7 Novellas Everyone Should Read at Least Once
As much as we love reading a full-length novel, it can be draining and ultimately put us into a slump. Sometimes, you need something short, sweet and fun as a palate cleanser before your next hefty book. Good thing that quick-hit novellas exist.
Below, discover seven novellas you should read to help you stay on track to meet your reading goals.
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
In the fictional town of Thistleford lives inseparable sisters Esther and Ysabel. Courted by a forceful, powerful suitor, Esther rejects him to stay with her lover, someone from the neighboring land of Faerie. Unluckily for Esther, this rejection puts her and her sister's life at risk, and they must find a way to pursue love before death pulls them apart.
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Shy Girl by Mia Ballard
Gia is lonely, broke, depressed and suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Desperate for health and happiness, she seeks the company of Nathan, a rich, older man who promises to pay her debt if she lives with him. As Gia stays longer, she grows more captive and animalistic, forcing her to find her way out before it's too late.
Believe Me by Tahereh Mafi
If you haven't read Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series, you are totally missing out. It completely captures the dystopian vibe of the early 2010s we all know and love.
Between her novels, she often wrote novellas. By far, the best is the final effort, Believe Me. This 177-page story concludes with life after the Reestablishment and, of course, a happily ever after for Juliette and Warner.
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
Valentine's Day may have passed, but that doesn't mean there isn't a time when we don't crave an Abby Jimenez romance.
This novella, sitting at only 82 pages, meets Charlotte and Seth, two happily single people on V-Day weekend. When they get suck in an elevator with one another, they learn a lot about each other's characters—and they might be exactly what they didn't know they needed.
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Winifred Notty is the new governess at Ensor House, taking care of the estate's two children, Drusilla and Andrew. When the patriarch, Mr. Pound, has a wandering gaze on Winifred, Mrs. Pounds begins to punish the young tutor. What they don't know is that Winifred has a violent past, and she won't let the disrespect slide.
If you really like this novella, stay tuned for the A24 adaptation starring Margaret Qualley.
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The One Night by Meghan Quinn
Cooper Chance is so unfortunate in love that is parents are taking him around the town to find a partner. He's certain it will be a dud until he meets the beautiful Nora McHale, the best friend of her ex-husband. For once in both of their lives, they throw all their cares out the window, possibly leading them to something more.
Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
Sophia is trying to convince herself that her life is perfect—her home, her husband, her everything. Despite her attempts, there are glaring red flags, like the fact he goes away so often and the way he avoids her questions. Even worse, her neighbors won't look at her either. Maybe things aren't so perfect after all.
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