Do you have some free time between writing essays and working on projects? Here is a look at twenty short novels you can get lost in when you have some time to spare.
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton-This book is one of the most beloved classics. Young teens living in Oklahoma experience their own kind of troubles. It is greasers versus the Socs in this page turner.
“Shop Girl” by Steve Martin-A comedic love story between a regular girl and a wealthy business man. This one will tug at your heart.
“The Body in the Library” by Agatha Christie-A quest to discover the story of the young girl found dead in the library.
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams-This comedy about life in space is sure to keep you entertained. If you like this one, there are five more sequels that will allow you to explore space.
“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson-A short thriller that will leave you with big sense of uneasiness.
“Dept. of Speculation” by Jenny Offill-A look into the hardships and love that fill the married life. This book is sure to change your outlook on both love and family.
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry-In a world where everyone’s life is planned, Jonas has it easy. But when his assigned role uncovers the truth, he may not have it as easy as he thought.
“Housekeeping” by Marilynne Robinson-Two haphazard sisters endure more loss and pain than they could ever hope for, and this novel gives you a firsthand look at what is happening in their lives.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury-Burning books is just how things are done in Guy’s community, and keeping them is breaking the law. What will happen to Guy if his secret is discovered?
“The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories” by Charlotte Perkins Gilam-A collection of seven humorous short stories written from the view of a feminist.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Ronald Dahl-This childhood staple is sure to take you back in time and into a magical chocolate factory.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho-This young man’s quest for treasure and secrets will lead you to wanting to follow your own heart’s desires.
“Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk-You have seen the movie, now read the book. Remember, don’t talk about fight club.
“Who Will Run the Frog Hospital?” by Lorrie Moore-Fifteen year old Berie and her best friend Sils work a summer job and get into trouble together. They escape all danger, until Berie sees that Sils needs her help.
“All My Friends Are Superheroes” by Andrew Kaufman-This novel about superheroes with real life struggles is bound to make you question your wish that superpowers were real.
“The Room” by Jonas Karlsson-In this psychological drama, Bjorn discovers a secret room that begins to take over his life. The only problem is the room doesn’t exist.
“A Night in Chile” by Roberto Bolaño-A confession and the dark memories of the Jesuit Priest Father Urrutia.
“Sleepless Nights” by Elizabeth Hardwick-This book is more like a journal, written by a woman who cannot sleep. Prepare to be taken into both her simple deepest thoughts reflects on her life.
“The Third Policeman” by Flann O’Brien-A comedic look into the life of a man who has a dark past.
“The Lime Twig” by John Hawkes-A plan to steal racehorses is under way, but what happens when professional crooks hear of the plan?
Do you have any short books that were left off of this list? Share them with others in the comments below.
[author image=”http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/prof.-pic.jpg”] Morgan Rodgers, Staff Contributor
Morgan is a mass communication student conquering her junior year. She loves everything about being outdoors, working with animals and pretty much doing anything creative. [/author]