8 Short Books You Can Read in a Day

Sometimes you just need a book you can dive into and finish in one go. Whether you’re curled up on a lazy afternoon or just in the mood for a quick escape, short books can pack a good emotional punch or bring you into other worlds. Here are 8 short books that you can easily read in a day and you’ll be thinking about them long after you’re done:

Brickmakers by Selva Almada (108 pages)

This haunting novella from Argentine author Selva Almada starts with a bang—literally, as two boys lie dying from a fatal fight. From there, Almada weaves a raw, emotional tale about cycles of abuse, masculinity, and generational trauma. It’s a story about anger, love, and everything in between, written with the kind of precision that makes every sentence hit like a gut punch.

The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto (128 pages)

Banana Yoshimoto’s novella is a quiet, contemplative masterpiece. It follows a teenager uncovering long-buried truths about her childhood and family, told in Yoshimoto’s trademark minimalist style. This isn’t just a story; it’s an experience—one that feels like having an intimate conversation with an old friend about the secrets that shaped you.

Boulder by Eva Baltasar (112 pages)

This sapphic literary gem from Catalan author Eva Baltasar follows a nameless protagonist who uproots her life to move to Reykjavik with her lover, Samsa. It’s a sensual, introspective exploration of love, loneliness, and identity, written with lyrical prose that makes you feel every longing glance and whispered word.

Itzá by Rios de La Luz (under 200 pages)

If you love magical realism with a fierce emotional core, “Itzá” is for you. Rios de La Luz’s debut novella tells the story of a young girl reclaiming her body and identity after trauma, blending dreamlike imagery with powerful themes of resilience and empowerment. This book will break your heart and put it back together.

Peluda by Melissa Lozada-Oliva (96 pages)

Okay, technically this one’s poetry, but “Peluda” reads like an intimate diary you can’t put down. Salvadoran-American poet Melissa Lozada-Oliva delves into femininity, identity, and the immigrant experience with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. It’s funny, it’s poignant, and it’s the kind of book that feels like it was written just for you.

Foster by Claire Keegan (88 pages)

In this tender, perfectly crafted novella, a young girl is sent to live with distant relatives in rural Ireland. Over the course of the story, she experiences unexpected kindness and care, shedding light on the transformative power of love and attention. Keegan’s writing is spare but deeply affecting, making every word count.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (64 pages)

A classic for a reason, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a chilling look at mental health, societal expectations, and the suffocating confines of gender roles. As the narrator’s reality unravels, so does the wallpaper in her room—a creeping, gothic symbol of her descent into madness. It’s unsettling, unforgettable, and way ahead of its time.

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin (160 pages)

James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” is an intimate exploration of identity, love, and shame. It follows David, an American expat in Paris, as he grapples with his relationship with Giovanni, an Italian bartender. With its lush prose and devastating honesty, this novella will stay with you long after you close the final page.

Short books don’t waste a single word, and that’s part of their magic. They’re perfect for when you want to be transported but don’t have the time (or attention span) for a lengthy epic. So grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a cup of tea, and lose yourself in one of these books for a few hours.