9 Short Books You Can Read In One Sitting: ‘Sandwich,’ ‘Heartburn’ and More
With all we have to do in a day, it can be tough to find time to sit down and read — especially if your book of choice is a hefty one that will take hours, days or weeks to finish! Many readers turn to audiobooks, which they can listen to while cooking, cleaning, driving or taking a walk, but sometimes you just want to relax with a book in your hands. That's where short books come in. They’re a great alternative when you want to read but don't have time to commit to something bigger.
To help you find the perfect quick read, we've compiled our favorite short books. There's something for everyone, from classic tales to science fiction and fantastical adventures — and they all contain 240 pages or fewer. What these stories are lacking in page count, they certainly make up for in content! Keep scrolling to find your next unputdownable short book. Happy reading!
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booey, 240 pages
After losing her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the village of her childhood. She had been gone for six decades and her only wish is to die. Helen becomes a creature of habit — until an unexpected encounter with a mouse takes her on a surprising journey. Will Helen continue on her path to an easy death or will things along the way make her reevaluate her life’s purpose?
What readers are saying: “I was expecting a sweet light story (dare I say tale?) and was thrilled to find so much more. The writing is beautiful and there were things I just did not see coming. I immediately felt that I knew these people; they really came alive. I look forward to reading more of Simon’s books!”
Sandwich by Catherine Newman, 240 pages
Fifty-four-year-old Rocky finds herself in a situation familiar to so many women: no longer needed by her adult children for their day-to-day concerns and simultaneously worried about her aging parents, while dealing with the unpredictable symptoms of menopause. As Rocky and her husband Nick embark on their annual beach vacation in Cape Cod with the kids, Jamie and Willa, and Jamie’s girlfriend, Rocky can’t help but recall a lifetime of memories both good and bad.
What readers are saying: “The idyllic image on the cover of the book drew me in when I was looking for a quick read,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “This was a beautiful story about family — nothing much happens, but Newman addresses topics like motherhood, love, aging, grief, regret and more in such a realistic way. I felt like I knew — and loved — the family by the last day of their vacation.”
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, 128 pages
Set in Ireland in 1985, this powerful short book is full of heart and courage. Right before Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, faces his busiest season. While he’s delivering an order early one morning, he comes across a discovery that makes him confront his past and his town.
What readers are saying “Read this book three times and shared it with many friends. Such a great story. Can be read within a few hours.”
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman, 96 pages
This short book is full of charm. The story follows an elderly man and his struggle to hold onto his cherished memories. While he’s coming to terms with his life, his family is doing the same and figuring out how to care for him in the meantime.
What readers are saying: “I love this story and highly recommend it to everyone. Backman has this amazing ability to capture humanity. I identify with the characters: grandpa, son, and grandson. This story gives me a lot to think about.”
The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams, 208 pages
Arthur Dent just barely escapes the earth’s destruction when he’s whisked away to another planet by his friend Ford Prefect, who’s also a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The duo start a journey through space where they meet a cast of fellow travelers including aliens, a paranoid robot and the galaxy’s president. This best-selling book offers commentary on time and physics and reveals the ultimate answer to life, the universe and everything.
What readers are saying: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is my favorite book of all time, and most likely always will be. This book is ridiculous in the best possible way, but the comedy isn’t the only thing that makes it so great. The plot is really interesting as well, and it takes you on an incredible journey across the universe with some very memorable characters.”
Heartburn by Nora Ephron, 179 pages
The creator of “Sleepless in Seattle” reminds us comedy and anguish go hand in hand in this quick read. After pregnant cookbook writer Rachel Samstat learns that her husband, Mark, is in love with another woman, she’s torn between trying to win him back and moving on — all while cracking jokes and sharing soul-soothing recipes.
What readers are saying: “When I need a little boost, I reach for a book with heartwarming humor, says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “This novel had exactly that! Rachel saw the humor in every situation. I read this in one sitting, wanting to learn the outcome of her debacle...and to get her recipe for the perfect peach pie!”
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow, 128 pages
Sleeping Beauty meets the 21st century in this retelling from Alix E. Harrow. It's Zinnia Gray's 21st birthday, and this one has to be extra special because it's her last. She was in an accident that left her with a rare condition she doesn't know much about — except that no one diagnosed with it has lived past the age of 21. When Zinnia pricks her finger at her birthday party, she finds herself in between worlds.
What readers are saying: “For a short story I thought this was really well done,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. It was a blend of urban fantasy and a smidge of romance and I liked that combination. The book touched on some heavy topics, but it kept the overall mood pretty light.”
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 114 pages
The story takes place in 1922 on Long Island, where Nick, a Yale University graduate and war veteran, rents a summer house next to the infamous Jay Gatsby. Follow him and his comrades in a sweeping story of love, lavishness and loss. This classic book offers a fictional lens into what life was like in America for wealthy folks in the 20’s.
What readers are saying: ?“Other people fantasize about taking a great vacation, but I daydream about living in the roaring ’20s—the decade I find most fascinating,” shares Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor “That’s why every summer, I like to reread this book. The plot is enthralling, right up to the startling climax. But it’s the aching love story between Daisy and Gatsby that really keeps me going back for more.”
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, 224 pages
Despite a vicious rivalry between his Greaser friends and the Socs — a menacing gang of rich kids — Ponyboy Curtis doesn’t have a care in the world. With his brothers Darry and Sodapop and the rest of the crew on his side, Ponyboy knows he’ll always be safe — until one day when a particularly gruesome battle is taken too far and Ponyboy’s life is never the same again.
What readers are saying: “I LOVE this book. The whole thing just seems so real. It's really exciting, and the characters are all really believable. I like how the story was written by a young author who really knew what she was writing about — she based it partly on the experiences of her friends.”
For more books to add to your reading list:
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