That gentle shift after spooky season and before the holidays—
where all the short, beautiful books live.
If you’re anything like me, you might suddenly be realizing that the end of the year is creeping up—and with it, the quiet panic of making sure you meet your reading goal. Even though I lowered my goal this year, I still find myself hurrying toward December, wondering how I’m not further ahead by now. I know I’ll make it, but still.
So, just like I did last year, I’m turning to my shelves for some “quick hits.” For me, that means slim but stunning works of literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Honestly, this is one of my favorite moments in my reading year. I spend most of the months chasing other pursuits, convincing myself I have plenty of time left, and I always seem to save these shorter reads for when I need them the most. And every time I reach this point, I’m grateful. These books are brief yet profound—comforting, contemplative, and rich in meaning. The older I get, the more I find myself drawn to that sort of reading experience.
These books also nestle beautifully into this specific stretch of the year: after the thrill of spooky season has faded, but before holiday books begin calling my name. It’s that quiet part of November when daylight savings has just ended, the days feel shorter, the holidays are starting to creep in, and autumn is in its final, golden days.
If you’re hoping to catch up on your reading goal but don’t want to sacrifice quality, here are some wonderful shorter reads that I highly recommend:
✨ Wreck by Catherine Newman
I absolutely love Catherine Newmand and her writing. Revisiting these characters was the perfect fall read (Check out my review post for more thoughts).
✨ Haert the Lover by Lily King
While I wasn’t a big fan of Writers & Lovers, I kept hearing great things about this one. I downloaded the sample and was immediately hooked.
✨ Same: Poems by Hannah Rosenberg
So incredibly relatable and comforting. This might be my new favorite poetry collection!
✨ Like Family by Erin O’White
As we all know, the holiday season can come with family drama. If you would rather read about someone else’s family troubles, I suggest picking up Like Family this Thanksgiving season. Despite the different turmoils each of these three families faces, every page handles these characters with care and understanding. This is the kind of book that lets you know you are not alone.
✨ Winter is in the Air by Sylvia Townsend Warner
A classic collection of short stories that feels just right for the end of fall and the beginning of the winter months.
✨ Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
One of my favorite reads from last year. It’s the perfect companion for cold days when you’re feeling worn down or in need of a gentle reset.
✨ Love & Saffron by Kim Fay
I loved this charming epistolary novel that captures the correspondence between two unlikely friends. It is heartwarming and fast-paced. Perfect for this time of year.
✨ Devotions by Mary Oliver
Simply one of the loveliest poetry collections out there. This collection is perfect to dip in and out of all year long. A great book to even start the new year off with.
I hope this list brings a bit of calm and comfort to your end-of-year reading. Let me know what short books you love! I’m always adding to my pile.
Happy reading! 📖✨
The Book Nook 