pages) Here, the World Entire by Anwen Kya Hayward (56 pages) Mr. Salary by Sally Rooney (33 pages) CLASSICS. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (73 pages)

  19. The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Under 200 Pages

    Mary Robison, Why Did I Ever (200 pages) Probably the best fragment novel on the block: the saga of Money Breton, errant script doctor, mother of two, obsessive obssesser, is funny, irreverent, and weirdly moving. Not for nothing, but this novel is my own personal ultimate coolness test, because yep, I am an adult who judges other people's ...

  20. Best Books Under 100 Pages

    1 Animal Farm 2 The Little Prince 3 A Doll's House 4 The Prince 5 We Should All Be Feminists (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) 6 Dear Ijeawele (Adichie) 7 S.C.U.M. Manifesto (Valerie Solanas) 8 A Christmas Carol 9 Metamorphosis 10 The Old Man and the Sea 11 Candide (Voltaire) 12 Oedipus Rex 13 Antigone (Sophocles) 14 The Death of Ivan Ilych (Leo Tolstoy)

  21. What's the best book under 100 pages you've ever read

    By: Patrick Süskind, John E. Woods | 77 pages | Published: 1987 | Popular Shelves: fiction, classics, 1001-books, german, 1001 Set in Paris and attracting comparisons with Franz Kafka and Edgar Allan Poe, The Pigeon is Patrick Süskind's tense, disturbing follow-up to the bestselling Perfume.

  22. 10 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Based on Books, Ranked

    The 100 is a dystopian sci-fi series that sees the Earth no longer habitable, with the world's population residing in various spacecrafts.After some time, 100 delinquents are sent back to the ...