So you are one of those avid readers who are big on keeping track and records of the books you read — either via services like Goodreads and StoryGraph or via manual means like spreadsheets or writing them down in a notebook because, well, you just want to vibe differently, you came to the right place. Here at The Reading Circle 254, we are big fans of numbers, and members take jabs at each other for the show-offs who, at the time of writing this article, are past 50 books in their year challenge.
We have curated a selection of books to help you speed through your challenge, either when the year is nearly over or at the start of the year and you want a good head start. Maybe mid-year you feel you may not complete that unrealistic 150-book target you set for yourself as a "new year resolution." See yourself now, don't worry, we can fix that.
Get cozy and read through the article to find which genre works for you...
Short, gripping, and impossible to put down — these thrillers are perfect when you need something that delivers tension fast.
A tightly wound novella about a marriage hiding a monstrous secret. King builds tension fast, making this a perfect quick, unsettling read. You can't go wrong with Stephen King
Dark, psychological, and sharply written (no pun intended). Flynn’s mystery unravels with speed and intensity, ideal for readers who want a fast but impactful story.
The Gift — Freida McFadden
A Quiet Wife — Sarah A. Denzil
Death Row — Freida McFadden
These short fantasy reads pack wonder, whimsy, and world-building without the overwhelming page count. Perfect when you want to escape quickly into another realm.
A haunting, lyrical tale blending childhood memories with ancient magic. Gaiman’s storytelling is vivid and intimate, making this a beautifully compact fantasy experience.
June 2024 TRC 254 Book Of The month
Whimsical, adventurous, and effortlessly enchanting. Stardust reads like a modern fairytale — light, charming, and the perfect short fantasy novel to refresh your imagination.
September 2024 TRC 254 Book Of The month
Rise of the Dragons — Morgan Rice
A Stroke of the Pen — Terry Pratchett
Blind Date with a Werewolf — Patricia Briggs
These short horror reads deliver quick shocks, eerie tension, and unforgettable creepiness — perfect when you want fear in a fast, concentrated dose
A grim, atmospheric novella about guilt, madness, and the horrors a man creates for himself. King builds dread slowly but intensely, making this a perfectly compact psychological nightmare.
Creepy, imaginative, and unsettling in the best way. Gaiman’s tale of a girl who discovers a sinister parallel world is a modern horror classic that’s short, eerie, and brilliantly written.
Letter Slot — Owen King
Horror Stories — Scare Street
Before You Sleep — Adam L. G. Nevill
These compact sci-fi reads deliver imagination, futurism, and mind-bending ideas without the heavy page count — perfect when you want to explore new worlds fast.
A fun, fast-paced multiverse adventure from two fantasy legends. InterWorld blends sci-fi, magic, and dimension-hopping energy into a short, addictive story that’s easy to devour in one sitting.
Meet Murderbot — the sarcastic, anxious, secretly soft-hearted security bot that just wants to be left alone to watch TV. A short, funny, and surprisingly emotional sci-fi hit with tight pacing and brilliant world-building.
Also Worth Your Time
Binti — Nnedi Okorafor
Edge of Here — Kelechi Okafor
The Only Living Girl on Earth — Charles Yu
These short but powerful reads explore emotion, humanity, and everyday truths — without overwhelming page counts.
Gabriela is no stranger to pain — but it’s the suffering she creates within herself that hurts most. When she meets Monari, a psychologist with his own wounds, their fragile bond forces them to confront the trauma they’ve both avoided. A raw, intimate story about healing, connection, and learning to love again.
Written by The Reading Circle's very own Sharon, Grab the book now on Kindle
Backman delivers his signature emotional clarity in this short, resonant story about courage and boundaries. Quiet, powerful, and deeply human — a reminder that sometimes the most important word you can learn to say is “no.”
The Deal Of A Lifetime— Fredrik Backman
Natural Selection — Elin Hilderbrand
The Bookstore Sisters— Alice Hoffman
Discover quick love stories that whisk you away into romance and heartfelt connections. Experience the magic of love in moments!
A sweet, steamy, emotionally warm novella about two people whose annual tradition turns into something deeper. Quick, charming, and perfect for a cozy reading break.
Funny, tender, and effortlessly addictive. Jimenez delivers a short romance full of chemistry and heart, proving you don’t need many pages to feel all the feelings.
The Exception To The Rule— Christine Lauren
One Holiday Kiss — A.M. Kusi
A Storm To Rember— Gyan Skye
Discover short non-fiction books that offer insightful perspectives and real-life stories for quick knowledge and inspiration.
A humorous and heartwarming memoir capturing Cosby’s early years. Each story is short, charming, and filled with life lessons, making it a perfect year-end read
A classic parable about dealing with change in life and work. Quick to read and packed with actionable insights
The Art of War — Sun Tzu
Rich Dad Poor Dad— Robert T. Kiyosaki
The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason
Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the experiences, ideas, and stories you carry with you. So grab a few of these books, cozy up with a cup of tea, and end your reading year on a high note. Happy reading!
