Six of the best books you can read in a day

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There is a time and a place to pick up splendidly long, magisterial books. Who doesn’t hope to get through “Anna Karenina” or “The Power Broker” at some point in their life? But for me the summer calls for something else. For this intense, fleeting and luminous season, I want to read something intense, fleeting and luminous—150 pages, no more, feels just right. 

I’ve chosen six of my favourite short non-fiction books, which include memoir, journalism, biography and essays (for fans of short fiction, that list is coming soon). You can read these books in one go, so there’s every chance you’ll get through them all by the end of August. On the list you’ll find works by a Nobel winner and an unknown scholar, whimsy and tragedy, and two manifestos that shocked their eras. I hope you carry these slim volumes wherever you go, into the office or out to a park—and that they carry you through a brilliant summer.

For some great writing from our own journalists, check out our Summer reads page: our guide to a season of beach (or hammock, or café) reading.

Stephanie Studer, US digital editor

Editor’s picks

Six non-fiction books you can read in a day

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Visit our summer reads page 

A new collection of our most beach-friendly articles

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