Must-Read Books Under 200 Pages

You know that feeling when you want to finish a book in one sitting, curled up on your couch, and your favorite drink in hand?️ These are the books for that. 

Sometimes, the most powerful stories come in the small packages.

And today, I'm sharing must-read books under 200 pages that absolutely wrecked me (in the best way, except one 🫠).

So, here we go 🚶‍♂️‍➡️

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Pages: 160 

Vibes: Healing, bookshop magic, quiet self-discovery 

If you've ever wanted to disappear into a little bookshop tucked away from the world, this is the one. It’s a tender story about Takako, a young girl in her twenties, who finds solace among dusty bookshelves after her life falls apart. Reading it feels like a deep, calming breath you didn’t know you needed. 

✨ Perfect for: Days when you need a hug in book form.

No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai

Pages: 176 

Vibes: Dark, introspective, achingly human 

On the heavier side — No Longer Human is raw, painful, and brutally honest. It’s a descent into alienation and despair, written with devastating beauty. Emotionally, it’s not an easy read. The book explores themes of suicide, drug abuse, and alcoholism, so please read with care and at your own discretion.

⚠️ CW: Depression, isolation. Handle with care.

The Cat Who Saved the Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Pages: 184  

Vibes: Whimsical, adventurous, heartwarming 

If you love cats and books (the perfect combo!), you’ll fall head over heels for this story. It’s a philosophical, slightly fantastical tale about protecting the soul of literature — with a feisty talking tabby cat as your sidekick.  

🐾 Bonus: Sosuke recently released another book in the series: The Cat Who Saved the Library.

A Perfect Day to be Alone by Nanae Aoyama

Pages: 160 

Vibes: Quiet, introspective, coming-of-age 

Short but lingering. It’s a story about solitude, small joys, and the strange, sometimes painful beauty of growing up and growing apart. 

🌾 Perfect if you love subtle, emotional storytelling. 

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

Pages: 197 

Vibes: Tender, bittersweet, full of heart 

Set around a tiny dorayaki (sweet bean pancake) shop, this book is an ode to second chances, forgiveness, and finding purpose in unexpected places. It’s quietly powerful — and will likely leave you in tears.

🥹 Tip: Have tissues nearby

The Easy Life in Kamusari by Shion Miura

Pages: 197 

Vibes: Peaceful, slow life, slice-of-life adventure

As soon as Yuki turned 18, his parents send him off to work in Kamusari—in Forestry! With no experience of living in the countryside, Yuki struggles to adjust to the forest life. The Easy Life in Kamusari is an adorable and refreshing coming-of-age story that reminds you it's okay to slow down.

🌳 Get ready for some forest folk tales.

Kamusari Tales Told at Night by Shion Miura

Pages: 181 

Vibes: Folkloric, reflective, cosy 

The gentle sequel to The Easy Life in Kamusari! This one leans more into the folklore and mystical stories of the mountains, wrapped in community, wonder, and the comforting rhythm of rural life.

📖 Honestly, it feels like sitting by a campfire, listening to your grandparents tell old legends.

Final Thoughts 

Big books are wonderful, but sometimes the smaller stories are the ones that carve out the biggest spaces in your heart. Each of these books, in under 200 pages, made me pause, reflect, and hug the story tightly when I finished.

Have you read any of these? 

Or do you have a favourite tiny-but-mighty book to recommend? 

Let’s gush about it in the comments!