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What’s On Your Bookshelf: One-Sitting Reads

Retirement Reflections

I mentioned in a previous post that I’ve been attempting to clear my brain of stress and overwhelm by reaching for a short read or novella before bed. In doing so, I’ve quickly discovered the many advantages of one-sitting reads. Not only have they pulled me away from doomscrolling at night, but finishing a story in a single sitting has given me a much-needed sense of accomplishment—especially when everything else feels uncertain. Surprisingly, these compact narratives have also sharpened my focus and boosted immersion, which is particularly welcome when my attention is scattered. And the icing on the cake? 50% of the above were all 5-star reads for me. That’s much higher than my typical rating average.
I downloaded all of these books from Libby, either in digital or audio form (depending on what was available first), so another advantage is that they are all very accessible.
Without further ado, here are my mini-reviews. Slightly more detailed write-ups can be found on my Goodreads page.

Five-Stars:

Animal Farm, George Orwell, 1945, 140 pages. The animals of Manor Farm overthrow human oppressors in search of self-governance. Their newfound power is soon corrupted. The pigs seize control, lie, manipulate and rewrite history to serve their own greedy interests. Intended as a parody of early communist Russia, this fable remains eerily relevant today.


The Yellow Wall-Paper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 1892, 62 pages.
Brilliant and terrifying, The Yellow Wallpaper explores with masterful economy the oppression, grave misunderstanding, and willful dismissal of women in late nineteenth-century society.

The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff, 2003, 176 pages. Before picking up my library copy of ‘The Tao of Pooh’ earlier today, I couldn’t have confidently answered much on a pop quiz of ‘What is Taoism?’ Shhh, don’t tell. I greatly appreciated the clever introduction and now have plenty of insights to carry forward.

Four-Stars:

Foster, Claire Keegan, 2010, 89 pages.
Originally published in Ireland, this novella deals with grief, despair, hope, kindness and childhood innocence. It is a masterclass in restraint and quiet power. This moving and atmospheric story proves that sometimes, the quietest voices leave the most lasting impression.

The Grownup, Gillian Flynn, 2015, 64 pages. This is an intricately layered, gripping page-turner that will have your heart racing in a single sitting — guaranteed. Clever, creepy and thrillingly fun!

Before the Ever After, Jacqueline Woodson, 2020, 176 pages. Woodson explores CTE, a degenerative brain disease often found in athletes who have had repeated head injuries. It offers deep insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing memory loss and cognitive decline. Classified as Middle-grade fiction, this poignant and poetic novel is equally powerful for adults.

Long Way Down, Jason Reynolds, 2017, 306 pages (in verse). Fifteen-year-old Will steps into an elevator. The story then channels A Christmas Carol–with a modern twist. By the time he reaches the lobby, both Will and the reader must decide: Is Will coming? Beautifully written, deeply powerful and utterly heartbreaking.

Three Stars:

Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan, 2021, 128 pages.
Once again, this is a story that speaks profoundly to our current times. “Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and… still face yourself in the mirror?”

And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, F. Backman, 2015, 97 pages. I had difficulty getting into this book. Partly, that was my literal mind trying to figure out what was reality and what was memory. Mostly, my defence mechanisms were hard at work. Dementia hits very close to home. Steeling myself, I didn’t think I would cry — I seldom do with books. But as the story unfolded, my literal mind let go…and I wept.

The Sleeper and The Spindle, Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell. 2014, 68 pages. I read this reimagined fairytale in digital format, so I didn’t get the full impact of Chris Riddell’s brilliant artwork. If you’re getting a copy, go for print—this is definitely a story where the physical format enhances the experience

Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity, Reilich and Knell 2024, 320 pages. A feel-good collection of 101 real-life stories, perfect for dipping into on the go. It didn’t quite hit five-star heights for me—likely because I binge-read it all at once. Still, it’s a warm, hopeful reminder of the quiet power of kindness in tough times. Best enjoyed in small, bite-sized pieces.

Complimentary Copy From the Author:

How to Have a Happy Birthday, Tamar Hurwitz-Flemming, 2024, 148 pages. Tamar encourages readers to reclaim their birthdays as a personal new year—an opportunity for mindful celebration, reflection, and growth. The accompanying workbook deepens the reading experience with prompts to help readers lessen their discomfort surrounding aging and focus on fulfillment. Inspiring and insightful, Tamar’s passion radiates off of each page.


How have you been coping lately? What’s been on your bookshelf? Please join us here!

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

105 thoughts on “What’s On Your Bookshelf: One-Sitting Reads”

  2. Thanks for the reviews, Donna. You’ve been a busy reader! A much better use of your time than endless browsing or scrolling through the online mess. I’d like to learn more about Taoism, so “The Tao of Pooh” sounds right up my alley.

