Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly bookish meme where participants discuss certain topics, share their opinions, and spread the love by visiting each other’s posts. Originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books, it’s now hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
This week’s topic is:
Big Books vs. Short Books: Which Do You Prefer?
(submitted by Jillian @ Jillian the Bookish Butterfly)
Prompts: Do you prefer to read longer books or shorter books? Does it depend on the genre? Why is that? What are the pros and cons of long books? What about shorter books? What long books do you love? What are some of your favorite short books?
The long and short of it…
First let me define what qualifies as a long or short book, in my opinion. We all probably have different ideas, but when I discuss long books, it usually means they’re about 500+ pages in length. Shorter books would be about 300 pages or less. 300-500 pages would be average size books.
Now that we have that established, my opinion of longer books vs. shorter books all boils down to one thing: content. If a book is good, has my full attention, doesn’t drag in the middle, I don’t tend to care about the length. My favorite books are those that I’m so immersed in, I don’t even check how many pages I have left. But that is a rare and special occurrence.
I have noticed, however, that I reach for longer books less often since I started reading ARCs (advanced reader copies). There’s a little voice in the back of my mind whispering, you don’t have time for that one! In my college days, I relished the opportunity to dive into a lengthy tome. I do think the state of the world is to blame, as well. I don’t have the attention span to devote to longer books at the moment.
Genres
Oddly, I will more readily pick up a longer book if it’s in the historical fiction and/or fantasy genre or a classic. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s just more expected. A historical book needs the space to take a deep dive, if necessary. Space to cover all those facts and dates. All that history. And it’s the same with fantasy. The author might be creating a whole new world, and that takes time to develop. And many classics are just notoriously lengthy.
I’ve noticed I’m less inclined to pick up lengthy memoirs, non-fiction, or contemporary fiction books. I enjoy a good memoir or non-fiction book, but they’re not my go-to genres, so I don’t relish the idea of having to devote large amounts of time to them. And I love contemporary fiction, but I’ve noticed my chunky contemporary novels continue to sit untouched on my shelf. I’m not really sure why, other than the fact it’s a time commitment. But some of my favorite books have been longer contemporary fiction novels, such as The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (532 pages), which was my favorite book of 2019, and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (771 pages).
I have also just recently discovered longer romance books, particularly books my Mariana Zapata. She takes the slow-burn romance to a whole new level.
Pros and Cons
Longer books allow the reader time to get invested in the material, to explore new worlds and connect with characters. I like that I’m forced to slow down, and knowing I’ve picked up a longer book, I’m more likely to allow myself to become immersed in the story. AND they do look so pretty on a bookshelf.
Buuuut, if it’s a longer book in hardback or paperback format, it’s harder to take out and about or read one-handed while I enjoy food or beverages, which IS a favorite bookish habit of mine.
Conversely, shorter books are great when I know I don’t have the time or brain capacity to contribute to a longer book. A great shorter book allows me to dive in quickly, be consumed, and connect with characters almost immediately. It’s a high bar for an author to achieve, but when it’s done well, it’s unforgettable.
Favorite Longer Books
- Outlander (Outlander, #1) by Diana Gabaldon (850 pages)
- Chain of Gold (The Last Hours, #1) by Cassandra Clare (592 pages)
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (838 pages)
- Lonesome Dove (Lonesome Dove, #1) by Larry McMurtry (960 pages)
- 11/22/63 by Stephen King (849 pages)
Favorite Shorter Books
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (228 pages)
- If I Stay (If I Stay, #1) by Gayle Foreman (201 pages)
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Marry Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (277 pages)
- Slanted and Disenchanted by Lisa Czarina Michaud (284 pages)
- Fool Me Twice at Christmas by Camilla Isley (200 pages)
Let’s Discuss!
Do you have a preference between long or short books? Let me know in the comments!
Most of the books I reach for most often are around 450ish pages. So I guess average, same as you! I think I prefer longer books, though, bc I really have more time to settle into the novel and get to know the characters.
I love the IDEA of longer books, but it’s hard for me to commit to them. Haha!
I like books to be from 250-450 pages. Usually right in the middle. If they’re long, they have to be worth it.
Yes! Same here.
I think most of my books are around the 500 mark, so more middle. I do love Sanderson though and his are like almost 1k or over! Totally have Outlander on my list too! 🙂
Sanderson’s books are tomes! I haven’t read anything by him yet. Maybe someday… Haha!
They are but SO worth it!!!! 🙂
These days, I prefer books that are around 300-350 pages; I find it hard to make myself pick up a longer book, especially if it’s over 500 pages, though I do agree, if a book is written well and I get caught up in the story and characters, I really don’t care how long it is then. 🙂
It is especially hard to commit to those longer books right now. I don’t know how my mental focus will be from day to day. 🙂
Nice post. I prefer shorter books, but I have read some AMAZING longer books.
That seems to be the general consensus. 😉
All great points Dedra. I don’t read a lot of longer books, but I think it is my attention span. I will pick up a longer book if I have seen a lot of good reviews or if it sounds like one I would love.
Yes! Those longer books need to be able to hold my attention.
Longer books can be daunting, but if they’re well written, they can read as fast as a short book. And some short books can be difficultly written and take a long time to read. I guess for me it is more quality than quantity!
Absolutely makes sense! That’s a great point I didn’t think of: shorter books can feel long if they’re not done well.
It’s interesting you bring up what qualifies as long (for me over 400 is on the longer side) and genre. I do think certain genres just need more pages to accomplish their stories. That said, I read primarily contemporaries. When contemporaries start creeping over 400 pages (some over 500 pages), I find they are in need of editing (in my opinion). I like my books to be on the shorter side (300 – 400).
Just to be clear, I was stating what qualifies as long for me. I know everyone will have a different opinion. I wanted to establish a baseline for my discussion. 😉 I agree with your opinion on contemporaries. They better hold my attention if they’re gonna be longer!
I *MUCH* prefer shorter books. In general, they feel like they’re better edited for one thing. I like books to be concise, even when they’re atmospheric. (Example: I read 11/22/63 as well, and felt like King spent a lot of time rambling about things that didn’t advance the plot or connect me to the characters, and the book would have been stronger with less of that.)
Granted, sometimes I love longer books. And some kinds of books—like historical fiction and classics, I fully agree there—feel most appropriate in longer form. But I’m sick of the “it can’t be epic fantasy unless it’s at least an 800 page book” kind of trend lately.
Haha! Yeah, I don’t try to tackle many epic fantasies because of their daunting size.
Agreed, which is frustrating because they don’t all *have* to be.
Yes!!