Milk and Honey
A powerful collection of poetry and prose that explores themes of survival, love, loss, and femininity.
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.
Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales
P. D. James, the 'Queen of Crime,' weaves six chilling tales of revenge and natural justice in this gripping collection of short stories.
The Strange Library
A young boy's innocent visit to the library turns into a nightmarish adventure filled with strange companions and eerie mysteries.
Waiting for Eden
A poignant exploration of love, war, and the human spirit, Waiting for Eden delves into the life of a man left in a state of suspended anima…
We Are Okay
Marin leaves her past behind in California, but when her former friend Mabel visits, she must confront the grief and truths that drove her a…
The Friend
A poignant exploration of grief and the unbreakable bond between a woman and her dog, blending wit and insight into a moving meditation on l…
The End We Start From
In a flooded London, a new mother and her child embark on a perilous journey north in search of safety, navigating a world on the brink of c…
American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin
A powerful collection of sonnets that explore the complexities of American identity, love, and the political climate under Trump's presidenc…
The Red Parts
Maggie Nelson's haunting account of her aunt's unsolved murder and the trial that followed decades later, exploring society's obsession with…
Nutshell
A gripping tale of betrayal and murder, narrated from the most unusual perspective imaginable—a fetus in the womb.
The Uncommon Reader
When the Queen of England discovers her passion for reading, she embarks on a journey that challenges her royal duties and personal beliefs.
The Fifth Risk
Explore the unseen workings of the US government and the alarming consequences of its deliberate dismantling in this gripping exposé by Mich…
We Should All Be Feminists
A powerful, personal, and deeply resonant call to arms, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists is a must-read for anyone who …
Men Explain Things to Me
Rebecca Solnit's incisive essays challenge patriarchal norms and explore feminist issues with grace and energy, establishing her as a leadin…
The Marrow Thieves
In a world where memories are stolen, Indigenous people are the last who can dream, making them targets in a desperate fight for survival.
A Single Man
George, an English professor, navigates the tragic solitude after his lover's death, rediscovering life's unexpected pleasures in suburban C…
The Vegetarian
A shocking act of rebellion in South Korea, 'The Vegetarian' explores themes of shame, desire, and the struggle to understand others through…
The Bell Jar
A hauntingly vivid portrayal of a young woman's descent into mental illness, blending raw emotion with sharp wit.
The Haunting of Hill House
A chilling tale of psychological horror that has inspired generations of writers and a hit Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House explor…
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.