Must-Read Books for Your Next Readathon

If you’re taking part in a readathon and looking for book recommendations to complete in one sitting, you're in the right place. In this blog, we have compiled a list of 25 must-read books that are literal page-turners and are short enough for you to finish in a few hours...

From comedy to feminism, thrillers to mystery, we have a variety of genres, so we're positive there's something for you on this list.

#1 Animal Farm by George Orwell

George Orwell's Animal Farm is a short and powerful book that tells a story using animals to depict real-life leaders. It's a brilliant criticism of the Soviet Union's corruption and dishonesty during the Russian Revolution. 

The book helps you understand political systems and the hazards of having excessive power. 

The plot is engaging and simple to follow, and the animal characters legit feel like genuine people. It pushes you to learn and speak out about important problems, telling how the actions of people in power create the history of a country. 

Animal Farm is a timeless classic that inspires you and is ideal for a reading marathon.

#2 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho dives into topics about self-discovery, maturing as a person, and pursuing your aspirations. It has become an iconic classic because its characters are relatable to people across the globe. 

Coelho has used symbolism, metaphors, and evocative descriptions to enhance the relatability factor. 

Even though it is a small book, it has many significant lessons, making it an essential pick at a readathon.

#3 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set against the backdrop of the jazz age's opulent parties and social excesses, the story digs into themes of love, riches, and the quest for happiness. 

Fitzgerald's superb prose and fascinating characters, especially the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, force you to analyze the emptiness and moral decay that lurk beyond the surface of seemingly ideal lives. 

The book's timeless criticism of consumerism and its moving depiction of lost dreams make it a perfect addition to any readathon.

#4 The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger by Albert Camus is a mental roller coaster that we bet will keep you thinking long after you finish the book. 

Meursault, the protagonist, who is as indifferent as a sloth on any given day, commits a stupid murder and is put on trial. But…it's not your usual crime story because Camus dives intricately into existential topics, testing your perceptions of meaning and absurdity. 

This book will make you think about life, morality, and why we're all just a little bit strange, so you must add it to your list of books to read at the readathon. 

#5 The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a former surgeon turned Toltec master, this book is a treasure trove of wisdom. It offers four powerful agreements to help you transform your relationships, including with yourself. 

These agreements teach you to love yourself unconditionally, not let things get under your skin, and mend broken connections. The best part? The Four Agreements is short and engaging read you can breeze through in one sitting…totally!

#6 The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking is like a cozy blanket of happiness. It shows how the Danish idea of hygge can bring warmth and comfort to your life. This book is a delightful guide that gives you easy tips on creating a cozy atmosphere and feeling connected with others. 

From lighting candles to enjoying time with loved ones, it explores simple ways to feel cozy and content. If you want a heartwarming read for your reading marathon, The Little Book of Hygge is the best pick.

#7 The Joy of Less by Francine Jay

The Joy of Less by Francine Jay is fun and upbeat for any readathon. It's a perfect pick for those who appreciate the beauty of minimalism. 

This book lovingly urges you to simplify your life and explains how decluttering may bring enjoyment and lessen stress on any given day. 

This book is jam-packed with helpful information on decluttering, organizing, and simplifying., It will offer you peace and tranquility while also helping you save money. 

#8 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

This book is recommended among bibliophiles' circles because of its wealth of useful information about living in the NOW, while striving to achieve happiness and wisdom. In his book, Tolle persuades you that the only way to be content is to live in the present moment and to stop fretting about the past or the future. 

This book includes basic activities and lessons that you can apply right away in your own life, so it's not just a lot of fancy notions. Many renowned celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Meg Ryan, Ellen DeGeneres, and Russell Brand, have praised The Power of Now.

#9 The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon

Pynchon's writing packs a punch with this roller coaster ride of a book that is full of surprises, strange stuff, and plain foolishness. It depicts the narrative of Oedipa Maas, a heroic main character who uncovers a fascinating conspiracy involving hidden groups, shady mail networks, and a plethora of weird people. 

Pynchon's writing is intelligent, the plot is engaging, and you'll find yourself utterly immersed in a mess of puzzles and clever ideas. 

So, if you're looking for paranoid fiction that will make you bite your nails by the end, The Crying of Lot 49 is the one you must pick during a readathon.

#10 The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

This one is a fast-paced story that will keep you hooked till the last page. 

The characters of this book are quite interesting and have both good and bad qualities, like most of us, which adds to the intrigue of the plot. 

Jane Eyre fans, listen up! It's a modern retelling of Jane Eyre set in Alabama, with a fresh and thrilling twist. 

The chapters in the book are short and action-packed, making it an excellent pick for a readathon if you want to stay engaged and entertained.

#11 The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper is a wonderful choice for a readathon. It is a classic and short narrative that can be read in a single sitting. 

The plot centers around a woman confined to a room with yellow wallpaper due to a mental condition. As the narrative proceeds, the wallpaper depicts her mental state and desire to break free from societal expectations. 

It's a fascinating and entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages until the end. It's also an excellent topic for book club talks.

#12 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Grey is a seductive performance of wit, grace, and moral depravity. It follows Dorian Grey, an attractive man who strikes a Faustian deal to keep his youthful appearance as his portrait bears the weight of his sins. 

Wilde's razor-sharp prose and deliciously twisted writing will draw you into a world of aestheticism, terrible secrets, and the cost of eternal youth.

So, if you're searching for a literary feast that will make you wonder about the nature of art, beauty, and the human soul, The Picture of Dorian Grey is the perfect readathon companion. 

