Top 10 Books You Can Read in a Day

At a short but sweet 179 pages, "Dept. of Speculation" is a poignant page-turner about love, marriage and everything else in between. Written from the narrator's perspective known as "The Wife," the novel explores the daily challenges of domestic life. With only a handful of characters, the intimate story is broken down into anecdotes, each one full of wonderment. Offill poses big questions through simple but powerful language that will keep readers captivated long after reaching the final page. Offill’s accomplishment was recognized by being nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction.

An American classic, Natalie Babbitt’s children’s novel, “Tuck Everlasting,” has been a fixture on bookshelves for decades. The story concerns Winnie Foster, a young girl who meets a family of immortals, and deals with challenging matters such as life and death. Chock-full of rich symbolism, the book was awarded a slew of accolades in the 1970s. Since then, “Tuck” has been adapted for the silver screen twice, and in 2016 a musical version of the tale opened on Broadway. Reinventing itself time and time again, “Tuck Everlasting” truly is eternal.

A master wordsmith, Neil Gaiman weaves his magic in his writing for many different media. At 208 pages, his 2013 novel "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" tells a rich and vivid story despite its modest length. Based in England, the novel follows an unnamed protagonist who recalls life changing childhood memories after returning to his hometown as an adult. Years after its publication, "Lane" received a stage adaptation by the National Theater in London. Plans for a film treatment have also been discussed for quite some time. No matter the medium, Gaiman fans are ready to dive into this rich story over and over again.

Written by the late French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "The Little Prince" might be considered the quintessential childhood novel. The book follows a prince who journeys across Earth, Space, and beyond. With each adventure, he becomes more knowledgeable about life and humanity. Poetic, imaginative and cerebral, the novel has earned international acclaim. Adapted into hundreds of languages, the novella isn't only a financial success but a cultural triumph. Having been adapted into everything from films to operas to ballets, "The Little Prince" continues to have an impact decades after its release.

A harrowing story about innocence and aspiration, “Of Mice and Men” is a truly American tale. Written during the Great Depression, the John Steinbeck novel follows the lives of migrant workers as they travel across California seeking work and opportunity. The two leads, George and Lennie, have become literary icons for their poignant portrayal of male friendship. This 30,000 word page-turner is well known for its devastating conclusion. Cinematic and stage versions of the novel have carried on its legacy, including a 2014 Broadway production starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd.

Penned by Douglas Adams, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is a wild adventure packed into 208 pages. The sci-fi novel follows an average Joe named Arthur Dent, who goes on an intergalactic journey into outer Space via his alien friend. Not only is the book thrilling, but it's also laugh-out-loud funny. What originated as a radio broadcast in the 70s has expanded into a franchise that includes sequels, a television series, plays, games and a feature film. "Galaxy" continues to entertain generations to this day, proving its legacy out of this world.

Long before authors like Stephen King began turning out some of literature's most chilling tales, Shirley Jackson was paving the way. The California-born author wrote in many genres but is especially known for work with a disturbing, haunting feeling. Her novel, "We Have Always Lived in the Castle," remains one of her most famous works. The story centers around the protagonist, Merricat Blackwood as she and her family deal with the aftermath of a tragedy. Full of eerie imagery, the novel has been adapted for the screen and stage. As Jackson's last novel before her death in 1965, it remains a testament to her talent for tapping into readers' greatest fears.

If there’s anyone who knew how to write an allegory, it was George Orwell. The English writer best known for “1984” used his talent for writing to address political and cultural matters. In 1945, he penned “Animal Farm” about a group of livestock who create an uprising against their evil farmer in an attempt to create a peaceful community. The entire novel is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Although it was written decades ago, “Farm” is just as relevant today. Since its publication, it has been adapted into other storytelling formats, wielding its powerful message on stages and screens across the world.

One of the modern era’s most acclaimed writers, Toni Morrison made the world richer through her work. After her debut novel, “The Bluest Eye,” she penned “Sula.” Published in 1973, the book follows the lifelong bond between two black women, Nel and Sula. The novel takes place in Ohio and covers topics such as racism and motherhood. The book went on to become one of her most highly regarded creations. The late Nobel Peace Prize-winning author knew how to craft a strong story, and in “Sula’s” short 192 pages she made every word count.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” Mohsin Hamid (2007)
A Rich Story About Identity, Home & Racism Following 9/11

“Heartburn,” Nora Ephron (1983)
The Queen of Rom-Coms’ Heartbreakingly Funny Take on Love & Divorce

“If You're Not Yet Like Me,” Edan Lepucki (2010)
The Short & Sweet Story of a Mother Recounting Her Life to Her Newborn

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” Stephen Chbosky (1999)
A Beloved Coming-of-Age Story & a Successful Film

“The Alchemist,” Paulo Coelho (1988)
This Novel About Finding One’s Self Has Readers Hooked

“The Great Gatsby" is a classic novel written in the roaring twenties that has become a staple in libraries and schools worldwide. Told from the POV of narrator Nick Carraway, the story centers around the enigmatic and wealthy Jay Gatbsy. A romance between the millionaire and his great love, Daisy Buchanan, is at the center. Full of glitz, glamor and tragedy, author F. Scott Fitzgerald based the story off a fling he had with heiress Ginevra King. Adapted for the screen, stage and television time and time again, this wild party keeps readers engaged from start to finish.