Short books aren’t just easier to commit to — they’re often more powerful, distilled, and emotionally intense. They don’t waste a single sentence, and they leave you thinking long after the last page.
Here’s a list of incredible reads under 200 pages that prove brevity can still be breathtaking.
1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (112 pages)
A heartbreaking tale of friendship and dreams in Depression-era America, this classic hits hard with minimal words. It's gritty, poetic, and unforgettable — a masterclass in emotional storytelling.
2. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (64 pages)
Adapted from her famous TED Talk, this powerful essay lays out why feminism still matters — and how we all benefit from equality. It's accessible, sharp, and perfect for sharing.
3. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (96 pages)
Don’t let the illustrations fool you. This is a philosophical fable about love, loneliness, and growing up, disguised as a children’s book. Every adult needs to read it at least once.
4. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (96 pages)
Each chapter reads like a spiritual poem. Gibran’s reflections on love, work, sorrow, and joy feel like therapy on the page. This book is timeless, gentle, and soul-stirring.
5. The Vegetarian by Han Kang (160 pages)
A surreal, haunting Korean novel about a woman who stops eating meat — and how that single decision disrupts her entire world. It’s disturbing, beautiful, and deeply metaphorical.
Reading doesn’t have to be a long-haul journey. Sometimes, the books that haunt you the most are the ones you finish in an afternoon.
