I personally believe the best feeling in the world is when you pick up a book and can’t set it down. Staying up all night, with endless amounts of coffee, cozy blankets, and lots of candles while reading a story so gripping you barely remember how to function once you are done... THAT is heaven! The experience of being totally absorbed by the story you are reading may be the best feeling in the world, but it is hard to come by. But luckily for you, I have pulled all of my favorites that are under 400 pages so you truly may finish these in just one sitting!

 

1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Thriller fans have been raving about this book for months and it is for a good reason! The tale that Alex Michaelides tells in ​The Silent Patient​ is incredible. Entertainment Weekly said this book is “Unforgettable” and is filled with “Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." Which is pretty accurate and describes it perfectly! Criminal psychotherapist Theo is obsessed with finding out why Alicia, a painter with a seemingly ideal home life, shot her husband to death. But since that night, Alicia hasn’t spoken a word, and it’s up to Theo to unravel the layers of mystery and secrets behind her silence.

 

2. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

This World War II tale is based on the true story of Lale Sokolov and is an extraordinary tale of the extremes of human nature and emotion. Lale is sent to a concentration camp in 1942 and is put to work as a tattooist where he falls in love with a fellow prisoner Gita. He vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her. His story is a gripping testament of how powerful both love and hate can be.

 

3. ​I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

If you are a fan of True Crime, this book is the perfect choice for you! Michelle McNamara’s story of the Golden State Killer is one that is hard to put down. It covers both the history of the case and the personal ties/fascination that Michelle had with the case. The tale is even more poignant as Michelle, unfortunately, lost her life while writing this story and you will learn to appreciate the story even more.

 

4. ​A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell

Some of you may recognize the title of this novel as it was recently made into a major motion picture featuring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. However, as much as I love both of those ladies, I would say that the novel is even more gripping than the movie! When Stephanie picks up her best friend Emily’s son up from school, it seems just like “A Simple Favor”. But when Emily doesn’t come home, secrets are revealed and lies are uncovered. It is filled with plot twists and turns that will keep you on your toes until the dazzling ending.

 

5. ​The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

In this breathtaking story set in depression-era America, this novel tells the story of five women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond. You may recognize Jojo Moyes’ name as she is also the author of Me Without You which was also made into a major motion picture. Needless to say, Jojo Moyes knows how to write a story that is equal parts emotional, gripping, and stunning.

Have you read any of these books? What was your last binge read? Let us know in the comments below!

 

By guest editor,
Alicia  (IG: @thebookishpuff) 

About the guest editor: 

Alicia is currently the resident blogger over at The Bookish Puff and aspiring author. Raised under the southern sun she is a true eternal optimist with a deep love of history, stories, and a shameless addiction to caffeine. When she’s not on the internet writing about books, you can find her baking up a storm in her kitchen, watching true crime documentaries, sipping on coffee while chatting with friends, or getting lost in nature. She currently lives with her boyfriend and two crazy cats in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States.