Today, we’re continuing the “books you can read in…” series at Daily Mayo. Last time, I found books you can read in a hour or less, and today’s we’re going to look at books that should take about two hours to read.
If you’re here for the Lit Lovers Link Party, scroll to the end of the post and add your links! Want more book recommendations? Find them here!
Calculation Method
According to Forbes Magazine, the average person can read about 300 words per minute. Industry standard is about 250 words per page, which means the average reader should be able to read just over a page to a page in a half in one minute. If you are a particularly fast reader, you might be able to read two pages a minute, or even three. But for calculation purposes, I’m estimating that the average reader can get through about a page and a half per minute. This means that in two hours, the average reader can get through somewhere between 140 an 180 pages. For this list, I’ve included books that are under 180 pages, but over 120 pages, as most readers should be able to complete a book of that size in about two hours. A lot of books also include filler pages and pictures, which increase how many pages you can get through in two hours.
Books You can Read in Two Hours or Less
Our Town: A Play in Three Acts 
Read the classic play from Thornton Wilder about small-time life in the 1930s.
The Old Man and The Sea
A classic, easy-to-read book that will leave you thinking.
Hatchet
This tale of survival in the woods felt realistic to me- more so than most. Also suitable for young readers.
The Great Gatsby
A classic must-read and well worth a re-read if it’s been a while!
Different Seasons
This collection is over 500 pages because it contains several short stories of Stephen King. However, individually the stories can be read in two hours or less.
Tuck Everlasting
A classic story of everlasting love and age-defying beauty. Kids can read this one, too.
The Awakening
Back when this was published in the 1800s, it was considered quite scandalous.
Frankenstein
This book is particularly fitting since a new movie is coming out soon. You too will be able to scream, “that’s not in the book!”
A Study in Scarlet
The original Sherlock Holmes novel, and still one of the best!
The War of the Worlds
The original science fiction novel. Worth a read for everyone.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The book is better than the movie- unless you are a die hard Audrey fan.
Lit Lover’s Link Party
Now 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.
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This Week’s Lit Lover Features
Last week, I really liked this post from Heather at Based on a True Story about books based in TV universes. Check out her post!
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I loved Tuck Everlasting! I also love Gatsby, but it took me a lot longer to read because it took me awhile to get into it.
I’m always on the look out for books I can read quickly in between books! I’m going to add them all to goodreads! Great post!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one my favorites! I love it to read it and then watch the movie, to see how different Holly Golightly comes off as.
Elle
Southern Elle Style
Huh – I think everyone else must read a heck of a lot faster than I can. I read Frankenstein last October and it took me about a week (or more) to finish it (and I read about an hour to an hour and a half a day). Either I’m super slow or that average estimate is off a bit! lol
Regardless of how long they take, you’ve got some great choices here! I agree about the Frankenstein movie – as soon as I heard who they cast as Igor, I yelled, “There’s no Igor in the book!!”
Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Sue
2015 Big Book Summer Challenge
Ha, that’s hilarious! I know reading speed does vary. Maybe you soaked up every word and the “average” reader is more of a skimmer!
I love Hatchet and Tuck Everlasting. When my nephews were younger I read them Hatchet each night before bed while we were on vacation.