Quick Reads for Busy Readers | Short Books Under 300 Pages
A list of ten books under 300 pages for people who need a quick read!
We are entering the time of year where there are lots of extra things going on. Holidays, parties, concerts, etc. During these times, you may feel too busy to make time for yourself, and reading may not be a priority. I like to have a book to read at all times, but when things are busy, I’m usually only reading a page or two per day. In times like this, I find that reading a shorter book helps me to keep focus and still feel productive in my reading life. So, if you’re feeling like things are crazy and you just need a short book to read right now, this list is for you!
This list is also for my sister, who asked me to make a list of quick books to read in the midst of reading a long series (She’s currently immersed in Throne of Glass). So, if you’re in a lengthy series yourself and feel like you need a little break, give one of these books a try!
Each of the books on this list is under 300 pages. Only one of them has a sequel, and the rest of them are stand-alone novels.
As important as I think it is to support libraries and independent bookstores, I understand this is not a possibility for everyone. So, I’ve included links to purchase the books mentioned in this post through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which is the best way you can support this blog. Ultimately, please choose the method that works best for you!
**If you have sensitivities or objections to specific types of content, I ask that you do your own research before reading these books. When creating book lists, I purposely choose not to go into detail about character identities/experiences/struggles unless it is important to the plot.
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules
By Suzanne Allain (2024)
Historical Romance. Diana is a rich widow in mourning who plans to NEVER. MARRY. AGAIN. But all of a sudden, suitors are knocking down her door, and she discovers that she is on a public list of rich, eligible women. Diana hunts down the author of the list, only to discover that (handsome) Maxwell Dean had no ill-intent when publishing this list. But still, Diana decides to take matters into her own hands, and calls the ladies of the list together to form a plan. If they are going to be subjects on this list, they are going to rewrite the rules of how to use it.
My Sister, The Serial Killer
By Oyinkan Braithwaite (2018)
Thriller. Korede is a nurse in Nigeria, who is constantly on stand by to help her sister, Ayoola, clean up her messes - literally - as Ayoola has a bad habit of killing her boyfriends. When Ayoola sets her sights on a doctor named Tade in Korede’s place of work (a doctor who Korede also happens to be in love with), she must make a choice: Turn in Ayoola, or turn on Tade. This book is a unique perspective on how far a person will go to protect their family, no matter the circumstances.
Clara Reads Proust
By Stéphanie Carlier (2022)
Fiction. This little story is an ode to literature lovers! Clara is a hairdresser in a small salon in France. Not much is happening in her mundane life, and she wonders what more there could be. Then a client leaves behind a book by Proust. Clara starts to read, and a whole new world opens before her eyes, leading her to figure out who she wants to be. You do not need to be a Proust reader to appreciate this book about the love of reading!
Killer Chef
By Jeffrey J. Keyes & James Patterson (2016)
Mystery/Detective Thriller. Any of James Patterson’s BookShots would be a great fit for this list, as they are all fast-paced thrillers under 150 pages! In Killer Chef, Caleb is a detective by day and a chef of a popular food truck by night. Living in New Orleans, the restaurant scene is pretty popular. Unfortunately, Caleb is called to investigate the murders of patrons in some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants. Can Caleb find the murderer before they claim more victims? Killer Chef is the prequel to the book The Chef by Max Dilallo James Patterson, so if you end up enjoying this book, you can check out the next one!
The Dark Library
By Cyrille Martinez (2020)
Fantasy. If books were alive, how do you think they would feel about the rise of digital media? The Dark Library chronicles the feelings and actions of some of the books and librarians in a quiet library, where all of the books are being converted to digital copies. This book will make you think about the changing landscape of libraries, and what would happen if they all disappeared.
Amazon (commission earned)
The Tusks of Extinction
By Ray Nayler (2024)
Sci-Fi. Scientists in Moscow have brought mammoths back to life, but these animals do not have the survival skills they once had. Dr. Damira Khismatullina, who was recently murdered, had been working to save elephants from extinction. Because of her expertise in elephant behavior, her digital consciousness is chosen to be uploaded into a mammoth. Her task: to teach the species the survival skills they need in order to repopulate, before it’s too late.
There There
By Tommy Orange (2018)
Literary fiction. Twelve people from different Native communities are traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow in California. Each person is going for a different reason - to spend time with others, to make money, etc. Though they don’t know it, these characters are all connected to each other. This story explores how Native people have been mistreated throughout history, as well as present day issues, and the hope we can hold for the future.
The Swimmers
By Julie Otsuka (2022)
Realistic/Historical fiction. The swimmers arrive at the pool everyday to swim laps for various reasons. Then, one day, a crack appears in the bottom of the pool, forcing closure. The first half of this story is about the community of swimmers who frequent the pool. The second half focuses on the impact the pool closing has on Alice, an older Japanese immigrant coping with dementia. This story is a reflection of loss and grief, making it emotional and deeply moving.
Never Date a Roommate
By Paula Ottoni (2024)
Romantic Comedy. Sol has the opportunity to move to Copenhagen and also get a promotion at her job as a game developer in that area. But her boss wants to give the promotion to someone who is established in Copenhagen already - someone with a place to live, and perhaps, a significant other. Of which Sol has neither. But, she may be able to convince Erik, a brooding tech guy, to be her roommate - and possibly pose as her boyfriend until she gets the promotion. But it’s possible that a fake romance may lead to something real, if these two aren’t careful….
The Perfect Nanny
By Leïla Slimani (2016)
Psychological thriller. Miriam is about to go back to work as a lawyer in Paris after staying home with her two kids. She and her husband hire a nanny named Louise, who seems like the perfect fit for their family. But things start to change, and the family discovers that Louise has a dark side - one that alters the course of their lives forever. One question remains about Louise and her actions: Why?