#13 How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jane Reagan

This is a story about a child who spends time with his grandfather. It's fascinating to see the roles reverse as the child takes care of the grandfather rather than being the other way around. The novel shows how special the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is. 

It's perfect for families to read together as the book features adorable illustrations and creative text that will make you grin and feel happy.

#14 The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt

If you're looking for a cheerful and positive book, The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt is a great pick for a readathon. It's a children's book similar to another popular book called The Day the Crayons Quit. 

This one tells the story of Duncan's crayons, which have gone AWOL and are now sending him postcards from all around the world. 

The graphics in the book are fantastic and bring the crayons to life. The story is intriguing and humorous, so children and adults will love it. There is also a quiz in the book to make reading even more enjoyable and interactive.

#15 Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This is a pleasant and inspirational story for a readathon that readers of all ages will enjoy. The story revolves around CJ, a tiny kid, and his grandma as they take a bus ride through the city. 

CJ learns great lessons about thankfulness, kindness, and the beauty of the environment around him along the way. 

The book's simple yet powerful message will undoubtedly inspire you to see the world through a new lens and to value the little things in life. Also, Christian Robinson's colorful pictures throughout the book are extremely wonderful and will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

#16 Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

The story revolves around Billy, a young kid who is determined to possess two hunting dogs, and the experiences he has with them. 

The novel takes place in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, emphasizing the idea of a simpler life. Rawls illustrates the boy's tremendous fondness for his dogs, and supporting Billy's adoration is his parents' everlasting love for him.

It's an excellent choice for a readathon since it's a quick read and a strong story that will stick with you long after you finish it.

#17 It’s Your World by Chelsea Clinton

This book is an excellent pick for a readathon if you're searching for something useful and entertaining. 

Clinton's writing style is casual and engaging, making even the most difficult topics understandable to a smart seventh-grader. 

The book dives into issues that affect children worldwide, like food scarcity, restricted educational opportunities, gender inequality, and the pressing issue of climate change, and then some. 

It contains many images and charts to display information, making it simple to comprehend and follow. Clinton's goal is to instill compassion in her readers rather than anxiety or terror, and she provides many "illustrative examples" of young people working to eradicate those issues.

#18 The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is an excellent pick for a readathon since it is an encouraging and touching narrative that creates creativity and self-expression. 

Vashti, a young girl who believes she can't draw, discovers her unique style by just sketching a dot with the help of her art teacher. 

The book's message is simple but powerful: everyone can create something beautiful, starting with a single dot. 

It's an excellent choice for a readathon if you want to be reminded that everyone has the potential to make their mark, literally, and build something beautiful in their unique way.

#19 The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse

This timeless tale follows the adventures of a young boy who befriends a magical red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own. With its captivating illustrations and minimal text, this book sparks the imagination and captures the joy of childhood wonder. 

It's a perfect choice for a readathon where you want to escape into a world of imagination and rediscover the magic that can be found in the simplest things.

#20 The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn is a short story that is exciting to read. It is only 60 pages long, so it can be read quickly. The main character is a smart and interesting woman who is both good and bad. The story has some scary parts and some surprises. Even though it is a super short book, it is still a lot of fun to read. 

#21 Sisters by Lily Tuck

This book is about two sisters and their complicated relationship. It explores how different factors shape their bond. The characters in the book are well-developed, and the story is told in a detailed and interesting way. 

The writing style is elegant and easy to understand. If you're looking for a book that will make you think and is great for a readathon, this is a fantastic choice.

#22 Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson

This book is perfect for a readathon, and we'll tell you why. First of all, it's a short novel, coming in at around 200 pages. That means you can breeze through it in no time during one sitting because that's the whole point of a readathon: to devour as many books as possible in a limited time.

This book is also special because it discusses important topics like class, gender, race, history, queerness, and sexuality in America. It has a captivating story.

So, if you're searching for a book that's easy to read and makes you have intellectual conversations, you need to get your hands on it before the next readathon.

#23 The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

With this one, you'll jump headfirst into the wild world of publishing. 

The story is about Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant who's also the only Black woman in that position. Later she's introduced to Hazel, who's interestingly another Black woman.

This is when she thinks they could team up to disrupt the status quo, but Hazel's not that type...

While reading this one, you’ll be in for unexpected twists and turns in the plot and some seriously shady secrets.

This book does some heavy lifting with topics like race, identity, and all the drama that goes down in the workplace. It's got everything you need: social commentary, mystery, and even some hilarious moments that'll make you LOL. 

Add it to your readathon list if you're up for something like that.

#24 Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

This story revolves around a girl named Juliet. She's Puerto Rican and queer and on this interesting journey to figure out her true self. 

With this book, Rivera navigates through major concepts like feminism and the exploration of identity.

If you're into heartfelt stories celebrating diversity and finding your voice, this book is for you to read on the reading marathon!

#25 Thirsty Mermaids by Kat Leyh

If you're over those typical mermaid love stories, this book is going to shake things up in a brilliant way. It's all about fun and laughs, and it'll keep you entertained. The author, Kat Leyh, is a boss when it comes to creating awesome stories like Lumberjanes, which is all about accepting yourself and embracing your body. 

Thirsty Mermaids is a graphic novel that combines humor and heart, making it the ultimate pick for your next readathon. You’ll be in for a treat!

Conclusion

The beauty of these books is their ability to keep you engaged, challenged, and stimulated. They are perfect for a readathon, as they are thought-provoking, diverse, and short enough to be read in a single sitting.

Remember, reading is more than a pastime; it's a journey into diverse lives, cultures, and worlds, both real and imaginary.