I enjoy long, detailed books with a ton of world-building and description as much as the next person, but some times a beautiful story can be told in less than 200 words. It takes a brilliant author to be able to make a lasting impact on a reader in so few words. Whether you are participating in a readathon, or need a quick book to help you out of a slump, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favourite novels that are under 200 pages. I would love to know your favourites as well, and if you make a post about this please link it back to me so I can read it!
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
This is my favourite book so I am sure it is not a surprise to see this on my list. I have talked about this book countless times now, but just know that it is fantastic. If you want to see my full thoughts here is a link to my review! These are my favourite 181 pages!
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders was released in 1967, but it still remains relevant. There is so much emotion packed in to 192 pages. This is one of the first books that showed me how much of an impact a book can have.
Night by Elie Weisel
Night is only 120 pages but they are probably the most emotional 120 pages that I have ever read. If you have been wanting to delve in to the world of nonfiction, I think Night is an excellent place to start, just have a box of tissue handy.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
As I have mentioned before, The Great Gatsby is one of my all time favourite books. I was reluctant to read it because I have this idea that classics will be difficult to read or understand, but Gatsby is so beautifully written and only 180 pages so it is the perfect book to read if you want to get in to classics.
The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Little Prince is only 83 pages, but it is so magical and unforgettable! It has been years since I read The Little Prince but I still remember the story so vividly. It is so charming and that I think everyone should read.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom is an auto-buy author for me and I think The Five People You Meet in Heaven is my favourite book of his. It is 196 glorious pages! I have found myself picking up this book many times, and I am not someone who rereads books often.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
I think everyone knows the story of Charlotte’s Web, and I do not think I am the only one who has a special place in their heart for this book. It is so nostalgic and charming and just reminds me of my childhood. It is only 184 pages and I would love to reread it some time soon!
It is so refreshing to read a short but fantastic novel every once in awhile. Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
OMG, such a great post!!! i looooooved “the outsiders”. it’s such a fantastic book! i also enjoyed “the great gatsby” and i loooooove “the little prince” and “the five people you meet in heaven”. wonderful list!!! 🙂
and now i need to put “cannery row” on my tbr! 🙂
Yay thanks! I’m so happy you love these books too. I think you will like Cannery Row!
This is such a great idea! I’ve added Cannery Row to my TBR because of your review 🙂
Aw Yay! That makes me so happy!
This is a great post. I don’t think we highlight shorter works all that much in the book community, and that’s a shame because there are some great ones, such as the ones you mentioned above. These shorter reads are also sometimes great for helping get out of a reading slump, or when you want to maximize the number of books you’re completing for a readathon or reading challenge.
Thank you! Some times it is nice to read a shorter book even just to make you feel like you are more productive! Too many long books can definitely put me in to a slump!
My favorite books tend to be in the 300-500 page area, but I have a couple I really love in the 800-1000 page range.
Well I’ve read The Great Gatsby and Le Petit Prince (in French for school) 😉
I wish I had to read them for school!
Reblogged this on Reads & Reels.
Ah thank you so much!
“Cannery Row” needs to get added to my TBR, as I’ve just finished reading my first ever novel by Steinbeck… and I want to read more. I loved “The Great Gatsby” and “The Little Prince”
I really hope you enjoy Cannery Row! It is a special book!
This is such a good idea! When someone is in a reading slump or if someone isn’t a very avid reader, these can be some great recommendations!
That was my thought as well! I always on the lookout for shorter books!
lovelovelove this post! some amazing books on this list 😀 i think short novels are so underrated. they can be especially impactful or lovely because of their brevity!
Yay thank you! You are so right. Well said!
You have some great books on this list.
I love this post! Thanks for highlighting some shorter books. Definitely adding a few to my TBR! 🙂
Oh good! I am glad I added to your TBR 😀
ooh brilliant picks!! Gatsby is one of my favourites too!!
Yay! I love finding other Gatsby lovers!
Me too!!
Love this! I’ve just finished reading The Outsiders which is a brilliant book. You’re right, it stands the test of time. 🙂
Her others books are short too and just as good! I love That Was Then, This is Now!
Ooh, I need to check out those books! Thanks for the recommendation!