Today, I’m starting a new series at Daily Mayo. I’m creating book lists based on the time it should take an average reader to complete them. Today’s book list? Books you can read in an hour or less.
If you’re here for the Lit Lovers Link Party, scroll to the end of the post and add your links!
Calculation Method
I used an average of 300 words per minute (which is what Forbes calls the average reading speed) as my base reading speed. Frequent readers might be slightly faster, but if you like to soak in your words, you might be a bit slower.
I used the industry standard of about 250 words per page. This means that my “average” reader should be able to read slightly over one page per minute. A reader at this speed would be able to read 72 to 80 pages in an hour.
I’ve included books up to 120 pages in this round-up, simply because a lot of books have filler pages at the beginning, empty half-pages for chapter headers, images, appendixes, etc. Because of inconsistencies in reading speed and how much text is on a page, these books could take up to two hours to read in some cases, or as little as 30 minutes. If you know you are a slower reader, stick to the books listed with fewer than 100 pages. If you read quickly, try the slightly longer books.
13 Books You Can Read in an Hour or Less
When going through this list, I couldn’t help but notice that many of the books are quite old. Only a few on the list were written later than the 1930s. Today’s readers may want longer stories, but I think it might be past time for a new trend of succinct books you can read in an hour. Not everything needs to be the length of the last Harry Potter novel.
And if you’ve shied away from more classic literature because of the time it takes to read longer novels, these short books are a great way to experience the classics with less time investment.
The Possession by Annie Ernaux
62 pages
The Possession is a story about a women who breaks up with someone and becomes obsessed with the idea of the man’s next girlfriend. She spends a great amount of time trying to uncover the new girlfriend’s identify and personality, much to her personal detriment.
Read it here.
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
77 pages
A classic story about a man who halfway falls in love with the nurse of his ailing and not so agreeable wife. Will Ethan stick to his vows or will he seek happiness with the younger, healthier woman?
Read it here.
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
120 pages
This adorable short story tells the tale of a modern Queen of England who accidentally falls into the habit of reading. Because she spends so much time reading, it starts to bleed into her responsibilities as Queen, to hilarious results.
Read it here.
Carte Blanche by Carlo Lucarelli
120 pages
In the last year of WWII, an Italian detective investigates the murder of a drug dealer, finding out more about the underbelly of post-war Italy than he ever wanted to know. This book is labeled as a “gritty noir.”
Read it here.
Driving Lessons by Ed McBain
80 pages
In Driving Lessons, a 16 year-old girl accidentally runs over and kills a woman during a driving lesson. But as the investigation continues, there may be much more to the story. 1. The driving instructor appeared drunk. 2. The victim was the instructor’s wife.
Read it here.
Mr. Thundermug by Cornelius Medvei
112 pages
What happens when an incredibly smart ape tries to integrate human society? About what you would expect. Filled with humor, Mr. Thunermug touches on themes of racism, classism, and what it feels like to be an outsider.
Read it here.
The Yellow Arrow by Victor Pelevin
92 pages
In Russia, a train has traveled without beginning or end rushing toward a wrecked bridge. Even though there are no stops, the passengers seem unconcerned. This comic satire explores the themes and attitudes in post-soviet Russia.
Read it here.
Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
74 pages
If you love books, then this is an adorable and quick read that will warm your heart. One of my favorite short stories- the book tells the tale of a middle-aged woman who is tired of supporting the adventures of others and sets out to have her own. When she stumbles on a mobile bookstore for sale, she jumps at the chance to travel with books to new places.
Read it here.
Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
112 pages
Notes from the Underground is a “dairy” of an unnamed man who has withdrawn completely from society. This psychological novel combines science fiction dystopia with the philosophy of nineteenth-century Russia.
Read it here.
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
116 pages
This book, and others by James M. Cain, was once banned for being too immoral. Even today the contents and bleak characters are somewhat shocking. In this story, a drifter decides to put down roots when he sees the attractive owner of a diner. There is only one problem- the woman is already married. As an affair starts and murder is planned, the unfortunate couple soon finds themselves in way over their heads.
Read it here.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
64 pages
A classic tale representing the potential for good and evil in every person, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores the idea of both good and evil fighting for control of a single person. One of the original psychological horrors that still delights and entertains today.
Read it here.
Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey
119 pages
Fast readers will probably get through this in an hour, but slower readers might take a bit longer. Cheerful Weather for the Wedding is set on one young woman’s wedding day in the 1930s. The entire book takes place mainly inside the house, but the rich characters and fast-paced dialogue makes the setting seem much larger.
Read it here.
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
118 pages
A classic tale of sleuthing at its finest, The Hound of the Baskervilles is worth a read or re-read. The sudden death of a baronet, the creepy feel, the haunted setting, and the inevitable scientific explanation is what makes Sherlock Holmes stories so great.
Do you have any short stories to add to this list? What are your favorite books you can read in an hour?
Lit Lover’s Link Party
It is time for YOU! All posts linked up will be shared and pinned by me! Link your neglected book and quote posts for some extra juice! We’re here every Thursday.
Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want!
As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL.. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can keep joining in.
If you want to be added as a contributor to the Lit Lover’s group board, just send me an e-mail at brenda at dailymayo.com with your Pinterest user name.
Follow Brenda D Priddy’s board Lit Lover’s Group Board on Pinterest.
This Week’s Lit Lover Features
Last week, I really loved the collection of books that Natalie found that tell stories in out-of-the-box ways. Heather also had some interesting thoughts for Armchair BEA on whether authors should be segregated by race or location in libraries.
Join the fun!
Link-up Rules
1. Links must be book or quote-related (reviews, quotes, book lists, author interviews, memes, whatever!).
2. Link to your blog-specific URL, not your home page.
3. Visit the features and some of the other posts and have some fun!
4. Use the hashtag #litlovers when sharing this link-up!
More Books to Read
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What a great idea to do book recs by length/reading time. Great post!
Thanks, Julie! I plan to do a whole series eventually. 🙂