25 Best Short Books You Can Easily Read in a Day, According to Librarians

From classics to contemporary hits, these quick reads will fly by in the best way.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Reading doesn't have to be a race, but sometimes it is satisfying to start and finish a book in one sitting. Parade spoke with five librarians to get their expert recommendations on the 25 best short books that make for enjoyable and often thought-provoking reads.

Why it matters

For readers who don't have a lot of time or prefer to get closure on a story quickly, these librarian-recommended short books provide an opportunity to dive into a compelling narrative without a major time commitment.

The details

The librarians' recommendations span a range of genres, from classic literature like Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' to contemporary fiction like Sayaka Murata's 'Convenience Store Woman' and Becky Chambers' 'A Psalm for the Wild-Built.' The list also includes some non-fiction picks, such as Jason Stanley's 'Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future.' Many of the books on the list have also been adapted for film and television, further expanding their reach.

  • The 25 book recommendations were provided in February 2026.

The players

Beth Kane

The library director at Norway Memorial Library in Maine.

Rose Waldman

A library supervisor at the Menlo Park Public Library in California.

James Sherman

A librarian in the literature and fiction department at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library.

Catherine Royalty

The collection services manager in the emerging technologies and collections department at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library.

Sam Helmick

The president of the American Library Association.

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What they’re saying

“If you've been craving a reset or just a reminder of how satisfying a single good book can be, I recommend setting aside a day… to read a library book from start to finish.”

— Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association (Parade)

“[It's] fluffy, fun and immensely readable. I finished this in one day without even meaning to.”

— Rose Waldman, Library supervisor (Parade)

“[It] mixes elements of farce with tremors of existential dread. It's wild, weird and remarkable.”

— James Sherman, Librarian (Parade)

“[It's] a good, quick choice for those seeking to understand why story, and shared history, are important on a global scale.”

— Rose Waldman, Library supervisor (Parade)

“[It's] a gem that distills the best of Tolstoy.”

— James Sherman, Librarian (Parade)

The takeaway

This list of short, easily readable books recommended by librarians provides a diverse array of options for readers looking to enjoy a complete narrative in a single sitting. Whether seeking classic literature, contemporary fiction, or thought-provoking non-fiction, these librarian-approved picks offer an opportunity to rediscover the joy and satisfaction of finishing a book in a day.