Welcome Gallivanters!

Have you decided to finally make “read more books” #1 on your list of New Year’s Resolutions?

If so, then this post is for you!

Reading more has been a goal of mine for several years, even though I only just recently began to show promise in completing it.

All because I discovered the trick: I don’t like committing myself to books longer than 300 pages.

I’ve found that I can get through any book, good or bad around that length.

These “shorter” books typically take me about 2 weeks to finish, or 7-8hrs if it is an audiobook. And yes those count…

So today, I have compiled a list of some of the best books I’ve read that are roughly 300 pages for you to try reading in 2025!

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#1 The Alchemist – 163 pages

I included The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho in my blog post, “Books to Read in 2024 to Keep Your Life Together” and I say it still holds up! As the shortest book on this list, I would say it is definitely worth finally reading in 2025, instead of just telling people you’ve read it.

#2 The Vegetarian – 192 pages

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is 192 pages of thrilling writing and a series of bizarre events. I would not consider this an easy read, although it is shorter one. If the goal is to read books to seem more impressive, The Vegetarian was also listed 49th on the New York Times best novels of the 21st century.

#3 Normal People – 208 pages

Third shortest on our list is none other than Normal People by Sally Rooney. I was so immersed in the feeling of heartbreak while reading this, which I think is an amazing feat for just 208 pages of dialogue. For fans of the hit Hulu show based on this story, I highly recommend picking up a copy to read (and splatter tears on) for yourself!

#4 NightBitch – 256 pages

Everything they don’t tell you about Motherhood. NightBitch by Rachel Yoder tells the story of a young mother at the end of her rope, transforming uncontrollably into something…else. It’s funny, awkward, and an addictive read.

#5 Counterfeit – 284 pages

If Narcos was a book about girls who like Luxury items, Counterfeit by Kristin Chen would be just that. It’s a story about a young woman and mother who finds herself at the center of a counterfeit handbag scheme. I absolutely couldn’t put this book down, and I would’ve loved to read beyond the 284 pages.

#6 The Road – 287 pages

Another book listed on The New York Times best novels of the 21st century is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Set in desolate, apocalyptic America, a man and a boy travel across the country with only one goal – survive. At 287 pages, there isn’t a day that has gone by since I read this book that I haven’t thought about it.

#7 MotherThing – 288 pages

MotherThing by Ainslie Hogarth takes haunting the narrative to a whole new level. It’s darkly funny, extremely descriptive, and mostly deranged. I would mark this on your TBR to read in the month of October for a good scare.

#8 YellowFace – 336 pages

For readers and writers alike, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a story all about imposter syndrome, except the shoe fits here. R.F. Kuang has written some other incredible books such as Babel and the Poppy War series, so for those interested in joining her world with low commitment, Yellowface is the perfect introduction at just 336 pages.

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Well folks, thanks for checking out today’s blog post!

I am always looking for my next read, so any suggestions are welcomed below!

(please 300 pages or less my TBR is full).

-Allison