Sometimes, our busy schedules make it hard to keep up with long books, and that’s when short fiction books come to the rescue. These quick yet captivating reads dive straight into the story, making them perfect for anyone short on time. They offer engaging plots, are easy to follow, and are great for both beginners and seasoned readers looking for a fast but fulfilling read. Here, I’m sharing five short fiction books that you can finish in just a few hours!
Best Short Fiction Books to Read in a Day
1. The Metamorphosis
📖 Pages: 100
✍️ Author: Franz Kafka
📚 Genre: Fiction, Surreal
Why You Should Read It:
What happens when one morning you wake up and find yourself in someone else’s body? What will happen? How would you react? The exact thing happens in the book The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It’s the story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman, who wakes up one fine morning and finds himself transformed into an insect. Now, what should he do? Curious to know? Read this short fiction book, filled with surrealism, psychological depth, and a profound exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition.
My Thoughts:
What happens in this book doesn’t happen in real life, but we’ve seen these kinds of scenarios in movies and shows. At some point, we’ve all probably wondered, What if this happened to me? This book explores these unreal thoughts, and from what I have learned, it explores themes of alienation, identity, and the struggle for understanding in a world that doesn’t make sense. I believe this book invites readers to understand their sense of self and the way society views and treats people who are different. If you want to explore this thought-provoking and unrealistic journey then read this book.
Quote from the Book:
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”
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2. Of Mice and Men
📖 Pages: 107
✍️ Author: John Steinbeck
📚 Genre: Classic, Historical Fiction
Why You Should Read It:
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck offers a story of friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life during the time of depression, it follows the story of George and Lennie, two migrant workers, who dream of owning their own farm. This powerful and heartbreaking narrative offers a unique lens on the struggles of migrant workers and shows how even the most hopeful dreams can be shattered by the cruelty of circumstances. This book challenges the social norm, explores deep human emotions, and shows how dreams can be fragile and easily broken.
My Thoughts:
This story shows how important it is to have dreams, but also how life can sometimes crush those dreams. it talks about how sometimes we feel lonely and isolated, and how dreams sometimes seem hard to achieve, especially when things aren’t going as planned. However, with the support of friendship and the hope to keep going, things become easier. For me it’s not just a story of two men trying to make a living, but about the bonds that hold them together and dreams that keep us going even when they seem impossible.
Quote from the Book:
“A guy needs somebody – to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody.”
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3. Animal Farm
📖 Pages: 112
✍️ Author: George Orwell
📚 Genre: Allegory, Satire
Why You Should Read It:
Animal Farm by George Orwell is a timeless classic. It explores the themes of power, control, and corruption, which remain relevant today. The book is a set on a farm where the animals overthrow their human owner and take control. Initially, they aim to create an equal and fair society, led by the pigs. However, as time passes, the pigs who take charge become greedy and start acting just like the humans they replaced. The famous line “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” shows how those in power can change rules to benefit themselves. This book is a powerful lesson on how leaders can use lies and tricks to control others, and how the fight for fairness can sometimes lead to a new kind of unfairness.
My Thoughts:
This book may be short, but its message is powerful. It shows how even those with good intentions and kind hearts can become cruel and corrupt once they gain power. The pigs, who initially fought for equality, end up treating their fellow animals just as poorly as their human owner did. It reminds me of how, even in real life, promises of equality and fairness don’t always turn out as expected. I believe Animal Farm is a must-read because it helps us see how power and manipulation work, not just in the story but in the real world too.
Quote from the Book:
“Let’s face it: our lives are miserable, laborious, and short.”
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4. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
📖 Pages: 160
✍️ Author: Truman Capote
📚 Genre: Fiction, Novella
Why You Should Read It:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote, tells the story of Holly Golightly, narrated by an unnamed writer who moves into her building. Holly lives in New York City and is a fun, independent woman always chasing excitement and adventure. She spends time with the writer, and through their conversations, her past and dreams are revealed. Holly loves luxury and the high life, but despite her outward confidence, she struggles with finding her true self. This story is engaging because it delves deep into the complexities of a person’s character. It offers a glimpse into the life of someone trying to find their place in the world. If you enjoy quirky, yet emotional stories, this one is definitely for you!
My Thoughts:
This book shows how people can smile and seem confident on the outside while hiding their pain and struggling to find themselves on the inside. Holly’s character is carefree, fun, loving, and adventurous, yet sometimes irritating, but also deeply lonely and searching for her true self. What I love about this book is how it explores the complexity of human nature. It reminds us that even if someone appears happy and flawless, everyone has their own battles. It’s a great read if you enjoy stories that mix romance with self-discovery. I believe it teaches us that happiness isn’t always as simple as it seems.
Quote from the Book:
“I don’t want to own anything until I know I’ve found the place where me and things belong.”
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5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
📖 Pages: 178
✍️ Author: Neil Gaiman
📚 Genre: Fantasy, Magic Realism
Why You Should Read It:
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is a mixture of reality and fantasy. It’s the story of an old man who returns to his hometown for the funeral. As he arrives, his childhood memories start to flow. He recalls a mysterious girl named Lettie Hempstock, who lived at the end of the lane. Together, they discovered an evil force that threatens their world, and they must try to stop it. The book blends childhood memories, mystery, and fantasy. It explores themes of growing up, remembering the past, and facing things that we don’t fully understand.
My Thoughts:
Sometimes, there are people who come into our lives and leave behind unforgettable memories, only to disappear, leaving us with thoughts that linger even after many years. Neil Gaiman’s writing is magical, taking readers on a journey through a world that is at once familiar and strange. In this book, the main character looks back on his childhood and remembers a mysterious girl he met when he was seven. You’ll find fantasy worlds, adventures, battles with evil, and friendships in this book. If you enjoy stories like that, you should definitely give it a try!
Quote from the Book:
“I’m not a child anymore, I’m a grown-up, and I do grown-up things. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t remember when I was a child, and what it felt like to be a child.”
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More Short Fiction Books to Explore
If you’re looking for more short yet impactful fiction books, here are a few additional recommendations:
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
These books, while not included in the main list, are also excellent short reads that offer deep meaning and memorable storytelling.
Conclusion
Short fiction books offer only the plot, no boring chapters, no unnecessary scenes. They prove that great stories don’t have to be long. From The Metamorphosis to The Ocean at the End of the Lane, each of these books offers something special. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the shortest ones. If you have a busy schedule but still want to experience powerful storytelling, short fiction books are the best choice. Pick any book from the list above and dive into a great read!
What’s your favorite short fiction book? Share it in the comments below!
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💡Non-Fiction Books Recommendation
🌟 Fiction Books Recommendation
🗨️ Quotes
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