I make sure I add short reads to my TBR list along with other books. Two reasons, some short books come with interesting stories. Second, it’s easy to meet my reading targets when I want to catch up on the books read.
Some of the finest books I have read are less than 200 pages and I have been able to complete them in one sitting max two.
So here is my list of books under 200 pages.
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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
This book is of 163 odd pages. A fine work of fiction and facts summed up by a Korean author and translated by Jamie Chang. The book is about a life of a woman born at the end of 20th century in a culture where a male is given priority. Be it education, promotion, or career, she is given the last to no importance solely for being a woman. A South Korean sensation, this book has raised many questions about misogyny and women oppression.
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The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Again, an amazing work of literature by Kafka. This book is exactly 200 pages long. Gregor Samsa, a sales-man by profession, wakes up one day transformed into an inexplicably huge insect and how he and his family adjust to the changes. This book has been widely discussed and talked about in the literary world with differing interpretations.
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After the Quake by Haruki Murakami
Murakami is one of the authors who got me into Japanese literature. After reading his book “Men before Women” I was intrigued by his work and got into reading more of his books. This book has 6 short stories complied in 132 pages which talk about the massive Kobe earthquake in 1995 when Japan became aware about the fragility of its daily existence.
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Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
Well, Khushwant Singh and his work needs no introduction. 181 pages long, this book shares the story of one of the biggest and brutal partition in history. KS has beautifully depicted the complexity of human nature and showcased a difference between what one believes and practices.
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At night all blood is Black by David Diop
A gripping book about the WW1 and the exploitation of the West over their Colonies who were forced to fight and die for them. Winner of the International Booker Prize 2021, this book is of 162 pages. Like the name suggests, this book is about blood and brutalities.
So these are my top 5 picks for short and quick read. Trust me when I say, once you sit to read these books, you will not get up before you turn the last page. Most of these books I gobbled down in one sitting but I remember reading Train to Pakistan and taking my time to digest the story and reading it over 2 days. Each book will leave a mark on its reader as they talk about the facts in form of fiction and project the realities of life.
To know some interesting facts about books, read my blog here.
This blog is a part of Book Marathon by https://outsetbooks.com/
31 replies on “5 books under 200 pages for a quick read”
You share some lovely books with below 200 words pages. You made a good research on the topic and I appreciate your efforts.
Thanks a lot dear. I’ve read all these books and for sure know that they make a good read.
These are some good recommendations… books below 200 pages helps in a quick read. I’ve been looking for such books. Thanks for sharing
I am glad you liked my recommendations and hope you enjoy reading these books.
Always looking for a quick read, thanks for sharing!
Hope you enjoy reading these books.
nice listicle.
Your take on short stories books are also like mine. I too do this often but presently has shifted my focuss. But you rightly mentioned all the contents correctly. ❤️
thanks for these beautiful recommendation. indeed these are best for rescuing a reader from reading slump.
Thank you very much for your beautiful recommendation. I only read the train to Pakistan and The metamorphosis one and want to read rest
Yes do read them. They are good books
These book suggestions are perfect for me. with recent schedule, I get less time to read lengthy books. your suggested books sounds great and fit well with busy schedule. will check out Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo for sure. sounds most interesting to me.
It’s a nice read. You will like it
[…] If you are looking for some quick reads, do check out my blog “5 books under 200 pages for a quick read” […]
These are some amazing books to add upto the reading list. I so wanted to read the train to Pakistan
These all promise a good and quick reading experience. Except for Khushwant SIngh’s, “Train To Pakistan,” I have not read any of the books. But I would definitely like to pick up, “The Metamorphosis,” by Franz kafka. Sandy N Vyjay
Do read it. It’s a good book
Such a fantastic list of quick reads. Since long “Train to Pakistan” is on my wishlist. I’d like to pick this one first.
Good recommendations, quick reads are so much easier to go through when you’re preased for time. I read Men Without Men few days ago and loved it too. Murakami is too good!
Yes Murakami is a fabulous authors with great books under his wings…..
I have read a book or two from the list and from that I can deduct the other would also be equally great. Thanks for curating the list
Wow these are some very good suggestions of books with less than.200 pages. It is always good to have combination of books. I Havr taken up TBR challenge and adding these books can make it real quick.
I have read The Metamorphosis and Train to Pakistan. I have to read the rest now. I love reading quick reads as such. Best to take during flight or train journeys.
You are absolutely right dear. I have read three of these have to get on the remaining 2 now asap.
This referral is just what I was looking for. Apart from KS, others are all alien to me. Bookmarking this post!
Wow, lovely books . I like to read such small books and not a fan of huge books . I might read some from your list too.
Wow somebody finally heard my prayers and it is you Hansa. I want book recommendations that are under 200 pages and you gave me 5 of such. Thanks dear I will pick Kushwant Sing’s Train to Pakistan first..
Oh I’m glad you found this helpful. Yes Train to Pakistan is a fabulous read and so are other books. Do read and enjoy them
I have been looking for some great reference for a long time now. And these books are just perfect for quick read. In fact all of these books are new for me I haven’t read any of these titles.
[…] If you are looking for some quick reads to begin with, check out my blog “5 reads under 200 pages for a quick read” […]
It’s a very interesting list. Haven’t read any of them. Thank you for sharing.