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  3. I’ve never been into short reads or anything on the Oprah bookclub, but there are several on this list that are ringing my bells. Thanks for opening my eyes and my perspective.

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    1. Thanks, Jo – I’ve never followed Oprah’s bookclub, so I’m never sure which books she has recommended. But these short reads have been perfect for me this past month. I think that you would really like ‘The GrownUp.’ It’s quite short but pacts a definite punch!

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  4. I’m a fan of short reads also. I’m finding it easier these days to remember the plots/storyline’s from these than full length novels. There’s a certain satisfaction in turning the last page and just musing on what ‘it was all about’. Foster and Small things certainly did that for me. As did Animal Farm when I read it many years ago….might be time for a reread

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    1. Hi, Cathy – You are so right about short reads. This past month, I’ve developed a brand new appreciation for them. As I mentioned, I discovered that I had way more 5 star reads than usual, and I was being fussy! ❤

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  6. Great idea for a post! Thanks for the recs! I love Small Things Like These! Other Backman novellas I recommend are Deal of a Lifetime and The Answer is No.

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    1. Hi, Carol – These short novellas were truly a great distraction from the doom and gloom in the news media surrounding us (we are one week away from our Federal Elections). Thank you for the Backman recommendatiions. I’ve read ‘Deal of a LIfetime.’ I could only find ‘The Answer is No’ available through Amazon. I do not have an Amazon or Audible account, so I haven’t been able to access that book. (I remember your recommendation for it).

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  9. I’ve been reading too many long, heavy books lately, so I need to look into some of these. I did read Good People a few months ago…maybe I need to revisit it again. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Lisa – I also just finished reading Matt Haig’s ‘Comfort Book’ which you also might enjoy. Thank you for your recommendation of ‘Good People.’ I binged read it, which I don’t believe was the editor’s intent. Next time, I would take it more slowly and savour one story at a time. ❤

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  10. How To Have A Happy Birthday is appealing to me as the number of candles on my birthday cake increases! Magazine articles fulfill my need for light reading – Canadian Living, Cowboy Country, Rolling Stone, even old What’s Cooking periodicals. I finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, the story of a Maine midwife in the 18th century & her challenges in a patriarchal society. I’m currently reading Sue Monk Kidd’s The Book of Longings. Happy reading & happy Easter/spring. I saw robins today & the river is open. For sure it’s spring.

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    1. Hi, Mona – Hooray for Spring!! I know that I live in a relatively warm winter climate by Canadian standards. But seriously!! Spring has been taking it’s sweet time to warm up here, and to quit raining! Robins and open rivers are great signs!
      Thank you for sharing your reading. I haven’t yet ready any of the works that you mentioned, but I have heard great things about Sue Monk Kidd. Please keep me updated on your thoughts on her book. ❤

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  12. Hi Donna, I appreciate short reads in between our Book Club books. I’ve only read Animal Farm and just the other evening I was chatting to Mike who hasn’t read it and thought I should revisit. Thanks for co-hosting WOYBS? I always find your posts thoughtful and I usually find books I’ve never heard of x

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    1. Hi, Sue – You always say and write the nicest thing. I can’t recommend Animal Farm enough. It was such a powerful read for me, and so spot on to our current times, it greatly impacted me. I had read a digital copy from my library, so bought a copy for Richard. Who also could not put it down. I also bought a copy to share with one of my local book clubs. It really is an eye-opener.

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  14. That is a fabulous collection of short reads. I normally read before going to sleep and have noticed that I can’t get through more than a few pages before nodding off. It takes me forever to finish a regular-sized novel.

    I read Animal Farm years ago and didn’t remember that it was so short… George Orwell packed a lot into 140 pages.

    Our book club read Small Things Like These last year and loved it (I heard they made a movie based on it but I haven’t seen it). I will put Foster on hold at my library now.

    The same book club usually picks a short December/winter/Christmas themed book at the end of the year and Long Way Down sounds perfect!

    Elbows Up, dear friend!

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    1. Hi, Janis – I usually read before bed as well, and these shorter novels/novellas have been just the ticket. Seriously, who knew? My review of The Long Way Down may have mislead you. While the main character is visited by ghosts from the past, it is not at all a Christmassy or cozy winter read (it is about the vicious circle of gun violence). But, Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva (288 pages) could be lovely. Or, if they really wanted something short, A Christmas Story by Truman Capote is absolutely beautiful (and is between 48 – 98 pages, depending on the edition).
      My elbows are up and our Federal Elections are near. Richard and I will partake in early voting tomorrow.

      I look forward to catching up soon.

