I love tomes as much as short stories. Every once in a while, and particularly when traveling, I pick up short reads that I can finish in a day. Of Mice and Men and Animal Farm are my all-time favorites.
Here is a compilation of eight books that would shock you, move you, make you question humanity, and often leave you wondering if man is indeed the most dangerous animal. If you are looking for a quick read of less than 200 pages, I suggest you check them out.
Maus
by Art Spiegelman
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
If you haven’t read Maus yet, you need to pick it up pronto. A graphic novel, it is the story of a Jewish holocaust survivor through the eyes of his son. The characters are depicted as mice (jews), cats (Germans), pigs (Polish), and dogs (Americans) that adds an interesting layer to the narrative.
Fox 8
by George Saunders
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
A fox so enamored by ‘yumans’ that he learns the language. He sets out on an adventure only to have his world shattered. A tiny book that indeed packs a punch. The phonetic writing style does take a while to get used to. But once you do, the book is a treat.
Poonachi: Or The Story Of A Black Goat
by Perumal Murugan
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
While we are on the topic of animals, here is another one by Perumal Murugan. It appears to simply be a life story of a goat (a nanny goat to be particular). But is also a narrative of the impact of humans on animals and in some ways a reflection of the state of women in the society. It is a simple yet deeply disturbing novella.
Convenience Store Woman
by Sayaka Murata
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
The normal world has no room for exceptions and always quietly eliminates foreign objects. The book is not a feel-good read. It may appear quirky at first, but it is a compelling narrative of the struggles of a socially awkward individual. I highly recommend the book.
Read the complete review here.
A compilation of eight books that would shock you, move you, and make you question humanity. Book Recommendations: Short Reads That Pack A Punch. #BohoPonderings #MyFriendAlexa Share on X
Undelivered Letters
by J. Alchem
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Regrets and what-ifs. I read the book over the weekend and am still trying to process my thoughts. A bunch of letters misplaced twenty years ago. A postman’s effort to right a wrong and also bring closure to the recipients. It is a compilation of five stories and how the letters affected them. The novella leaves you hoping there was more. I do plan to write a complete review of the book. There is so much to talk about.
Ghachar Ghochar
by Vivek Shanbhag
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
“It’s not we who control money. It is money that controls us.” The quote perfectly sums up Ghachar Ghochar. A lower-middle-class family that comes across wealth and how it changes the dynamics of relationships makes the book a must-read.
The Last Poisoners Of 6
by Neeraj Chawla
Buy on Juggernaut | Add to Goodreads
Imagine an ayurveda hakim who is actually a killer for hire. A family owned business with a sinister history. The quick read, available on Juggernaut, it will shock you. It is indeed a hidden gem.
Letters From Kargil: The Kargil War Through Our Soldiers’ Eyes
by Diksha Dwivedi
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
As an army kid, I have grown up on stories about soldiers and wars. I came across the book and had to pick it up. It is an extremely moving book that is a compilation of letters sent by soldiers during Kargil war. In most cases, it was the last letter the family received.
What are your favorite short reads? Have you read the books listed above? I would love to discuss them with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.
September 10, 2019 @ 10:43 am
I also like reading short stories. But I read only those which I easily find in newspaper or magazine 😄. I also have a Hindi app ‘Pratilipi’ for short stories. I am interested in reading ‘Letters from Kargil ‘ first from your list. Thank you for this 🙂
September 10, 2019 @ 10:57 am
Letters from Kargil is a great choice!
I haven’t heard of Pratilipi. Thanks for sharing about it. Will check that out. If you have an Amazon Prime or a Kindle Unlimited membership, a couple of books on this list are available there.
September 10, 2019 @ 8:05 pm
I have read Maus and Ghachar Ghochar, and really enjoyed reading them. Will surely keep a look for the rest of the books on your list.
September 11, 2019 @ 6:55 pm
Ghachar Ghochar is indeed brilliant.
September 11, 2019 @ 10:34 am
I was not a reading person until i have my own child. to help her reading i started reading and now i am in love with reading. even i am starting with short stories, some comic, humour and romantic ones (they don’t take much time ). Loved the title “Letters from Kargil” and i am moving to that now.
September 11, 2019 @ 6:58 pm
That is great. One must read the genres one enjoys. I pick a light read or a romance for days when I cannot get into the heavy duty stuff.
September 11, 2019 @ 6:43 pm
Ghachar Gochar and Poonachi have been on my TBR for the longest. But, now I am quite taken for Fox 8 by George Saunders after reading your post. Thanks for the list!
September 11, 2019 @ 6:59 pm
Fox 8 is quite a find. I came across it on a Twitter discussion and cannot recommend it enough.
September 11, 2019 @ 7:33 pm
Yeah seriously…after reading Pastoralia, I was so keen to read other writings by George Saunders but never found Fox 8.
September 12, 2019 @ 3:43 pm
I love reading short stories like these. That’s a great complications of books I must say. I’m definitely going to pick up these .
September 13, 2019 @ 11:22 pm
Thank you, Preetjyot.
September 13, 2019 @ 5:47 pm
Hey Ritu! Like I said on Insta, I read 2 letters from Kargil and Undelivered letters. If time permits do check my take on the later one at blog. Ponaachi was much appreciated if I remember correct and it is in my TBR. I will surely check the rest especially Fox8.
September 13, 2019 @ 11:25 pm
I will definitely check it out, Pragnya. I hope to read your take on the other books as well.
September 15, 2019 @ 1:19 am
M off from reading for quite some time now and now i plan to pick up a short read first to resume. Your list looks the perfect thing to give it a start. Thanks for sharing this.
September 16, 2019 @ 4:30 pm
Thanks for stopping by. Short reads are perfect when you want to get back to reading.
September 17, 2019 @ 2:38 pm
Nice list of books.. i can’t wait to dive in to some of them! I recently finished reading a short work that packed a great punch- “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. Have you read it?
September 17, 2019 @ 5:21 pm
Thanks for the recommendation, Noor. I will definitely check it out.
September 17, 2019 @ 4:39 pm
I like reading short stories too ,as they capture my attention and I read more so that I know the end quicker. You have listed out a good range, thanks for the recommendations.
September 17, 2019 @ 5:23 pm
Exactly the reason why I pick them too. During the busy work season, I prefer a book that I can finish in a day.
September 17, 2019 @ 5:45 pm
This is a wonderful list of books. Perfect when you r travelling 🙂
September 17, 2019 @ 7:37 pm
I do like reading short stories. I feel they are more interesting to read. Its a good list. Thanks for sharing.
September 17, 2019 @ 7:10 pm
Ritu, I cannot thank you enough for this compilation. I’m so happy that Alexa made me bump into your blog. Loving it!!!
September 18, 2019 @ 10:55 pm
Thank you for kind words, Janaki 🙂 So glad we connected all thanks to #MyFriendAlexa.
September 18, 2019 @ 2:30 pm
Short and effective just like the books! Seems a must read collection!
September 21, 2019 @ 7:14 pm
I have not read any of them.
Will choose one, I guess the Kargil one soon.
Thanks for sharing.
http://www.shaandaarjenie.com
Letters from Kargil by Diksha Dwivedi Book Review – Bohemian Bibliophile
November 30, 2019 @ 6:01 pm
[…] As an army kid, I have grown up hearing stories about soldiers and wars. When I saw the book featured on Juggernaut on Vijay Diwas, I had to pick it up. The book also features on my recommendation list, Short Reads that Pack a Punch. […]
September 30, 2021 @ 5:37 pm
I haven’t read these short stories. These are easier to read. And if you are recommending them they must be really good.