We are less than a week away from welcoming December, which means we’ve got one more month to reach our reading goals for 2023. This year has been a busy one for all of us, so if you’re behind on your goal like I am, don’t worry there’s still time to catch up!
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I’ve compiled a list of short but interesting reads from a variety of genres that will help you reach your reading goal for 2023. Whether you’ve set your goals for 10 books or for 100 books, these reads will inspire you to get as far as you can before the year is over. Here are 10 short books to add to your reading list to reach your reading goals.
10 Short Books to Reach Your Reading Goals
1) The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller. 104 pages
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From the publisher: New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson pens a spectacularly spine-chilling novella in which an American art student in London is invited to join a classmate for the holidays at Starvewood Hall, her family’s Cotswold manor house. But behind the holly and pine boughs, secrets are about to unravel, revealing this seemingly charming English village’s grim history.
2) The Visitor by Sergio Gomez
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller. 72 pages
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From the publisher: On Christmas, during one of the worst snowstorms Indiana has ever seen, five strangers are forced to take shelter inside of a roadside diner. As the night progresses, the snowfall shows no signs of relenting, but the worst has nothing to do with the weather, and everything to do with the sixth visitor coming to the diner. Read my review here.
3) Some Things I Still Can’t Tell You by Misha Collins
Genre: Poetry. 144 pages
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From the publisher: This book is a compilation of small observations and musings. It’s filled with moments of reflection and a love letter to simple joys: passing a simple blade of grass on the sidewalk, the freedom of peeing outdoors late at night, or the way a hand-built ceramic mug feels when it’s full of warm tea on a chilly morning. Read my review here.
4) Golden by Wilder Poetry
Genre: Poetry. 176 pages
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From the publisher: Just as basking in the glow of the warm evening sun does, this radiant collection of poetry and art from bestselling poet Wilder, will leave you filled with hope, love, and peace. Readers are guided down a sunlit path to happiness and learn that once the heart is open, opportunities for love never cease. Read my review here.
5) The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Genre: Biography. 288 pages
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From the publisher: In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
6) Radical Love by Zachary Levi
Genre: Biography, Self-Help. 224 pages
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From the publisher: I’m not an expert, therapist, pastor, teacher, or monk. I am merely a person going through my own mental and emotional health journey, hoping that I can pass on some of the wisdom and tools that I’d been blessed enough to learn along the way. And I truly believe that if we can help heal the hearts and minds of everyone on earth, we will solve every other problem known to man in the process. Read my review here.
7) Being in Nature by James Farrell and Lee Evans
Genre: Self-Help, Environment. 56 pages
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From the publisher: Unlock the benefits of the great outdoors with this unique set of 20 mindful practices. Easy to follow instructions help you find your own way to a deeper sense of belonging with nature. Each practice is inspired by a wild plant or animal, and is accompanied by beautiful vintage illustrations. Using this book little and often could benefit your health, wellbeing and relationships – and inspire you to protect the natural world! Read my review here.
8) Don’t Be Trashy by Tara McKenna
Genre: Self-Help, Environment. 224 pages
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From the publisher: Say goodbye to your bursting toiletries bag, fast fashion, and all the plastic crowding your pantry. It’s time to build less trashy habits for a more sustainable and ethical life. We’re all trapped in a wasteful convenience-based cycle, but Don’t Be Trashy offers an an approach to reducing waste that emphasizes progress over perfection. Read my review here.
9) Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Holiday. 288 pages
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From the publisher: When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.
10) The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Holiday. 240 pages
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From the publisher: Two lifelong friends decide to trade places the week before Christmas and end up finding love along the way in this delightful novel from the queen of holiday stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. In The Christmas Spirit, Debbie Macomber celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the inclusive community spirit that binds us all.
I hope you’ve found a few picks from this list to help you achieve your 2023 reading goals. I’d love to know which ones stood out to you! What is your reading goal for 2023? (Mine is 50.) Do you have any recommendations for me? I’d love to hear your thoughts. For more posts relating to books, visit my tag here.
Great list of books, and I have placed a hold on Christmas Guest at my library because it sounds so interesting. Happy holidays!
That’s great, I hope you enjoy that one. Happy Holidays Kal!
I smashed my reading goal for 2023, and I did read a few short classics to help reach my goal. These are fantastic recommendations for short books! I’m definitely intrigued by The Christmas Guest, and I want to read Britney Spears’ memoir!
That’s great to hear! I hope you get a chance to check them out for the holidays. Thank you for reading Karalee!
These ideas were all such fun reads to end the year with. I especially loved your suggestions that combined a little mystery with the Christmas season.
Thank you Heidi. I’m glad you enjoyed the mystery themes for Christmas!
Some great jems on here
Thank you Sarah!
I love short and fast read. These books sound awesome. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you think so! Happy reading Fadima!
When I was given 3 days to live a few years ago it really put a whole new perspective on life for me. The only books I wanted to even glance at were the shortest possible books, because I didn’t want to get partway into a book and not be able to find out the whole story.
I then discovered my laptop could read ebooks to me while I did mundane things like laundry, and cooking. I also discover some cool free audiobooks in the Google Play Store, like the story of Sojourner Truth.
I used to be hooked on fiction, but these days I prefer reading true uplifting stories.
I’m happy to hear you’ve been able to discover shorter stories and audiobooks on your laptop! It’s great when these things are so accessible and it opens us up to many inspiring tales. Thank you for sharing Sister Su!
Okay, short books are my new secret weapon. Thanks for these literary gems.
I’m so glad to hear this! Sometimes we just need a mini escape and a short book is the way to go. Thank you for reading!
There are quite a few titles listed here that I will be adding to my reading list. I have done quite well this year and already met/exceeded by personal reading goal, but it would be great to have some of these ready to go for next year. Thanks for sharing!
I’m happy to hear that Molly! It’s always nice to have a few short books on your list, especially if you ever come across a reading slump. Thank you for reading!
Very interesting post. I don’t know these books, thank you for the offer. I see these are interesting titles 🙂
Greetings from Poland!
Thank you for reading Klaudia!
I don’t have time but read but the Christmas guest sounds fantastic!
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
It does! I hope you get a chance to read it this holiday season. Thank you for reading Corinne!
I am behind on my reading goal but I don’t think I will manage to read 12 books! However, I would still love to read a couple more books in December. Love the sound of Bright Lights, Big Christmas and The Christmas Spirit. Christmas rom com books are my favourite x
I hope these books help you get as far as you can with your reading goal! Thank you for reading Caroline!
Great post. I’m hoping to read ‘The Christmas Guest’ soon because it sounds interesting and is a quick read.
I’m glad that one caught your eye! I’m currently reading that one as well. I hope you enjoy it and happy reading Bunny!
I loved the last two books in your list and I’m interested in reading several more! Great list of shorter books/novellas to reach those reading goals!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed those books, I loved reading your reviews! Thank you for reading Jodie!