For Short Attention Spans & Reading Slumps

Books under 200 Pages

The attention span is gone. Beautiful plans of reading all day crumble– and suddenly, you’re scrolling instead. Or maybe, all the books you started recently drag on and somehow, you can’t finish any of them. Except, maybe, these books – all under 200 pages.

From German to English, from light and fun reads to philosophical or emotional stories, from non-fiction to just a hint of speculative elements — there’s something for everyone. And hopefully, these short reads will get you out of whatever reading slump you might be in.

Thought provoking non-fiction

• Liebe Enkel oder die Kunst der Zuversicht by Gabriele von Arnim: If you’re feeling like the world is heavy right now, let this book give you a little bit of optimism.

• A Very Easy Death by Simone de Beauvoir: An emotional story about grief and loss that is perfect for everyone who wants to feel every emotion in under 200 pages.

• Aftermath by Rachel Cusk: If you’ve ever wanted to read about life after divorce, pick up Rachel Cusk’s introspective and emotional account of her experience.

Beautifully written novels

• Orbital by Samantha Harvey: If you’re craving some distance from Earth, let this book take you into space and share some of its wonder with you.

• Heaven by Mieko Kawakami: For everyone who is in the mood for a coming-of-age novel – beautifully written and absolutely heartbreaking.

• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan: If you want something hopeful, let yourself be enchanted by this historical fiction story set in a small, Irish town.

Speculative stories

• The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin: A fascinating science fiction story about ecology and colonialism – perfect for fans of speculative fiction who want a story that will give them something to think about.

• The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto: Translated from Japanese, this book is for everyone who is drawn to dreamy, melancholic atmospheres and beautiful writing.

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If you’ve read any of these, let us know what you think.

And if anyone has more recommendations for books under 200 pages for short attention spans and reading slumps, please share them with us in the comments. We’d love to hear them!

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Keep reading and stay curious! 📚☕

Yours,

Lina 🍄 (the intern)