Let’s say you’re just a couple books from meeting your reading goal for the year. Or let’s say you’re in a bit of a reading slump and you just need something quick that you can fly through to propel you back into a regular reading routine. One of these three quick reads, under 200 pgs, is sure to do the trick…
We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson
The Blackwoods live completely suspended in time, as something happened that left them emotionally scarred and drained, and almost cut totally off from society. They found a way to cope – by obsessive routine and carefully … very carefully keeping almost all aspects of their lives within their control. They are all walking an emotional tightrope – and any disruption … well it HAS catastrophic results. This book is a brilliant potrayal of a family in the grip of psychosis. This book made our list of 3 Not-So-Scary-But-Still-Chilling Halloween Reading Recommendations That Are #WickedGoodReads.
Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her Uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods—until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.
[Buy We Have Always Lived in the Castle @ Amazon]
Zombie, Joyce Carol Oates
Zombie is one of those Serial Killer Point of View Books That We Hate to Admit We Like. It’s told from the point of view of Quentin P who is is undeniably crazy, and there is nothing redeeming about him. To be inside his mind is so unnerving that I almost wish I could unread this book. But, don’t fear the darkness – this book is a quick read that will stay with you for a while.
Meet Quentin P., the most believably terrifying sexual psychopath and killer ever brought to life in fiction. The author deftly puts you inside the mind of a serial killer–succeeding not in writing about madness, but in writing with the logic of madness.
Binti (Series 1-3), Nnedi Okorafor
There are 3 novellas in this series – all less than 200 pages, and it’s a phenomenal series to check out. You will absolutely fall for the main character, Binit, and go through all the emotions with her. This is a science fiction novel, but even if you’re not into that genre, I think you’ll enjoy the rich culture that the author developed here.
Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.
Which books would you recommend that’s easily finished in a day?
(Photo by Stanislav Kondratiev on Unsplash)
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