Admit it, sometimes you wish your book club had chosen a short book instead of a 500-page novel.
every once in a while, we all want to enjoy fast paced short novels for book club just to have a quiet conversation. when you include fast paced short books on your book club reading list, Not only can members read very fast, you can quickly move on to the next book club read.
You are reading: Short books for book club
I love short novels, short memoirs, or even short non-fiction books that you can read in a day.
so in today’s post i have compiled the best short books for your book discussion groups. You can find these short books in three categories; less than 100 pages, 200 pages and 300 pages.
To make it even easier for you, I have listed the total pages of each novel. so if you’re looking for some great short books for book clubs in 2022, let’s start with these books.
short novels for book club (less than 100 pages)
very good lives of j.k. rowling (74 pages)
this is a commencement speech from j. k rowling at harvard university in 2008. mainly summarizes the benefits of failure & amp; the importance of imagination. borrows examples from his own life and gives an inspiring talk. An uplifting short book for the book club in 2022!
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we should all be feminists by chimamanda ngozi adichie (48 pages)
short but intense reading that defines the notion of feminism. Since many people have misunderstood the definition of feminism, this book will give you the real definition. Drawing from her own life experience, Adichie narrates this book extremely well. If your book club is looking for short reads that are inspiring and less preachy, you should buy this book.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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shirley jackson’s lottery (30 pages)
Published in 1948, this story follows a town where the annual lottery is drawn. all the local residents are excited and looking forward to the event. since it is mandatory that all families participate in the lottery draw but none of them wants to be the winner. So what will happen to the winner? read the book to find out. this dark tale is a good short fiction book for your reading group.
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charlotte perkins gilman’s yellow wallpaper (64 pages)
charlotte perkins gilman’s short story examines the role of women in the institution of marriage. the story follows a mother who has been taken to the countryside by her husband to cure an unknown illness. the rest cure, a treatment prescribed by her husband’s doctor, seems to have no effect on her. days later, her mental health begins to deteriorate. she begins to look at the yellow paper, assuming that there is a woman trapped in it. this powerful classic is a great short book to add to a book club’s reading list.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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best short books for book clubs (less than 200 pages)
strange weather in tokyo by hiromi kawakami (176 pages)
This is the story of Omachi Tsukiko, a lonely woman in her mid-thirties, and her high school teacher whom she calls “sensei”. from drinking at a sake bar to climbing mountains. they find comfort in each other. This sweeping story of love and loneliness is one of the best novellas for book clubs. you can easily finish this novel in one go, but you won’t be able to put aside the story of the characters.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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russell hoban’s jellyfish frequency (144 pages)
If your book club is looking for a short read with humor and charm, Medusa Frequency is the perfect choice. the book deals with the strange combinations of characters from mythology and reality. a humorous story with many Greek references. This can be a bit tricky at first, but you will surely enjoy the themes along the way.
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the unusual reader by alan bennett (120 pages)
absolutely capricious novel where the queen of england discovers the pleasure of reading. soon her reading habit begins to take over everything else in her life. the worried staff begin to wonder about the future of the country. this beautiful novel has many humorous and charming moments. This book is not only a sweet short novel for book clubs, but also a perfect gift for her book club members.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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the ocean at the end of the road by neil gaiman (181 pages)
Neil Gaiman’s immersive story is a blend of fantasy, adventure, and a dark fairy. tells the story of a middle-aged man who has returned to his childhood village to attend a funeral. upon arrival, the events of his childhood begin to replay in his mind. he reminds her of his friend lettie from the hemp farm. the girl who used to describe her duck pond as her ocean. this charming story is a remarkable novella for the book club.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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red to the bone by jacqueline woodson (196 pages)
An emotional read that recounts the painful experiences of a young African-American woman. in alternate narratives we learn what it takes to live in a community. the book begins with the coming-of-age ceremony for the sixteen-year-old tune. later through her fathers and mothers the novel explores the themes of race, love, marriage and motherhood. if she is looking for an inspiring book for her book club, she should read this book. red at the bone is a great short book club book under 200 pages.