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  16. Such a good idea to just read small chunks of books instead of trying to dive into anything too deep while your brain is already in overdrive. I hadn’t realized how many interesting small reads were out there – I’m going to do a little browsing around to see what else there is to discover. You always intrigue me with your reading lists Donna. x

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    1. Thanks, Leanne- Last night I picked up at mid-sized novel that I’ve wanted to read for a while. I just couldn’t get in to it. Perhaps it was the book itself. More likely it was the structure. Short books do not have the luxury of a long, drawn out introduction (amongst other things). I’ve quickly become a fan.

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  17. What an impressive list for one session reads. I could maybe do less than 100 pages, but otherwise would be too much for me. At the moment I am finding a history of Roman Britain rather tough.

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  19. I remember reading The Tao of Pooh when it first came out and thinking it was brilliantly innovative. I’m with you about reading shorter books as an alternative to doomscrolling. My latest one session reads are: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer & The Legal Writer by Judge Mark painter.

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  20. I have read both the Clare Keegans – we did them as a pair at book group and everyone liked them. I read Animal Farm when I was at school, so not yesterday! I really should read Yellow Wallpaper as we have several copies in the women’s library. I just never quite get round to it. I’m currently reading The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor which I am enjoying. It’s melancholy but raises interesting questions around guilt and forgiveness.

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  21. Gosh! I haven’t read Animal Farm since I was in 8th grade… I don’t remember liking it but then again I remember it being a bit gory with animal deaths and I was picturing literal animals.

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  23. Hi Donna, these all sound fabulous and a great way to block out certain other news that going on in the world I’ve downloaded a few already and will look forward to reading them. Thanks for the idea of reading shorter books and for being such an inspiring co-host.
    I’m having trouble with comments so hope this works.
    Debbie from debs-world.com

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    1. Hi, Debbie – Your comment came through perfectly. No problem at all. Thank you (once again) for your very kind words. I am delighted that you downloaded some of these books. There are some great ones on this list. Although I enjoyed some more than others, there were none that I didn’t enjoy or regreted reading. Not at all. ❤

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  24. I’m still not sure I would get through these shorter stories in one sitting before bed 😂 but a great selection.

    I like the premise of giving our birthdays the vibe of a new year – maybe making new goals and intentions. Currently I just let birthdays roll by.

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    1. Hi, Janine – I was trying to keep this post relatively short so did not add in all details. Although all of the books that I have shared here are quite short, I didn’t always read them in one sitting. It depended on the day and time. Still, none of these books lingered on my bedside for long! ❤

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  25. How great to find so many short, quick reads with heart. I’m just about to dive into “Small Things Like These” after completing the tome that is “Angle of Repose” by Wallace Stegner.

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    1. Hi, Eilene – I haven’t read ‘Angle of Repose’ but have heard good things about it. ‘Small Things Like These’ was not my favourite short read (I found ‘Foster’ much more engaging). But both Keegan books have received much acclaim, so it could have just been me. ❤

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  26. I agree with you about novellas. There’s a time and a place for them. I find when I’m really busy and stressed about less time than usual for reading, that is the time for me to grab a novella. I’ve read Small Things Like These which I found very disappointing as my friends loved it and gave it a high rating. I’ve also read Every Morning the Way Home, and was about ho hum about it. I’m going to look at borrowing a couple of your 5star novellas.

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    1. Hi, Jennifer – Once again, we are proving to be like-minded. Both ‘Small Things Like These’ and ‘Every Morning The Way Home’ were not my favourite reads from this list, despite their hype. Claire Keegan’s ‘Foster’ was a much more engaging read for me. And lately, I’ve been pressing a copy of ‘Animal Farm’ into the hands of everyone that I knew. ‘The Yellow Wall-Paper’ is also a fantastic read.

      Four weeks ago, I began engaging in shorter reads to help me to avoid doomscrolling. They have done that and so much more. I have also found that compared to many longer reads, novellas often have a more focussed narrative, and no unnecessary words.

      I recently saw this quote from Ian MacEwan that made me smile (and nod in at least in part agreement). “I believe the novella is the perfect form of prose fiction. It is the beautiful daughter of a rambling, bloated, ill-shaven giant (but a giant who’s a genius on his best days).” He goes on to praise novellas further (original article is in The New Yorker). ❤

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  28. What a wonderful stack of books! I will be adding most of these to my TBR list. I get your point about focusing on novellas. I may need to give that a try.

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    1. Hi, Olivia – Now that I have been concentrating on novellas and shorter reads, I have become so much more aware of their multiple benefits. The author has much to do, in a short span of time. The skill that I am witnessing is truly incredible. Today I read Agatha Christie’s ‘Witness For The Prosecution’. There honestly was a brilliantly executed 400-page story written in less than 100 pages. My mind was blown!

