Every year, I set up a challenge for myself. I try to hit a reading goal. Sometimes, it’s thirty books, fifty, or more. It’s not about bragging rights. Like an athlete trying to push themselves, I just want to see how far I can stretch myself reading-wise. This year, I’ve challenged myself to read 100 books. (I am behind)Let’s be honest, padding my count with books that can be read in one sit down makes it much easier to hit my goals. These are my favorite one-sitting books.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Page Count: 111 Pages
Sleeping Beauty is retold in a unique way. When I read it, I could not put it down and finished it in about an hour.
A fairy named Toad has been guarding a thorn hedge for years when a knight camps on its edges and throws her mundane mission into chaos.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Page Count: 176 Pages
What happens when children who have made their way into other worlds (Narnia, Wonderland, etc.) are sent back? They go to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, where the only rules are No Solicitations, No Visitors, and No Quests.
This adult novella series follows teens and the worlds they’re desperately trying to get back to.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Page Count: 144 Pages
In the future, corporate-rented security androids are necessary for any jaunt into space. Murderbot is an android on a planetary mission. But unbeknownst to the corporation, Murderbot has hacked his system. He mostly wants to watch trash TV, but when the mission goes sideways and his charges are put in danger, he has to risk others finding out about his freedom to save everyone.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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Zen and the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
Page Count: 136 Pages
Ray Bradbury is one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. His prose is beautiful, and his stories are captivating. So, this book about his writing process and advice is essential for any aspiring writer.
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A Psalm for the Wile Built by Becky Chambers
Page Count: 160 Pages
Robots abandoned humanity years ago to go live in the wilderness. A tea monk stumbles into a wild robot while traveling. The robot is tasked with checking on humanity and finding out how they’re doing. A friendship is formed.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Page Count: 179 Pages
Firefighters no longer put out fires but start them…with books. Books are illicit materials in the future. Montag is a faithful firefighter until he meets a neighbor who makes him question everything he believes about his job and his society.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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Nothing but the Rain by Naomi Salman
Page Count: 96 Pages
A small town where the rain takes your memories. The wetter you get, the worse it becomes. Shady government soldiers keep the residents from leaving. An old lady tells her story through journal entries. This book left me thinking about it long after I turned the last page.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman
Page Count: 140 Pages
This short story collection is based on the many ways Einstein may have imagined the universe. Both imaginative and mind-blowing, I loved every page of this creative piece of fiction.
More info: Goodreads | StoryGraph
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