Generally, a short book is under 300 pages. Many readers and listicles (hi 👋) use that number as the cutoff for fast reads, novellas, or shorter nonfiction.

A novella is a work of fiction that's shorter than a novel but longer than a short story—typically between 17,000 and 50,000 words, or around 100–200 pages. A novel usually exceeds 50,000 words, often reaching 300+ pages, and features more complex plots, subplots, and character development.

Novellas tend to focus on one central conflict or idea, making them perfect for readers who want a rich story without the time commitment of a full-length novel.

Great short picks for discussion include:
• In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
• The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
• A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
• The Dinner by Herman Koch
These books offer deep themes with manageable page counts.

Yes! If you're reading casually, 300 pages can be done in 4–6 hours depending on pace. Many people tackle short books in a single afternoon or weekend.

You can discover great short books through curated lists on Goodreads, The StoryGraph, and book blogs (like this one!). Look for filters like “under 300 pages,” “novellas,” or “quick reads.” Indie bookstores often highlight staff picks or seasonal recs, and platforms like Libro.fm and Audible have categories for short listens if you prefer audio.

It depends on the length of the book and your reading speed, but most people can finish 1–2 short books (under 300 pages) in a day. Fast readers or those dedicating multiple hours may finish even more—especially if reading novellas, graphic novels, or audiobooks.

The average adult reads around 40 to 60 pages per hour, depending on the book's complexity and format. Lighter fiction or nonfiction tends to go faster, while dense literary or academic reads may be slower. Audiobooks average around 150–180 words per minute (roughly 30–40 pages/hour).