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  29. Hi Donna – oh good the comment box is back. Thanks for these – an interesting mix of reads … I jump all over the place with my reading – and just look in … I really must get to concentrating and finishing a few … I do have some ‘chapter’ books here to read and post about. All the best – as we keep our heads above water in these challenging times. Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi, Hilary- Was my comment box missing earlier? I swear that WP simply doesn’t like me. I keep trying to subscribe to your email list, using different email addresses, but sadly nothing that I do in that regard seems to work. 😦

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      1. Yes – at first … but I waited a while and then it was there. Don’t worry I come back. Similarly the ‘like’ buttons don’t work on some bloggers’ posts … and hasn’t just worked here … xo

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      3. This time … the reply comment box didn’t come up under your ‘My goodness’ comment below!! Don’t worry … I think … xo

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  30. Appreciate the reviews for this eclectic collection of (shorter!!) books. I have pinned several of them to locate in my library. Have read Jacqueline Woodson before but not familiar with this book. Am acquainted with several of the other authors, too. Hope I can find the reimagined fairy tale in print so I can enjoy the illustrations. Thank you for introducing and reintroducing me to some excellent authors.

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  32. I’ve read several on your ‘short’ list (the first two) and several of then I’ve just put on my library e-book hold. But they don’t sound like popcorn to me! Yes, they’re short, but many delve in some pretty intense subjects it seems. I really appreciate your recommendations. Lately a friend suggested Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips. I just finished reading. So hard in the beginning – tough subject (set during and right after the Civil War). The women are so violated and live such a difficult life, being 2nd class citizens. But in the end, I realized it was a really good book.

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    1. Thanks so much, Pam. ‘Popcorn’ may have not been the right description. I meant ‘addictive.’ Each of these reads offers something deeply meaningful. And most of these stories deal with very difficult subjects (revolt, manipulation by our chosen government, gun violence, abandonment, memory loss…just to name a few).

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      1. Yes, yes that makes sense (full disclosure, I was eating some ‘skinny pop’ as I read your post). ;-0 I’m looking forward to reading some of these ‘shorts’ although as you say, not exactly easy subjects.

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  33. Hi Donna, Thank you for your book share and reviews. I borrowed some of them on Libby and will start reading. Your mention of Animal Farm brought back memories of the great discussions that I had with my Dad on that book when he was alive.

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      1. That’s true, Donna.

        P.S. I forgot to mention that when I click “like” a comment on your blog, it doesn’t show and that’s been some time now. I like your comment 🙂

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  34. Hi

    It’s funny, all the books you gave five stars, we read as well, but none of the others. We are the opposite of you. We love long novels. It’s always such a pity when we have finished a good book. We are fast readers, so we read an eight-hundred-pages-novel in two evenings. For our first job we learned fast reading and do it still, as connections get clearer when reading fast. It’s especially useful when reading complicated philosophical texts.

    Happy Easter
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Animal Farm, The Yellow Wallpaper and The Tao of Pooh are all very worth the read. Yesterday, I read Agatha Christie’s ‘The Witness For the Prosecution.”’ As much as I didn’t want to give away any further five-star ratings so soon, I simply had to. I thought that it was perfect! 🙂

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      1. Agatha Christie is a great stylist, with an easy flow of words and nearly all the time using the same setting that worked.

        You wouldn’t believe it, Siri read nearly every one of Christie’s stories. She is now a little detective.

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  36. Hi Donna – this is a great idea and a perfect way to re-set. I loved Long Way Down and the audio version is also excellent because it’s narrated by the author. I feel like I may have read The Yellow Wallpaper in college – it sounds very familiar. Thank you for telling us about these books!

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  37. Pingback: This week’s small pleasures #436 – Thistles and Kiwis

  38. I’ve read several books from your list. I’ve forgotten that novellas are a very good fit and very satifying. Thank you for the reminder and the list.

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    1. I’d be lost without Libby. I recommend it highly!
      Libby is the app used by many libraries to offer digital books and audiobooks. It works with libraries that use OverDrive, and has a presence in over 78 countries. You can also download books and audiobooks for offline use, which is useful when traveling and so much more!

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  40. Thanks for sharing your current reads, Donna. I have actually been looking around for shorter reads, so this post was timely. At the moment I am into shorter reads as I want to read around for different stories and styles, just to get a feel of them without getting too bogged down in a really long book. I’ve wanted to read The Tao of Pooh for a while and I hope to get to read it soon 🙂

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  41. Shorter books offer so many wonderful benefits – many that I had not realized. After 6 weeks of shorter reads, I have now switched into a regular sized book (400 pages). Although it is a compelling read, it has been a great reminder of the many contrasts between short and long.

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