Itty Bitty Books for Girls Who Don't Have Much Free Time ...

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell

If you never read this one in school, it should top your list. This classic novel is a reflection of things that happened before the Russian revolution happened in 1917. Basically, it’s a story about a group of animals on a farm that gather together to defeat the enemy, which is the humans. The animals create a revolution and take over the farm where they live. The book is short so you can finish it pretty quickly. The story itself might linger a bit longer though.

2. Heart Burn by Nora Ephron

This book is supposed to be funny and is about a woman who is suffering through the end of her second marriage. There’s something for everyone in the book, including scintillating affairs, therapy sessions and even recipes. Because the book isn’t too long you can read it in just a day or two, though you might have trouble putting it down once you get started.

3. Who Will Run the Frog Hospital? by Lorrie Moore

The narrator of this short novel is a women who is living in a bad marriage and she comforts herself by remembering a childhood friendship. If you love feel good books that make your heart happy, this book is one that you’ll love. You might even want to read it again once you finish it the first time.

4. The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

Here’s an author with lots of great titles under her belt. She’s a master at writing mysteries that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. In this short novel, a body is found and the characters go on a journey to find out who is the murderer. A classic whodunit, this book should keep you entertained, but won’t take you weeks to read.

5. The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

If you want a book that makes you think and that will keep on giving you time for reflection for weeks afterward, this is the book for you. Many critics say it’s the best book they have ever read and that they finished it in just a couple of hours. When you’re looking for a book that will change the way you look at life, look no further than this one.

6. Sula by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is one of the masters of writing and this book showcases her talent without being so long that you give up before you reach the end. The story follows two poor black girls who find themselves and their path, even though it differs from each other. You’re going to love this one!

7. The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

This gritty short novel is about the street gangs of the 1960s. There is a lot of gang activity described in the book so keep that in mind when you pick it up. Despite the dark nature of the story, there’s a lesson in morality that hides between the lines. This book will make you think for days after you finish it.

Which of these books is on your reading list? What others would you add to the list?