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the vegetarian of han kang (188 pages)
In this list of book club short book recommendations, next comes a short but extremely challenging novel. this is the story of yeong-hye who decides to stop eating meat. her carnivorous family is bewildered and furious to hear of her decision. later, her family becomes brutal towards her and tries to force-feed her meat. Han Kang has written a complex story that will get you under her skin. the vegetarian is a perfect allegory illustrating modern life in korea.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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we have always lived in shirley jackson’s castle (146 pages)
Years ago, the family members were prepared and some of the household members were killed. now the survivors, the blackwood sisters and their uncle lead an isolated life in a large house. however, the local suspects that the killer is one of the survivors. all three are very lonely, except for the younger sister who goes out twice a week to buy groceries and books from the library. and then comes a mysterious cousin with a secret motive. We’ve Always Lived in the Castle is a short but exciting book club book to read in 2022.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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heart berries by terese marie mailhot (143 pages)
Often, reading groups want to read books that are short but require a slow pace. Terese Marie Mailhot Memoirs is one of those books that takes the reader on a harrowing journey. she sheds light on her abusive family on an Indian reservation. These courageous memoirs also feature intimate accounts of motherhood, mental illness, and suffering. mailhot looks at the lives of indigenous women both in the past and in the present. It is worth discussing these poetic essays with members of her book club.
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the meaning of an ending by julian barnes (150 pages)
British author Julia Banrnes’s philosophical novel explores the many ways our past comes back to us. or how our memories are stored in such a way that sometimes we want to erase most of them. Tony Webster is a middle-aged man who has moved on from a past tragedy. he gets along with his ex-wife and leads a peaceful life. until a mysterious legacy forces him to reconsider his past choices. This short but powerful novel is a short but powerful book for his book club’s reading list.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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sandra cisneros, the house on mango street (110 pages)
The House on Mango Street, by internationally acclaimed author Sandra Cisneros, is a collection of short stories inspired by the author’s own life in the United States. Cisneros’s parents moved to Chicago when she was 11 years old. she sheds light on the children’s struggles and hardships as they grow up in a poor, working-class family. As a young Latina, Cisneros struggled to find a sense of belonging in the neighborhood. these lyrical stories are moving and beautiful and deal with the themes of oppression, shame and friendship. a short read for book clubs told in a series of vignettes.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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the ballad of tom black by victor lava (149 pages)
Are you looking for discussion-worthy novellas for the book group? this atmospheric novel is perfect for reading. The Ballad of Tom Black is the story of a hustler named Charles Thomas Tester. After his mother’s death, Tom is doing all sorts of things to support his poor father. But life isn’t easy for a young black man in 1920s New York. so he takes the unusual jobs that pay well. so when he meets a strange white man who promises him something huge, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes. but does it come with a price?
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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vellitt boe’s quest for dreams by kij johnson (166 pages)
This riveting fantasy novel is inspired by Lovecraft’s 1943 novel Quest for the Unknown Kadath’s Dream. In this story we follow Ulthar Women’s College professor Vellitt Boe who sets off to retrieve one of her female students, who is eloping with a man from the waking world. As this 55-year-old former traveler passes through other parts of the world, with a mysterious black cat as her companion, her journey is challenging and often dangerous. If her book club likes short, fast-paced fantasy novels, she should read this book right away.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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the five people you will meet in heaven by mitch albom (196 pages)
This is the story of Eddie, an old mechanic who dies in a theme park accident on his 83rd birthday. once in heaven he meets five people who take him back to his life on earth in flashbacks. All five of these people have connected with Eddie in some way during his life on earth. This is an uplifting read that explores love, god, hate, and forgiveness. He discusses this short but inspiring book with the members of his book club.
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excellent short books for book clubs under 300 pages
an italian summer by rebecca serle (268 pages)
katy is heartbroken after losing her mother. Carol was not only her mother but also her best friend and confidant. the pain is so excruciating that she begins to question everything in her life, from her career to her relationship with her husband. but then she katy decides to travel to prosicano; the magical town that seems to have a great influence on her mother. Katy hopes this trip can help her find a new purpose in her life. This atmospheric novel is a short book at just under 300 pages. but I’m sure her book club won’t be able to stop talking about this Italian summer that will change everything.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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sanibel dreams by hope holloway (257 pages)
eliza whitney is going through a difficult period in her life. She not only lost her beloved husband, but also her high-powered job. just as she was trying to get out of the pain, she receives an invitation to travel to sanibel island, to help the widow of her estranged father, teddy. Once on the island, Ella Eliza learns a lot about the life of her father, whom she had not seen since childhood. With the help of Teddy, who is also a natural healer, Ella Eliza finds a new life. a beautiful short book to read with her reading group.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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everything you may know by nicole chung (240 pages)
In a thought-provoking memoir, Nicole Chung discusses transracial adoption along with her confused and disturbed state of mind and the attempts she made to discover the roots of her life. a moving book that explores a woman’s journey to come to terms with identity. chung speaks honestly about her personal struggles, her birth family, her abuse and separation from her. this short memoir will be a perfect book group book for 2022.
