The best 8 Short books

How do we create content on this page?

What's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button about?

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the extraordinary story of a man who ages in reverse. Born as an old man, Benjamin Button grows younger as the years go by. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century America, this thought-provoking tale explores themes of time, identity, and the unconventional nature of life.

Who should read The Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional narratives

  • Those curious about the nature of time and aging

  • People interested in exploring the complexities of human existence and identity


2
Short Books: The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Vegetarian

Han Kang

What's The Vegetarian about?

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the consequences of one woman's decision to stop eating meat. Set in South Korea, it explores themes of identity, control, and rebellion against societal expectations. The book offers a unique and haunting perspective on the power of choice and the ripple effects it can have on one's life.

Who should read The Vegetarian?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and unconventional narratives

  • Individuals interested in exploring the complexities of human desires and identity

  • Those open to challenging societal norms and questioning cultural expectations


3
Short Books: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

What's Wide Sargasso Sea about?

Wide Sargasso Sea is a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, written by Jean Rhys. Set in Jamaica, it delves into the backstory of Mr. Rochester's first wife, Antoinette Cosway, and explores themes of race, identity, and power. The novel offers a thought-provoking reimagining of a classic tale.

Who should read Wide Sargasso Sea?

  • Readers who enjoy reimagined classics, such as prequels or sequels to well-known stories

  • Those interested in exploring themes of colonialism, race, and gender in literature

  • People who appreciate complex and psychologically rich character portrayals


4
Short Books: Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

Hearts in Darkness

Laura Kaye

What's Hearts in Darkness about?

Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye is a captivating romance novel that tells the story of two strangers who find themselves trapped in a dark elevator together. As they wait for rescue, they open up to each other in a way they never expected, forming a deep connection that transcends their physical surroundings. This intense and heartfelt tale explores the power of human connection and the ability to find light in the darkest of places.

Who should read Hearts in Darkness?

  • Readers who enjoy contemporary romance with a touch of darkness
  • Those looking for a captivating and emotionally intense love story
  • People who appreciate complex characters and deep emotional connections

5
Short Books: Side Jobs by Jim Butcher

Side Jobs

Jim Butcher

What's Side Jobs about?

Side Jobs is a collection of short stories from the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. These tales offer a glimpse into the life of Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator, as he takes on various supernatural cases and navigates the dangerous world of magic. From battling dark forces to solving mysteries, each story provides an entertaining and thrilling adventure for fans of urban fantasy.

Who should read Side Jobs?

  • Readers who enjoy urban fantasy and supernatural mysteries
  • Fans of Jim Butcher's popular Dresden Files series
  • Those who want to delve deeper into the adventures of Harry Dresden and his world

6
Short Books: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

The Grownup

Gillian Flynn

What's The Grownup about?

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a con artist who poses as a fortune teller, only to get involved in a haunting mystery at the house of one of her clients. Full of twists and turns, this book will leave you questioning everything until the very end.

Who should read The Grownup?

  • Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and unsettling mysteries
  • Those who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
  • People who are interested in exploring the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural

What's The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas about?

The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas is a thought-provoking short story by Ursula K. Le Guin that challenges the reader to consider the moral implications of a seemingly perfect society. Set in the utopian city of Omelas, the story delves into the dark secret that lies beneath its idyllic facade, forcing the reader to confront difficult questions about the nature of happiness and the sacrifices made for the greater good.

Who should read The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas?

  • Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and philosophical narratives
  • Those interested in exploring the ethical and moral complexities of society
  • Individuals who appreciate allegorical storytelling and open-ended conclusions

8
Short Books: Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

Whereabouts

Jhumpa Lahiri

What's Whereabouts about?

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri is a poignant novel that follows an unnamed woman as she navigates the streets and neighborhoods of an unnamed city. Through introspective musings and observations, the book delves into themes of solitude, belonging, and the search for connection. Lahiri's lyrical prose invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human experience and the ever-changing landscapes of our lives.

Who should read Whereabouts?

  • Readers who enjoy introspective and character-driven stories
  • Those who appreciate lyrical and evocative writing
  • Individuals who have a fascination with urban life and the complexities of human connections

Related Topics

Short Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Short book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as the ultimate read on Short.

What are the Top 10 Short books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • The Vegetarian by Han Kang
  • Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
  • Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
  • Side Jobs by Jim Butcher
  • The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
  • The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri

Who are the top Short book authors?

When it comes to Short, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Han Kang
  • Jean Rhys
  • Laura Kaye
  • Jim Butcher