A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about books with a hefty wordcount that are well worth the effort. This week, I’m proving that you don’t need to publish a new dictionary to tell a great story.

I must confess, I haven’t read a TON of short reads. I don’t know why… I guess I like an arm workout while I’m reading? That being said, I have come across several very short but excellent reads for those of you who want a less time-consuming option.

Here are my inclusion criteria for this list:
1. The book is 70,000 words or fewer
2. I have read it more than once and recommend it to others
3. I will not include short stories in anthologies
4. I will not include genres that tend to have low word counts by nature, such middle grade, early chapter books, and graphic novels (otherwise this list would be VERY long)

Once again, I am using Rakuten Kobo for word counts. Here we go!

Five Short Reads that Pack a Punch

1. The greatest detective story ever told

Ha! I snuck in Sherlock Holmes after all! Again, you might be thinking I broke my own rules for the violin-playing, pipe-smoking detective, but you are wrong. This book is one of four full-length novels that Doyle wrote, and it has been bound and published as a standalone. Ta-da!

This is the first Sherlock Holmes story, and it is absolutely my favorite. I do love how Holmes and Watson develop over the course of the many short stories and novels, but like many a superhero movie, the origin story is the best. If you have never read Sherlock Holmes, start here and enjoy!

2. Never again

Few books have hit me as hard as this one. I first read it in High School, and each time I’ve read it, it has just as much impact. I have friends that don’t like to read, and they were moved and affected by this book. It’s that important and worth a read if you haven’t. This story is one that needs to be told and needs to be read.

I don’t want to say too much about it, not because of spoilers or anything, but I really think that this book and others like it (looking at you Maus) need to be read and experienced by the reader. So check it out.

3. Another win for the American education system

Are they still teaching a TON of Steinbeck in schools? My school seemed to really like him… there was a lot of Steinbeck. But honestly, Of Mice and Men was something else. Better than any other of his I read (is that blasphemy?). It’s such a human story (you may already have noticed that I am a sucker for a good friendship), and the characters are all vivid and active.

This one also packs an emotional punch, so keep the tissues nearby. You wouldn’t think something you could read in a couple hours could make you feel terrible for a week, but here we are. Seriously though, if you haven’t read George and Lennie’s story, you definitely should.

4. A turn for the creepy

David Mitchell is one of my favorite modern authors. The man gets away with genre blending and non-linear storytelling like no one else. You think you’re reading historical fiction and then you end up in this mesh of sci-fi, romance, adventure, horror magic. It’s always an experience, to say the least.

Slade House is much shorter than most of his work, and I think it falls in the “creepy-if-not-outright-horror” genre that I appreciate if done well. I like to read this book around Halloween because it does do a good job with eerie, sinister, lurking vibes. It’s sort of a haunted house story, but in true David Mitchell fashion we follow a smattering of characters across decades as this house appears and disappears.

If you like creepy stories, or if you are interested in taking a mini dive into Mitchell’s style, I highly recommend Slade House.

5. A piece of art

I’m going to be honest: I bought this book because of that gorgeous cover. I have a small obsession with whales, and that’s all it took. Wow, was I not expecting this book. To say it’s Moby Dick from the whale’s perspective just does not cut it. The story takes place in a world where humans and whales are at war. It’s nature vs man told very creatively, but the message at its heart is one of understanding, forgiveness, and the effort it takes not to become the monsters we fear.

And the illustrations… oh my goodness. Worth the price of admission AND worth a physical copy of the book. It is one of the most beautiful books I own, inside and out. Please read this gem!

Honorable Mentions

• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard
  As a play, it has a lower wordcount, but I thought it was cheating. Still, definitely a good read that manages to be hilarious at times and downright depressing at other.
• The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
  Just a hair too long to make onto my list (76,000 words), but very good especially if you are someone interested in the fall of Imperial Russia. Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it doesn’t hit hard and leave an impression.
• Maus by Art Spiegelman
  Again, not included because it is a graphic novel, thus lowering the wordcount. However, it is a short read and a powerful one. Another work of art and an important read for all.
• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
  Another gorgeous, illustrated YA story from Ness. This one focuses more on grief and trauma. I highly recommend, especially if you were hesitant about the man-whale war story.
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  A very good read, but it’s been a while so I didn’t feel like I could include or discuss it well at all. I should probably read it again…

There you have it! A few short reads that are prove you don’t need a high word count to tell a good story.

What short books do you recommend? I could use some recommendations! Comment below!

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