Super Short, Never Sweet

As a library worker, I can't think of a better way to celebrate Women's History Month than checking out books written by and about women. One month is of course not long enough to cover an entire history, and you might think it's not long enough to read entire novels, but that's where you're wrong—each of these six books is super short (under 200 pages!) and deliciously unputdownable. 

Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton The insanely interesting story of one of the first published women writers, a duchess named Margaret Cavendish. Dutton’s writing is lovely—the food descriptions!—and Margaret the First’s focus on and belief in her own work is inspiring. It’s bizarre, it’s funny, it’s sad, it’s everything. Plus, you'll learn a ton about life in 17th century England. Hint: it was not fun unless you were uber rich, and even then, people died constantly.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata If you're questioning whether a book about a convenience store worker can hold your attention, then you're doing too much of your shopping online (please shop local). Murata's novel is a dark, humorous look at a woman who's trying and failing to meet society's stale expectations. At only 163 pages, you'll fly through this quirky, brilliant gem. 

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill Oh the weird awesomeness of this little book about motherhood and ambition. It’s a beautifully written puzzle, a wild ride! If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up feeling really insecure about your relationships and life choices, but more deeply in love with books. I count that as a win.

Jillian by Halle Butler Did you spend your twenties feeling lost and confused? Take a trip down memory lane with Halle Butler's protagonist, a frustrated young woman who's beginning to worry she'll never escape her dead-end job. If you're still in your twenties....sorry. Bonus: you can put a hold on Butler's next novel, The New Me, which comes out on March 5!

The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante If Ferrante's Neapolitan series seems too daunting, start with The Lost Daughter instead. It has similar themes of motherhood, marriage and work, but is a manageable 140 pages. Follow these instructions: when you get to the end, go back to the beginning and read the first few pages again. Prepare to be blown away.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron Nora Ephron is perfection, as is this fictionalized account of when her husband cheated on her while she was pregnant with their second child (are you kidding me). You'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll reread the ending over and over. All that and there are recipes throughout! It's a fantastic rage-fest.