Over the years, I’ve experimented with a bunch of eBook reader apps, trying to find the ones that feel just right. Some were a hit, some were a miss, but a few? They completely stole my heart.

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa is a tender, slice-of-life story about unexpected friendships and quiet healing. Set around a humble dorayaki shop, it explores the intertwining lives of Sentaro, Tokue, and Wakana, touching on themes of social stigma, loneliness, and resilience. Sweet, simple, and deeply moving, this novel reminds us of the beauty found in small moments and the power of empathy.

Sometimes the most powerful stories come in the smallest packages. If you're looking for books you can finish in one cosy sitting, these must-read picks under 200 pages will steal your heart, break it a little, and put it back together again — all in just a few hours.