30 Books you can read in one go
A science fiction classic in which a time traveller explores the distant future, encountering strange societies and evolutionary changes.
Everyone adores a captivating book that can whisk us away to distant realms and temporarily free us from our concerns. Occasionally, we find ourselves lacking the luxury of time needed for lengthy novels that demand days or even weeks to finish. This is where the allure of concise, enthralling books shines. In this article, I've curated a selection of 30 books that can be devoured in a single sitting.
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This classic novel explores themes of wealth, decadence, and the American Dream during the Jazz Age, narrated by Nick Carraway, who becomes entangled with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
"The Stranger" by Albert Camus: An existentialist novel that follows the life of Meursault, an emotionally detached French Algerian, who becomes embroiled in a murder case.
"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse: This philosophical novel tells the story of Siddhartha's spiritual journey as he seeks enlightenment, drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy and spirituality.
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger: Narrated by the disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield, the novel explores themes of alienation and the loss of innocence.
"The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: A charming and allegorical tale that touches on themes of friendship, love, and the human condition through the eyes of a young prince from another planet.
"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka: A surreal novella about Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day transformed into an insect, exploring themes of alienation and absurdity.
"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck: This tragic story follows two displaced ranch workers during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of friendship, dreams, and isolation.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote: A novella featuring the eccentric Holly Golightly and her complex relationships in New York City, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
Ikigai : The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
Photo by Shreesha bhat on Unsplash The concept of Ikigai is so simple in its essence but so powerful, that it is ridiculous it was largely hidden from the world until this book came along.
Find your purpose through this book.
"The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway:
A classic story of an aging Cuban fisherman's epic battle with a marlin, portraying themes of perseverance and human determination.
"The Stranger in the Woods" by Michael Finkel: This non-fiction book tells the true story of Christopher Knight, a man who lived alone in the Maine wilderness for 27 years, exploring themes of solitude and survival.
"The Ocean at the End of the Lane" by Neil Gaiman: A fantasy novella that combines childhood memories with magical elements, offering a tale of wonder and nostalgia…
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A whimsical tale about a man who ages backwards, exploring the consequences of defying the norms of aging.
"The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James: A gothic novella featuring a governess who becomes convinced that her young charges are possessed by malevolent spirits, exploring themes of ambiguity and madness.
"The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes: This novel delves into memory, regret, and the stories we tell ourselves about our past.
"The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy: A novella that examines the life of Ivan Ilyich and his reflections on mortality and the meaning of life.
"The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells: A science fiction classic in which a time traveller explores the distant future, encountering strange societies and evolutionary changes.
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho:
This inspirational novel follows the journey of a shepherd named Santiago as he seeks his personal legend and pursues his dreams. It's a story about following your heart and finding your purpose.
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: A classic short story of psychological horror, narrated by an unreliable narrator who becomes obsessed with the "vulture eye" of an old man.
"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu: A timeless treatise on strategy, tactics, and warfare, applicable to various aspects of life.
"The Stranger Beside Me" by Ann Rule: A non-fiction account of author Ann Rule's friendship with the serial killer Ted Bundy, providing insight into his personality and crimes.
"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins: A psychological thriller that explores the intertwined lives of three women and a mysterious disappearance.
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams: A humorous science fiction novel that follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent as he explores the universe.
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky: A coming-of-age novel that addresses themes of adolescence, mental health, and friendship through the letters of its protagonist, Charlie.
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (Poetry Collection): A collection of poems by Robert Frost, known for its reflection on life choices and paths taken.
"Candide" by Voltaire: A satirical novella that follows the adventures of the naive and optimistic Candide as he encounters absurd and often tragic situations.
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett: A classic children's novel about the healing power of nature and friendship, centered around the discovery of a hidden garden.
"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame: A charming tale featuring anthropomorphic animals, it explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the joys of the English countryside.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle: A classic Sherlock Holmes mystery that involves a curse, a legendary hound, and a murder investigation on the eerie moors of Devon.
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry: A dystopian novel set in a seemingly perfect society where emotions and memories are suppressed until a young boy named Jonas is chosen to receive the truth about the world's history.
These books offer a diverse range of genres, themes, and writing styles, making them ideal for a single-sitting reading experience. Whether you're in the mood for a classic, a thriller, a thought-provoking philosophical work, or a heartwarming story, this list has something for everyone.
Thank you.