13 Reads Under 200 Pages Any Busy Professional Can Finish in a Day

As a professional, there are only so many hours in the day for free time. Responsibilities trump relaxations and doing activities that you enjoy — activities like reading. Lucky for you there are plenty of short reads available from well-known authors that you can read cover to cover on your lunch break or while you wind down for the evening.

Take a look at these enjoyable reads under 200 pages that you’ll be able to fly through in a day.

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn (64 pages)

Ready to read another chilling tale from the author of Gone Girl Gillian Flynn? In this short story, Susan Burke invites a psychic into her home to help diagnose the source of her grief. As the story goes on, you find out where the evil in Susan’s life lives.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (76 pages)

One of Franz Kafka’s best-known works, Metamorphosis is one of the most discussed books in colleges and universities. The story tells of a salesman who one day wakes up as a gigantic insect. At 76 pages, there are no excuses for not finishing this epic tale in a day!

Three Blind Mice by Agatha Christie (100 pages)

First published in 1948, Three Blind Mice is a who-done-it tale by detective novelist Agatha Christie. When locked in a guesthouse due to a snowstorm, a group of residents finds themselves trapped with a killer on the loose. Find out who the murder is in this short story.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (112 pages)

Regularly put on the list of banned books, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a quick read. Controversial for its vulgarity and racism, Steinbeck tells the story of an unlikely pair of laborers surviving the Great Depression in California. A gripping tale that you’ll find hard to put down.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (128 pages)

The last major work of fiction Ernest Hemingway published in his lifetime is the Nobel Prize-winning, The Old Man and the Sea. A classic tale of a fisherman’s battle with a colossal marlin in the Gulf Stream. 

A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (128 pages)

Explore Virginia Woolf’s ideas and point of view of the history of women in writing. In her lengthy essay, A Room of One’s Own, she discusses society, art, and sexism. Originally based on two lectures, it is beautifully written and offers a compelling argument.

Shopgirl by Steve Martin (130 pages)

Comedian Steve Martin’s modern romance story is a quick read at only 130 pages. Mirabelle Buttersfield, a saleswoman at Neiman Marcus, is pursuing a womanizing millionaire while being pursued by slacker Jermey. Mirabelle is a relatable character in this nationwide bestseller.

Animal Farm by George Orwell (140 pages)

One of the greatest satires in modern day history, Animal Farm is a simple yet witty tale that explains precisely why totalitarianism is downright terrible. A timeless novel that is a must-read.

Home by Toni Morrison (145 pages)

War veteran Frank Money is a scarred, mentally and physically, African-American who is on his way back to America after fighting in the Korean War. Even though Home is a short read, Toni Morrison does a superb job describing the emotion behind returning to a segregated country.

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (160 pages)

From the author that brought you The Chronicles of Narnia, comes a much different tale. In The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis tells the story of a bus ride from hell to heaven. After you’ve read this piece over lunch, you’ll find yourself meditating on the idea of good versus evil.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote (179 pages)

The book that inspired the Audrey Hepburn classic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s still remains a favorite read today. Country girl turned high-class society, Holly Golightly lives an alternative lifestyle that fascinates the narrator who will reveal more about herself by the end of this quick read. Perfect to skim through while having eggs over easy at your favorite cafe.

Lady Susan by Jane Austen (180 pages)

Lady Susan Vernon, a recent widow, is looking for her next true love while trying to find her daughter a man to marry. World-renowned author Jane Austen hits the nail once again in this romantic novella.

 The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (198 pages)

A modern twist on Homer’s The Odyssey, Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, takes the leading role in Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad. In this version, Penelope is up to something fishy, and you’ll soon find out what in this fun, yet disturbing, retelling of the ancient tale. 

Use these pieces to practice speed reading so that when it comes time to read Stephen King’s The Stand, one of the longest books ever written sitting at 1200 pages, you’ll be able to do so quickly. If you are new to the idea of speed reading and would like to learn how, our speed reading courses will teach you everything you’ll need to know. Click here for more information on all of our courses.