8 Books That Are Surprisingly Easy to Finish

Some books have the reputation of being life-changing, yet they sit unfinished on countless nightstands. Others, however, are both powerful and surprisingly easy to finish. Below is a list of 8 books that are surprisingly easy to finish. These reads prove that brevity doesn’t diminish brilliance.

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is an enchanting novel about a shepherd named Santiago who dreams of discovering a hidden treasure in Egypt. What makes this book compelling and easy to read is Coelho’s lyrical, clear writing style and the universal themes of destiny, purpose, and personal growth. With fewer than 200 pages, it delivers profound life lessons without heavy language or complex structure. The short chapters and allegorical narrative make it a smooth, uplifting read that leaves a lasting impression no matter where you are in your life journey.

2. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a powerful novella centered on two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. Despite its brevity, it carries an emotional weight that few longer novels achieve. The story explores themes of friendship, loneliness, dreams, and the harshness of reality, all told through simple, engaging prose. Its direct dialogue, rural setting, and strong moral undertone ensure it remains accessible. You can finish it in a day, but the story will stay with you much longer.

3. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie is a deeply moving memoir about the author’s real-life conversations with his dying former professor, Morrie Schwartz. The book is structured around a series of Tuesday visits where Morrie shares his thoughts on life, death, love, work, and forgiveness. Written in simple, heartfelt language, the book is incredibly accessible and often read in just a few hours. Its lessons are universal and emotionally resonant, making it both inspiring and memorable.

4. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry’s The Giver transports readers into a controlled, utopian society where emotions, memories, and individuality have been erased. The protagonist, Jonas, is chosen to inherit the community’s memories and slowly discovers the dark truths behind its apparent perfection. With straightforward language and a well-paced narrative, this book is perfect for readers looking for a quick yet thought-provoking read. Its dystopian world is rich yet accessible, making it a staple in both young adult and adult literature.

5. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman, translated from Japanese by Ginny Tapley Takemori, is a quirky, minimalist novel about Keiko Furukura, a woman who’s perfectly content working at a Tokyo convenience store. At just 160 pages, the novel offers a unique and sharp critique of social norms, conformity, and identity through Keiko’s unconventional perspective. The story challenges what it means to live a “normal” life while maintaining a tone that’s light, dryly funny, and poignant. It’s an offbeat gem that’s as easy to finish as it is thought-provoking.

6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The novel centers on Ponyboy Curtis, a member of the Greasers, as he grapples with violence, identity, and brotherhood in a divided society. Hinton’s writing is direct, emotionally resonant, and filled with youthful honesty, making it incredibly accessible to readers of all ages. The story unfolds quickly and packs emotional punches without heavy-handed prose. At under 200 pages, it’s a gritty and heartfelt story of growing up and finding one's place that resonates just as strongly today as it did decades ago.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set in the 1980s, the novel alternates between the perspectives of Eleanor, an eccentric girl from a troubled home, and Park, a reserved half-Korean boy who loves comics and punk music. Rowell’s prose is honest, emotive, and conversational, making it easy to connect with the characters instantly. The book tackles themes of identity, first love, and resilience in a heartfelt way.

8. Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

Truman Capote’s novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a vivid character study of Holly Golightly, a charming, elusive socialite in 1940s Manhattan. Told through the eyes of her unnamed neighbor, the story captures the glamour and melancholy of New York’s bohemian scene. With Capote’s lyrical yet accessible prose, the novella—just around 100 pages—reads quickly but leaves a lingering impression. Holly’s complex personality, both enchanting and tragic, gives the story emotional depth beneath its polished surface. The rich atmosphere, dialogue-driven plot, and compact format make it a stylish, introspective read that’s easy to finish and hard to forget.

Final Thoughts

There’s a unique joy in finishing a book quickly and feeling enriched rather than rushed. The titles listed here are brilliant examples of accessible literature that don’t compromise on quality or emotional weight. Whether you're a reluctant reader or a literary enthusiast with limited time, these books offer the satisfaction of completion along with the depth of lasting impact.