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stay by catherine ryan hyde (292 pages)
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a short novel set against the background of the vietnam war. The book tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy who fights for his life and runs away from all his problems. As a result, he ends up in the woods where he meets Zoe, who lives isolated from society. there their unexpected friendship grows. a beautiful story that conveys the meaning of peace, happiness and compassionate friendships. a wonderful short book recommendation for our book club
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matt haig’s midnight library (288 pages)
The protagonist of the novel is completely lost and it is through her thoughts that the author sheds light on us, giving us the possibility of changing our lives for a better one. the author affirms that there is a midnight library between our life and our death, full of many books and shelves that urges us to go through to realize what really fills our life and what makes it worth living. matt haig‘s uplifting novel is a page-opening epic novel and should definitely be included in the list of best book club novellas.
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my sister, the serial killer by oyinkan braithwaite (226 pages)
This debut novel from Braithwaite tells the story of two sisters, Korede and Ayoola. the firstborn is being neglected by everyone, while the younger ayoola, through her charms, gains everyone’s attention. besides her external beauty, she is a serial killer. and it is korede who is supposed to bear all the responsibilities for her sister’s crime. an unbeatable thriller that is just under 250 pages long and is excellent to read in her book reading group.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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nothing to see here by kevin wilson (288 pages)
lillian and madison were best friends at school. When Ella’s rich friend Madison gets into trouble, Lillian is forced to take the blame and drop out of school. Years later, the same friend returns and begs Lilian to save her life once more. her new request is to take care of her two flammable stepsons. And the thing is, she Lillian desperately needs a job, so she, even though she has no idea how to take care of the kids, she agrees to take on the task. this wonderful dark humor novel is another highly recommended novella for book clubs.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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transcendent realm by yaa gyasi (264 pages)
From the author of homegoing comes an unforgettable story about a woman’s quest to solve the mysteries that have torn her family apart. The protagonist Gifty is a neuroscience student at Stanford Medical School. When her brother dies of a heroin overdose, her family is torn apart and she loses hope in religion and God. she now she is determined to discover the reason behind all the miseries that surround her through science. Transcendent Realm is a quick book to read with her reading group.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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the wife upstairs by rachel hawkins (290 pages)
this modern jane eyre is exciting. We meet Jane who secretly dreams of becoming rich and living in a mansion with a husband. however, at the moment she is just a dog walker for the wealthy families on the thornfield estates. but then she meets eddie rochester, a widower. As their friendship quickly takes a romantic turn, Jane is thrilled to have found the perfect man. But things don’t always go as planned! this delicious mystery is a short novel that you can enjoy reading and discussing in your book clubs
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looking for alaska byjohn green ( 221 pages)
The debut novel from New York Times bestselling author John Green is a short, intense novel that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. The story follows the life of a teenager miles away from Florida. When he decided to attend Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama, he never expected to meet and fall in love with the temperamental and unpredictable young man from Alaska. As Miles, Alaska, and his mutual friend Chip engage in pranks, the unexpected happens and Miles’ lives change forever.
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nora goes off scriptby annabel monaghan (268 pages)
nora is a single mother and a professional screenwriter. she’s been writing fluffy, sweet rom-coms with more or less the same plot lines and characters. but then when she writes a new story about her own life, about her failed marriage and her dreams. And then she gets picked up by a major Hollywood studio. and suddenly her house is transformed into a movie set. A few days later, the film’s lead actor approaches Nora with a strange request. she offers to pay money to stay in her house for a week. the money is huge, but more than that, she nora might say yes just to have him close to her. this short romantic comedy is a delightful book club book.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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the enemy by sarah adams (256 pages)
ryan and june were sworn enemies in high school. now ryan is a chef and june is a businesswoman. But when they ran into each other at her best friend’s wedding, their old connection began to resurface again. but this time both are unsure of the nature of their interaction. So, are you ready to forgive yourself and move on? This romance novella from enemies to lovers is a fun book club book for 2022.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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sea of tranquility by emily st. John Mandel
From the best-selling author of Season Eleven comes another sci-fi novel that tells interconnected stories from different timelines. we met young edwin st. Andrew, who has been exiled from England to the Canadian wilderness. Next up is Olive Llewellyn, author of The Second Moon Colony. And then there’s a detective, hired to investigate an anomaly in the North American desert. this deeply moving story of finding oneself and being part of a community. an imaginative book that’s short, intense, and great to read in book club.
See Also: The 10 Commercial Real Estate Books You Need To Read | Point Acquisitions
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There you have it, fantastic short books for book clubs
What’s the best book your book club has talked about? how did you feel about that book? let me know in the comments!
always curious to hear from you,
stefi
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