Novellas + Books Under 300 Pages to Meet Your Goodreads Goals

Towards the end of the year, I always get a lot of requests for shorter books as people are scrambling to finish their Goodreads goal. While I don’t think you should pressure yourself to finish an arbitrary number, I do understand the deep desire to finish what you started and prove to yourself that you could do it in the first place. So, I’ve rounded up some of the best novellas and books under 300 pages that I think would be perfect to end your reading year on!

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Page Count: 213

“Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?” —Goodreads

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The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Page Count: 213

A modern classic and a great one to revisit or read for the first time. I think it’s reminiscent of The Catcher in the Rye.

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Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Page Count: 240

My favorite book of all time, the book that made me a reader! If you’ve never read it, it’s a Cinderella retelling where the “princess” saves herself.

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Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

Page Count: 384

This is the only book over 300 pages but it reads quickly, especially if you like reality dating shows like The Bachelor!

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I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forrest

Page Count: 272

A young ballerina finds love while on a road trip.

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Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon

Page Count: 256

A collection of connected stories during a blackout in NYC by some of YA’s best modern voices.

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An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi

Page Count: 248

This book is on the heavy side, as it follows Shadi in the United States in 2003, when Islamophobia is at an all time high in the United States.

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Float Plan by Trish Doller

Page Count: 272

After losing her fiance to suicide, Anna takes the boat he left her on the water to finish the trip they set out to do together where she meets a sailor who helps her deal with her grief.

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The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

Page Count: 248

A dramatic story of family, relationships, loss and transcendence.

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Winter + Holiday

The Christmas Blanket by Kandi Steiner

Page Count: 171

A second chance romance mixed with a snowstorm and some forced proximity after they lose their heat.

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The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

Page Count: 224

A little festive diddy with a dash of magic and mystery.

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A Perfect Holiday Fling by Farrah Rochon

Page Count: 99

The residents of a meddling small town are determined to set Callie up with someone before the holidays after her husband left her in a very public way.

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Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

Page Count: 113

A proper lady and a rogue steam up a winter’s night…

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A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Page Count: 121

A historical romance! Perfect to scratch that Bridgerton itch with a festive feel.

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Page Count: 184

I love to revisit this classic every few years! I think it’s fun to listen to on audio as well. But the best film adaptation has to be The Muppets Christmas Carol.

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The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese

Page Count: 185

Set in a bookstore as two booksellers are trapped in a snowstorm.

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Our Favorite Songs by Anita Kelly

Page Count: 148

Perfect if you’re looking for something more wintry than holiday.

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Mangoes and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera

Page Count: 126

This is a sapphic holiday novella set In Scotland surrounding a baking championship!

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