Petik.net - Reading is one of the best ways to enrich your mind, expand your vocabulary, and escape from reality. But sometimes, you may not have the time or the patience to commit to a long novel. That’s why short books are perfect for busy readers who want to finish a story in a day or two.
Short books are not a genre unto themselves, which means you can find them in various categories, from classics to contemporary fiction, from poetry to memoirs, from horror to humor. The only criterion is that they have no more than 200 pages, but they still pack a punch with their powerful prose, compelling characters, and captivating plots.
In this article, we will recommend 10 amazing short books that you can read in a few hours. These books have won prizes, received stellar reviews, and are highly rated by readers like you. Whether you are looking for a literary masterpiece, a thrilling adventure, or a heartwarming tale, you will find something to suit your taste and mood.
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
Page count: 112
Animal Farm is a classic allegory that depicts the rise and fall of a totalitarian regime through the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human oppressor and establish their own society. However, as the pigs take over the leadership, they gradually betray the ideals of the revolution and oppress the other animals.
Orwell wrote this book as a satire of the Soviet Union under Stalin, but it also applies to any political system that abuses its power and manipulates its people. Animal Farm is a brilliant and timeless commentary on the corruption of ideals, the dangers of propaganda, and the importance of freedom and equality.
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Page count: 96
The Little Prince is a beloved children’s book that can also be enjoyed by adults. It tells the story of a pilot who crashes in the Sahara desert and meets a mysterious boy from a distant planet. The boy, who calls himself the Little Prince, shares his adventures and his insights on life, love, and friendship.
The Little Prince is a charming and poetic tale that explores the themes of innocence, imagination, and wonder. It also reminds us of the essential things that are often overlooked in our busy and materialistic world.
3. The Stranger by Albert Camus
Page count: 123
The Stranger is a masterpiece of existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes the individual’s freedom and responsibility in a meaningless and absurd world. It follows the life of Meursault, a detached and indifferent man who commits a senseless murder and faces the consequences of his actions.
Camus challenges the conventional notions of morality, justice, and religion in this novel. He portrays Meursault as a stranger to himself and to society, a man who refuses to conform to the expectations and norms of others. The Stranger is a provocative and powerful book that questions the value and purpose of human existence.
4. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Page count: 128
The Old Man and the Sea is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novella that showcases Hemingway’s signature style of simple and direct language, vivid descriptions, and realistic dialogue. It tells the story of Santiago, an old and experienced fisherman who struggles to catch a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream.
The Old Man and the Sea is a moving and inspiring book that explores the themes of courage, perseverance, and dignity. It also illustrates the relationship between man and nature, as Santiago respects and admires the fish he pursues, even as he fights for his survival.
5. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Page count: 112
Of Mice and Men is a tragic and touching story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own farm someday. George is smart and protective of Lennie, who is mentally disabled and often gets into trouble. They find work at a ranch in California, where they face the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the prejudices of the society.
Steinbeck creates a memorable and sympathetic portrait of the friendship between George and Lennie, as well as the loneliness and despair of the other characters. Of Mice and Men is a poignant and powerful book that exposes the cruelty and injustice of the American dream.
6. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Page count: 64
The Metamorphosis is a surreal and disturbing story of Gregor Samsa, a traveling salesman who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. He becomes isolated and alienated from his family, who are repulsed and ashamed by his condition. He also loses his identity and his sense of humanity, as he struggles to adapt to his new form.
Kafka wrote this book as a metaphor for his own feelings of alienation and anxiety, as well as a critique of the modern society that dehumanizes and exploits its individuals. The Metamorphosis is a haunting and profound book that explores the themes of identity, family, and society.
7. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Page count: 158
Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel that imagines a future where books are banned and burned by the firemen, who are tasked to enforce the censorship. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is one of the firemen who begins to question his role and his society, after meeting a rebellious girl named Clarisse and witnessing the suicide of a book-loving woman. He decides to join a secret group of book lovers who preserve the knowledge and culture of the past.
Bradbury wrote this book as a warning against the dangers of conformity, ignorance, and mass media, as well as a celebration of the power and beauty of books. Fahrenheit 451 is a visionary and influential book that challenges the readers to think for themselves and to value their freedom.
8. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Page count: 182
Lord of the Flies is a Nobel Prize-winning novel that depicts the descent into savagery of a group of boys who are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. They attempt to create their own civilization, with rules and roles, but they soon succumb to their primal instincts and turn against each other.
Golding wrote this book as a response to the horrors of World War II, as well as a critique of the human nature and the society. He shows how the thin veneer of civilization can be easily shattered by the forces of fear, violence, and power. Lord of the Flies is a disturbing and compelling book that reveals the dark side of humanity.
9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Page count: 104
A Christmas Carol is a classic tale of redemption and generosity that has become a staple of the holiday season. It follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man who hates Christmas and everything it represents. He is visited by the ghosts of his past, present, and future, who show him the consequences of his actions and the opportunities for change.
Dickens wrote this book as a social commentary on the poverty and injustice of the Victorian era, as well as a moral lesson on the values of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. A Christmas Carol is a heartwarming and timeless book that captures the spirit and joy of Christmas.
10. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Page count: 96
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a Gothic horror story that explores the duality of human nature and the conflict between good and evil. It centers on the mysterious relationship between Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respectable and benevolent scientist, and Mr. Edward Hyde, a violent and repulsive criminal. The truth is that they are the same person, as Jekyll has created a potion that allows him to unleash his dark side.
Stevenson wrote this book as a reflection of his own struggles with his personality and his morality, as well as a critique of the hypocrisy and repression of the Victorian society. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a thrilling and intriguing book that examines the complexity and the mystery of the human psyche.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found some short books to read that interest you. Reading short books can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, as they can deliver a powerful message and a memorable impression in a concise and elegant way. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these short books and start reading today!