In a time when the amount of screen-time we've got stored up is getting higher and higher (we're blaming all those stupid TikToks we can't stop watching), reading is a noble and healthy activity to partake in – that we can't wait to share on our Instagram stories. If you want to get a good amount of reading done but don't have the time nor the energy to finish a heaps-long book, then have we got some good news for you. 

Below, we've jotted down some of our favourite quick reads that you can easily devour in one sitting, ranging from dark historical dramas to feel-good comedies. Enjoy perusing!

GIOVANNI'S ROOM – JAMES BALDWIN This classic book is best read after you've had a good day at work, you've got your favourite sweet treat waiting for you at home and you're just feeling all kinds of happy – because this 1956 novel is much too heartbreaking to read if you're already in the dumps. Written by the legendary James Baldwin, this drama is set in the '50s and explores how sexuality, masculinity, isolation and internalised homophobia intertwine through the world of David, an American living in Paris grappling with his feelings for Giovanni, an Italian bartender. It's a stellar work of fiction, but a warning to the wise: keep the tissues close by. 

THE LANTERN OF LOST MEMORIES – SANAKA HIIRAGI Fans of Before The Coffee Gets Cold – this charming novel is for you. This story follows a magical photo studio, located in the picturesque Japanese mountainside, and run by Mr Hirasaka. At the studio, Mr Hirasaka grants patrons a chance to revisit a beloved memory via photographs by placing them inside a beaut lantern set and spinning them, literally showing individuals' lives flashing before their eyes. It's sweet and super-easy to read in one fell swoop, so pick it up if you're in dire need of some lovely vibes. 

PASSING – NELLA LARSON Another underrated classic that's way ahead of its time, this 1929 drama explores the concept of racial passing (we recommend reading this incredible article by BlackPast for an in-depth history) through two childhood friends – Clare and Irene – who reunite after each gets married. Clare attempts to pass as a white woman following her marriage to a rich, racist man. What happens next is a dramatic turn of events where both women grow fascinated with each other's lives, and still remains an incredible depiction of all the complex practice. Netflix also released a 2021 movie based on the novel which is great – but read the book first! 

WHEN WE CEASE TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD – BENJAMIN LABATUT Moving away from the world of fiction for a wee bit, this 2021 title explores how scientific discoveries can blend the fine line between madness and genius. Through an internal look at real-life scientists including German chemist Fritz Haber, French mathematician Alexander Grothendieck, theoretical physicist (and Nazi nuclear scientist) Werner Heisenberg and Erwin Schrödinger, Chilean author Benjamín Labatut explores how science has helped and hindered humanity to a point we can no longer escape. It's not all doom and gloom, but it definitely points us towards the warning signs we should look out for whenever science gets a little out of hand. 

TUCK EVERLASTING – BABBITT NATALIE Maybe you had to read this novel for class, or maybe you happened to watch the 2002 movie of the same name starring Alexis Bledel way back when, but either or, we reckon you're already familiar with this 1975 novel. We recommend giving it another read with fresh eyes – it's a banger of a story! Tuck Everlasting follows main character Winifred as she encounters and subsequently becomes fascinated with the Tuck family (can’t blame her), who reveal to her their secret: they are immortal. It's a children's novel, sure, but it's a timeless tale that still makes for a nifty and quick read if you're in the mood for something memorable, entertaining and easy to follow. 

FEVER DREAM – SAMANTHA SCHWEBLIN If you're a reader who prefers their books to include surreal themes and veers a tad closer to the scary side, then this Argentinean novel is right up your alley. Following the author's real-life experience of witnessing the Argentinean environment be affected profusely by the excessive use of pesticides, Fever Dream makes for a good read if you ever want a quick bite of horror (while still being able to sleep at night) that's chock-full of suspense and mystery. Netflix also happened to release a 2021 movie based on Schweblin's novel but, not to sound like a broken record, read the book beforehand. 

We hope you enjoyed our list on quick reads. While we have you, why not take a gander at some historical fiction novels or novels to read if you ever need a pick-me-up?