Books Under 200 Pages That You Can Read in a Day

Books with a lot of pages can be intimidating and can turn people off from reading. Plus, some people can’t always make time for long novels. That is why we have curated a list of books under 200 pages that you can read in a day!

Books with under 200 pages are just as good as longer books. And they are great ways to reach your reading goals. This list has some classics as well as must read books that you will be recommending to everyone you know!

From Sula by Toni Morrison to The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, this list has some of great works of literature. The best part is that you will be able to finish these books in one sitting and still have time to do other things that you need to do.

Some of my favorite works of literature are on this list such as Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri and The Vegetarian by Han Kang. You can see the full list below and add some more books to your end of the year reading goal!

Books Under 200 Pages That You Can Read in a Day

• 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
• We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Sula by Toni Morrison
• The Vegetarian by Han Kang
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
• Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri (Author), Morgan Giles (Translator)
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Foster by Claire Keegan

Foster is a quiet yet deeply moving story about a young girl sent to live with relatives in rural Ireland. Coming from a neglectful home, she slowly begins to experience kindness, stability, and care in a way she never has before. Through small, intimate moments, Keegan captures the emotional transformation of a child discovering what love and security feel like.

What makes this novella so powerful is its restraint. Keegan doesn’t rely on dramatic twists but instead builds a story through subtle details and unspoken emotions. The result is a haunting and beautiful exploration of childhood, belonging, and the lasting impact of compassion.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Open Water follows a young Black British man navigating love, identity, and vulnerability in modern London. Written in a lyrical, almost poetic style, the novel explores his relationship with a dancer as they both grapple with the pressures of being seen and misunderstood in a society shaped by race and expectations.

At its core, the book is about emotional openness and the difficulty of truly connecting with someone. Nelson blends music, art, and personal reflection into a deeply intimate narrative that feels both personal and universal. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Nita Prose returns readers to the charming and meticulous world of Molly the maid. Set during the holiday season, Molly finds herself wrapped up in a festive mystery that disrupts the order she values so much. As always, her unique perspective brings both humor and heart to the story.

This cozy mystery is as much about character as it is about the puzzle. With its warm setting and engaging plot, it offers a delightful escape while still delivering a satisfying whodunit. Fans of lighthearted mysteries will find plenty to enjoy here.

Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

This poetry collection by Ocean Vuong is a raw and emotional exploration of grief, memory, and identity following the death of his mother. Each poem feels deeply personal, reflecting on loss while also searching for meaning in its aftermath.

Vuong’s writing is both vulnerable and powerful, blending sharp imagery with emotional honesty. Time Is a Mother is not just about mourning—it’s about survival, transformation, and finding beauty in pain.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

This haunting dystopian novel follows a group of women imprisoned in an underground bunker, watched over by silent guards. The narrator, who has never known life outside captivity, begins to question everything when the guards suddenly disappear, leaving the women to face an unknown world.

Harpman crafts a deeply philosophical story about freedom, identity, and what it means to be human. The sparse, almost dreamlike narrative adds to the unsettling tone, making it a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Based on her acclaimed TED Talk, this essay is a powerful and accessible introduction to modern feminism. Adichie draws from personal experiences and cultural observations to explain why gender equality remains essential in today’s world.

Her writing is clear, engaging, and thought-provoking, making complex ideas easy to understand. This short but impactful work challenges readers to rethink societal norms and consider how we can create a more equal future.

Sula by Toni Morrison

Sula tells the story of two childhood friends, Nel and Sula, whose lives take very different paths as they grow older. Set in a close-knit Black community, the novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and identity.

Morrison’s writing is rich and layered, capturing both the beauty and complexity of human relationships. The novel challenges conventional ideas of morality and individuality, making it a deeply impactful and enduring work.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

This unsettling novel follows Yeong-hye, a woman who decides to stop eating meat after a disturbing dream. Her decision sets off a chain of events that disrupts her family and leads to increasingly extreme consequences.

Han Kang uses this premise to explore themes of control, autonomy, and societal expectations. The novel is both disturbing and thought-provoking, offering a powerful critique of conformity and repression.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, readers are drawn into a world of wealth, glamour, and hidden emptiness.

Fitzgerald’s novel is a timeless critique of the American Dream. Beneath its dazzling surface lies a story of longing, illusion, and the cost of chasing something that may never truly be attainable.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

This novella follows Bill Furlong, a coal merchant in a small Irish town, as he discovers a troubling secret tied to a local convent. As Christmas approaches, he must decide whether to ignore what he has seen or act on his conscience.

Keegan masterfully builds tension through quiet moments and moral reflection. The story is both subtle and powerful, exploring themes of courage, compassion, and doing what is right—even when it comes at a cost.

Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri

This novel follows the ghost of a homeless man who lingers in a Tokyo park near Ueno Station. As he reflects on his life, readers learn about his struggles, losses, and the societal forces that led him to the margins.

Yu Miri delivers a deeply emotional and socially conscious narrative. The novel sheds light on often overlooked lives, offering a poignant meditation on inequality, memory, and what it means to be seen.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

This classic novella tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who sets out on a final attempt to prove his strength and skill. His battle with a giant marlin becomes a test of endurance, pride, and resilience.

Hemingway’s simple yet powerful prose elevates this story into a timeless meditation on perseverance and human dignity. It’s a quiet but deeply inspiring tale about struggle, loss, and the will to keep going.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many short novels that are under 200 pages that you can read in a day. There are classics as well as lesser-known books that are just as good. With these novels, you will reach your reading goals and can brag to everyone about how many books you read this year!

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