Enjoy these short but great books to read in February, the shortest month of the year.
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
"The Daughter of Time" by Josephine Tey is an engrossing detective novel from 1951. While recovering from an injury, Inspector Alan Grant delves into the mystery of the two princes in the Tower, long thought to have been murdered by Richard III. With others to do his legwork and no modern technology, not even a telephone, Grant investigates from his hospital bed. The publication of this novel is what inspired a resurgence of interest in Richard III. Do not miss if you enjoy mystery and historical fiction! - Elisa
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (digital only)
What happens to all the children in fantasy novels when they come back from the fantastical worlds they visit? "Every Heart a Doorway" answers this question by introducing us to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, a boarding school that provides a safe place for children to re-enter mundane reality and recover from their otherworldly experiences. The books in this series switch between the boarding school setting and the magical lands the various children travel to. With interesting plot, intriguing characters, and great representation this series is such a joy to read, and each book is under 200 pages! - Natashia
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” "The Little Prince" is full of meaningful insights, offering new lessons with each read. It’s a beautiful story about imagination, stars, flowers, and the simple joys of life. My father-in-law highly recommended it, encouraging me to read it with my kids, just as he did with his son. Reading "The Little Prince" brings me closer to my family and is a wonderful reminder of Teddy. It’s a special experience for readers of all ages. - Jen D
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
This small book only has 128 pages but makes a big emotional impact. Set in the cold winter of 1985 in rural Ireland, Keegan’s masterful writing says so much with so few words. At the heart of the story is Bill Furlong, a kind-hearted coal merchant who, through a chance discovery, is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about his community and himself. Keegan captures the essence of family, sacrifice, and quiet moral dilemmas, all set against the backdrop of a community bound by tradition but struggling with the weight of life’s hardships. The writing is beautiful, every word and sentence feels deliberate and meaningful. I read this novel(la) over a weekend and found it to be a profound exploration of human kindness and the complexities of doing what is right. - Emma
Spectacular by Stephanie Garber (digital only)
Stephanie Garber's "Spectacular" was a truly captivating conclusion to her Caraval series. This short novel was a delightful read filled with unexpected twists and turns as it guided you through a captivating mystery. The exquisite illustrations perfectly complemented the narrative, creating an immersive reading experience that I found incredibly hard to put down. - Andrea
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (digital only)
Tove Jansson is best known for her Moomintroll books for children, but she also wrote wonderful stories for adults. "The Summer Book" is the simple story of an artist and her granddaughter spending the summer at a cottage on an island in the Gulf of Finland. Nothing much happens on the surface, but so much is going on underneath the words. Heartfelt and life-affirming, "The Summer Book" is an absolute gem. - Ken