10 Books Under 100 Pages for a Quick Afternoon Read

We live in a society with a scarce amount of spare time, and reading can change your life while at the same time waste your precious time. Sometimes you’d find yourself flipping through a filler manuscript, reading dull reminders the average person already knows, basically learning nothing. So coming up, I’m going to show you 10 under-100 pages books that can be completed in a short read while offering you concrete wisdom easily applicable. Because like it or not, books are essential components to personal growth, they shape our thoughts and give us principles to live by for the rest of our life.

Plant yourself in a cozy seating because I’m about to unfold a list of 10 books that you can complete in a short afternoon read.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

George Orwell’s famous novella, this political fable published in 1945, tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human owner and create a society run by animals. At first, the animal utopia seems like a paradise – all animals are equal, and they work together to create a better life for everyone. But as time goes on, the pigs who lead the revolution become more and more corrupt, and eventually, they become just as oppressive as the humans they overthrew. If you’re a vegan, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this book.

The Little prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry

Are you in need of a little magic and whimsy in your life? Look no further than “The Little Prince,” the beloved children’s book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. But “The Little Prince” is more than just a charming story for children – this all-time classic is loaded with life lessons appealing to audiences of all ages, and it’ll let you ponder upon the fascinating human nature. It’s one of the most easily accessible books of all time thanks to its reading level and broad appeal, moreover its writing style keeps the reader frequently coming back to this book

Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker

In this self-improvement goldmine, Peter Drucker, one of the foremost management consultants and thinkers of the 20th century, provides practical advice on how to achieve success in your career and personal life. He argues that in today’s rapidly changing world, the most important factor for success is the ability to manage oneself effectively. Drucker teaches us how to harness our strengths, discover our weaknesses, and leverage our values in the business environment.

Recommended to every young professional, you’ll directly get to know the integral components that shape modern management and leadership. You can read this book during a swift lunch break and re-read it later in the afternoon for extra insightful reflections.

Art of War by Sun Tzu

The “Art of War,” written by ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, has long been hailed as a must-read for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in both their personal and professional lives. Alright, so it is unlikely that you’ll apply the literal teachings of this ancient military treatise, but after reading through it the book will definitely open up to you a different perspective to the world. What sets “The Art of War” apart from other self-help books is its emphasis on mindfulness and calculated decision-making.

Sun Tzu encourages readers to be aware of their surroundings and to think before they act. It is composed of different tactics taken into account during planning, each can be practical in our daily life leading up to success. It’s part of the rich Chinese heritage and is taught in Chinese schools.

The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol

An all-time Russian classic, is a short story that has stood the test of time. “The Overcoat,” written by Russian author Nikolai Gogol, defines the importance of sympathy among those holding power. The story delves deep into themes of social status, materialism, and the dangers of single-minded pursuit. Nikolai cleverly calls attention to the universal human need for compassion. Gogol’s writing is sharp and incisive, making for a quick but impactful read and this book has had a big influence in Russian literature.

Very Good Lives by J.K Rowling

J.K Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, delivered a commencement speech at Harvard in 2008, and later published in book form as “Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination”. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a little bit of inspiration. Drawing from her own experiences of success and failure, Rowling dishes out some valuable insights and advice on how to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, she encourages readers to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth and to use their imagination to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The book is a wisdom treasure for people to resort to whenever they’re stuck in a rabbit hole or need a little guidance, and can be completed in a brief spell and perfectly suited to be lent to a friend.

Poke the Box by Seth Godin

Written by the former dot com executive Seth Godin, this manifesto is a must-read for anyone looking to make a splash in their career. Godin encourages readers to take initiative and to not be afraid of failure. He argues that it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all, and that the only way to truly succeed is to be proactive and to embrace risk. It’s a rallying cry to start creating and executing on your ambitious ideas, Seth Godin made this to remind you of how special your capabilities are.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

If you’ve been fooled by society on the meaning of true feminism, then this pocket-sized book is a must-read. Adapted from her TEDx talk of the same name, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie urges readers to examine and challenge the societal norms and expectations that shape our understanding of gender. With wit and clarity, she deftly illustrates the ways in which feminism is not just a women’s issue, but a human rights issue that affects us all.

She challenges the notion that feminism is about hating men or seeking superiority, and instead presents a vision of feminism as a movement towards equality and justice for all genders. Whether you are a seasoned activist or just beginning to learn about feminism, Adichie’s words will inspire and empower you to join the fight for a more equitable world.

Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

One of the earliest classic works of feminist literature, Yellow Wallpaper is a haunting tale of repression and the dangers of patriarchal power. Through the eyes of the unnamed narrator, Gilman takes readers on a disturbing journey as the protagonist descends into madness while being confined to a bedroom by her physician husband. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in her room, Gilman masterfully uses the symbol of the wallpaper to represent the narrator’s own feelings of imprisonment and the constraints placed on her by society.

At its core, “The Yellow Wallpaper” is a powerful critique of the rigid gender roles and expectations placed on women in the late 19th century. Gilman’s writing is raw and emotionally charged, making it a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature and the history of women’s rights.

Lifeboat no. 8 by Elizabeth Kaye

This one is for every sea enthusiast, Elizabeth Kaye spells out the unheard-of story behind the first titanic survivors who departed on lifeboat No. 8 as the infamous Titanic was sinking. The book tells the story of how the lifeboat’s occupants, including some of the wealthiest and most famous people on the ship, struggled to survive in the freezing Atlantic Ocean while waiting for rescue. The book also explores the social and cultural dynamics at play among the passengers and crew, and how these affected their experiences and decisions during the disaster.