Sisters
An unnamed narrator grapples with the haunting presence of her husband's first wife, delving into a psychological portrait of marriage, infi…
50 Must-Read Short Books Under 250 Pages
Discover a diverse collection of 50 must-read books, each under 250 pages, offering a mix of narrative styles and genres. Perfect for quick reads, readathons, or breaking through reading slumps.
All Grown Up
A brutally honest and darkly funny exploration of modern womanhood, 'All Grown Up' follows Andrea, a 39-year-old single woman navigating the…
American Housewife
Meet the women of American Housewife, who blend domestic life with dark humor and unexpected twists. These stories reveal the hidden lives o…
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good
Meet Maud, an 88-year-old Swedish woman with a penchant for murder and a knack for getting away with it. This darkly humorous collection of …
Art Matters
A creative call to arms from Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell, that inspires readers to embrace art and creativity as a force for c…
Beast in View
A chilling tale of extortion, madness, and murder, where the lines between hunter and victim blur in a gothic thriller that remains terrifyi…
Brokeback Mountain
In the rugged landscapes of Wyoming, two ranch hands discover a love that defies societal norms, leading to a heartbreaking journey of secre…
Calvin
A schizophrenic teen embarks on a perilous journey across frozen Lake Erie, encountering surreal creatures and a mysterious girl, in this aw…
Chemistry
A witty and insightful novel about a chemistry graduate student navigating love, family expectations, and her own existential crisis.
Edinburgh
A haunting tale of guilt and redemption, Edinburgh follows a young choir boy's struggle with silence and the consequences of inaction.
Every Heart a Doorway
A fresh and captivating take on portal fantasy, blending the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland with the darker edges of The Nightmare Before Chr…
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader
A delightful collection of essays celebrating a lifelong love of books and language, filled with humor and literary anecdotes.
Goodbye, Vitamin
A heartwarming and humorous tale of a daughter navigating her father's Alzheimer's diagnosis while dealing with her own life's crossroads.
The Grownup
A cunning young woman's life takes a chilling turn when she encounters a haunted house and a disturbing stepson, blurring the line between f…
Heart Berries
A powerful, poetic memoir of a woman's coming of age on an Indian Reservation, navigating trauma and finding her voice through writing.
How to Be a Good Creature
Discover the profound impact animals can have on our lives through the heartwarming and poetic memoir of a renowned author.
The Incendiaries
A gripping tale of love, faith, and obsession, The Incendiaries explores the dangerous allure of extremism and the lengths we go to for thos…
Kitchen
A poignant and beautifully written memoir about love, loss, and the healing power of food.
The Merry Spinster
A darkly humorous and feminist twist on classic fairy tales, this collection turns beloved stories into chilling, thought-provoking narrativ…
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. This list includes a variety of genres such as fiction, mystery, poetry, and more, ensuring there is something for every reader. Each book is carefully selected to provide a rich and satisfying reading experience without requiring a significant time commitment. Whether you are looking for a thought-provoking novel, a thrilling mystery, or a collection of poetry, this list offers a curated selection of the best short books available.