Books Under 200 Pages to Help You Reach Your Reading Goal

Sometimes, no matter how much we want to read, life gets in the way. Work deadlines pile up, family responsibilities demand our attention, and by the time we finally sit down at night, our energy is already gone. Suddenly, that ambitious reading goal we set at the beginning of the year feels impossible to reach.

But here’s the good news: reaching your reading goal doesn’t always mean committing to massive 500-page novels. Sometimes, the secret to success is reading shorter books under 200 pages. These books can make all the difference—helping you rebuild momentum, rediscover the joy of reading, and end the year feeling accomplished instead of disappointed.

If you’re struggling to keep up with your reading challenge, or if you just want to squeeze in more great books before the year ends, this list is for you. Keep reading to discover some incredible books under 200 pages that can help you reach (or even exceed) your reading goal.

Books Under 200 Pages to Read

• Foster by Claire Keegan
• Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
• The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
• Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong
• I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
• Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li
• Sula by Toni Morrison
• ‘We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Why Short Books Can Save Your Reading Goal

I’ll be the first to admit it: not all the books I read are 300 pages long. This year, I read several novellas—particularly by Martha Wells—and they made reaching my reading goal significantly easier. While I likely would have reached my goal of 100 books regardless, there’s something incredibly motivating about finishing a dozen books in a single month.

Short books create momentum. Each finished book gives you a small dopamine hit, reminding you why you love reading in the first place. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by long chapters and dense prose, you experience the satisfaction of progress—sometimes in just a day or two.

Even better, shorter books often pack an emotional punch far beyond their page count. Many authors use brevity to their advantage, crafting stories that are precise, powerful, and unforgettable.

It’s Never Too Late to Get Back Into Reading

If you feel far away from your reading goal, there are only two possibilities:

1. You set an extremely ambitious goal, or
2. You haven’t been able to read as much as you hoped this year

Either way, it’s important to remember this: it is never too late to get back into reading.

Ending the year on a high note can completely change how you feel about your reading life. Even if you don’t hit your exact goal, reading a few great books can reignite your motivation and set you up for success next year. Short books make that process easier and more enjoyable.

The Best Books Under 200 Pages to Read

This list includes a mix of literary fiction, poetry, novellas, and thought-provoking essays. Some of these books are under 70 pages, making them perfect for a single sitting. Others hover closer to the 200-page mark but remain quick, immersive reads.

Foster by Claire Keegan

The list begins with Foster, a novel often considered one of the best books of the 21st century. At just over 120 pages, this quietly devastating story can be read in a day or two—but its emotional impact lingers far longer.

Keegan’s writing is restrained and beautiful, telling the story of a young girl sent to live with foster parents in rural Ireland. Through small gestures and moments of kindness, Foster explores love, neglect, and what it means to feel truly seen.

This is the kind of book that reminds you why short fiction can be just as powerful as a sprawling novel.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Open Water is a lyrical, poetic love story that has won multiple awards—and for good reason. Written in a flowing, intimate style, the novel explores love, art, vulnerability, and Black identity in contemporary London.

I don’t often read books that blur the line between fiction and poetry, but when I do, they’re usually unforgettable. Open Water is one of those rare books that feels deeply personal, as if it’s speaking directly to the reader.

Short, beautiful, and emotionally rich, this book is perfect for readers who want something meaningful without a huge time commitment.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

If you’re looking for something lighter and more comforting, The Mistletoe Mystery is a great choice. This short mystery offers cozy vibes, gentle humor, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages.

Mystery novellas like this are excellent palate cleansers between heavier reads. They’re fun, engaging, and easy to finish—making them ideal for boosting your reading count without feeling like work.

Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong’s Time Is a Mother is a stunning poetry collection that grapples with grief, memory, identity, and survival. Each poem is layered with emotion, beauty, and vulnerability.

Poetry collections are often overlooked when people think about reading goals, but they shouldn’t be. A book like this can be read slowly over several days or quickly in one sitting, depending on your mood.

Vuong’s writing proves that fewer words can sometimes say far more than an entire novel.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

This haunting, dystopian novel is under 200 pages, but it feels vast in scope. I Who Have Never Known Men explores isolation, womanhood, freedom, and what it means to be human.

Despite its brevity, the book raises philosophical questions that will stay with you long after you finish. It’s an excellent example of how speculative fiction doesn’t need to be long to be impactful.

Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li

Yiyun Li is known for her precise, emotionally resonant writing, and Things in Nature Merely Grow is no exception. This short collection of essays and reflections explores grief, loss, and the quiet moments that define our lives.

This is a book to read slowly, thoughtfully, and with intention. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate introspective writing that doesn’t rush to offer easy answers.

Sula by Toni Morrison

At under 200 pages, Sula proves that Toni Morrison didn’t need length to create literary masterpieces. This novel explores friendship, betrayal, community, and identity through the lives of two women in a small Ohio town.

Dense, poetic, and emotionally complex, Sula is a reminder that classic literature can also be concise and accessible.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This short, powerful essay is based on Adichie’s widely viewed TED Talk. In just a few pages, she makes a compelling, accessible case for feminism—rooted in personal experience and universal truths.

This is a book I recommend to everyone. It’s quick to read, endlessly quotable, and incredibly impactful.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Vegetarian is a disturbing, surreal, and unforgettable novel that explores autonomy, violence, and resistance through the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat.

Han Kang’s writing is sharp and unsettling, making this a book that’s difficult to put down despite its dark themes. It’s one of those short novels that feels much larger than its page count.

Why Books Under 200 Pages Matter

I have to credit USA Today for inspiring this list, and I have to say—it’s an excellent one. Every selection feels intentional, and you can tell it was curated by someone who genuinely loves reading.

Short books like these remind us that reading isn’t about page counts or arbitrary goals. It’s about stories, ideas, and connection. Still, if shorter books help you reach your reading goal, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with embracing them.

Final Thoughts: Ending the Year on a High Note

These are just some of the many books under 200 pages that can help you reach your reading goal. One day, I’ll create the ultimate list of short books—but until then, this selection will more than do the job.

Whether you reach your goal or fall a few books short, what matters most is ending the year feeling inspired. A strong finish can motivate you to set—and achieve—your next reading goal with confidence.

Happy reading, and here’s to finishing the year on a high note 

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