7 Short Books You Can Squeeze In Before the End of the Year

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Hello, everybody! First, a fast introduction. My identify is Danika, and I’ll be helming the Read Harder ship this yr. I’ve been writing for Book Riot since 2015, and I’ve been working right here full-time as an Associate Editor for simply shy of three years. I’m a co-host on All the Books, and I additionally write the LGBTQ books publication Our Queerest Shelves.

I’ve watched Read Harder develop and alter over the years — are you able to consider that is the TENTH YEAR of the problem?? — however a pair of issues at all times keep the similar. One is that the problem pushes us to diversify our studying in all senses of the phrase, serving to us to find our new favourite books that we by no means would have picked up in any other case. The different is the group of passionate, well-read, compassionate readers that has sprung up round Read Harder. That’s why I’m so excited to have a central place for this group, so we are able to have our personal cozy, supportive, moderated nook of the web to ourselves.

But it’s not time for Read Harder 2024 but! We nonetheless have slightly bit left of 2023 to go! Have you completed your Read Harder 2023 duties? Are there any you’re hoping to squeeze into the final week or so of the yr? Or are there different studying objectives you’re hoping to achieve by the finish of December thirty first? Let’s chat in the feedback!

Obviously, numbers aren’t all the pieces in our studying lives, however the Goodreads Challenge is widespread for a purpose. It’s enjoyable to attempt to attain that aim you set at the starting of the yr. And if it’s trying such as you’re simply shy of assembly it, then this publish is for you: listed here are some of my favourite quick reads that you may squeeze in earlier than the finish of 2023. These are all underneath 200 pages, ordered from longest to shortest.

The Truth About Stories by Thomas King (184 pages)

This is one of my favourite books of all time; I give it some thought continuously. It’s additionally a fast learn, and you’ll even hearken to King’s authentic lectures as an alternative. This assortment of essays/lectures explores the nature of storytelling, particularly taking a look at the sorts of tales advised about Indigenous folks in North America. If you’re studying this, you’re obsessed with books and tales. This e book will go away you enthusiastic about the energy and significance that the sorts of tales we hearken to and inform have.

cover of Spear by Nicola Griffith, showing a red silhouette of a person on horseback emerging from a cluster of white trees emerging from a stone chalice

Spear by Nicola Griffith (184 pages)

This is a beautiful, queer, Welsh tackle King Arthur. Getting used to the Welsh names would possibly take a short while, however after that, it is a exactly plotted novella that packs an expansive story right into a small web page rely. It follows a most important character who grows up remoted, with a deep connection to nature. Then, she disguises herself as a person and decides to go to King Arthur’s courtroom to attempt to grow to be a knight. There are additionally a couple of illustrations included! Be positive to learn the writer’s word at the finish for an exploration of the nature of Arthuriana.

Let’s chat in the feedback: Did you set a Goodreads Challenge this yr? Do you assume you’ll be finishing it? How many books are you hoping to learn in 2024?