27 Must-Read Short Books You Can Finish in One Sitting
There’s something magical about short books—they feel like a secret, a compact gift that delivers a full experience in just a few hours. I’ve always loved how they manage to linger long after you’ve closed the final page, proving that big stories don’t always need big word counts. This list is filled with short books that have stuck with me for their emotional depth, sharp wit, or sheer brilliance. Whether you’re looking to fill a quiet evening or rediscover the joy of reading without a huge time commitment, these books are perfect companions. You’ll be surprised by how much these little books have to offer.
1. The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
For fans of: Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Page count: 192
Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You offers a vivid portrait of life on the margins of New Orleans. With characters ranging from an army vet to struggling couples and teenagers, Ruffin writes with wit, joy, and heart. Each story captures the vibrancy of the city, offering snapshots of resilience and humanity.
Many are perfect for a single sitting, making this an accessible yet thought-provoking read. Whether you’re drawn to short fiction or seeking books by Black authors, this collection is an ideal choice. At just 192 pages, it’s a deeply impactful, unforgettable experience.
2. Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
For fans of: There There by Tommy Orange
Page count: 160
In Heart Berries, Terese Marie Mailhot crafts a memoir that’s as brief as it is powerful. With unflinching honesty, Mailhot delves into her experiences with trauma, generational cycles of silence, and the challenges of identity. Her prose, both exquisite and raw, brings tenderness and violence to life with startling clarity.
A member of Canada’s Seabird Island Band, Mailhot illuminates realities often ignored, making her voice essential in modern literature. At 160 pages, this book is perfect for readers seeking compelling, transformative stories. Fans of literary memoirs will find her work unforgettable and necessary.
3. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
For fans of: “The Trial” by Franz Kafka
Page count: 64 pages
Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis begins with Gregor Samsa awakening to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Published in 1915, this 64-page novella is a profound exploration of alienation, identity, and family dynamics. Through Gregor’s struggles, Kafka examines how society treats those who no longer fit its expectations.
The book’s surreal premise contrasts with its deeply human themes, making it both absurd and relatable. Kafka’s concise yet vivid prose draws readers into a world that challenges perceptions of existence. Short yet impactful, The Metamorphosis remains one of Kafka’s most iconic works, offering insight into the human condition.
4. Eat the Apple by Matt Young
For fans of: Generation Kill: Devil Dogs, Iceman, Captain America and the New Face of American War by Evan Wright
Page count: 272
Matt Young’s Eat the Apple merges humor, reflection, and raw honesty to deliver a captivating war memoir. Through a mix of poetic and gritty storytelling, Young explores the motivations, challenges, and disillusionments of military life. His self-awareness and vulnerability make even the most unfamiliar experiences feel deeply relatable.
At 272 pages, it’s slightly longer than other short books but remains accessible with its engaging pace. This deeply human account will resonate with anyone interested in personal growth and the complexities of military service. It’s a moving reflection on what drives young men to serve during wartime.