Unfortunately life is too short to read all the good books in the world. The trick is to find the right ones in a short time. Of course, we like to lose ourselves in long novels with fictional characters that take us on journeys where they’re our protagonists. But if a story is told in 1000 pages, it unfortunately carries too much weight. Carrying the large skin on the tram, to the lake or on vacation is often a real procedure. For this reason, we prefer to leave really thick books at home and buy thinner copies to read on the go. They are easy to take with you and quick to read.
“The beautiful life of the dead” (2019), Milena Moser and Victor-Mario Zaballa
Book thickness: 176 pages
In Europe we fear death and avoid talking about it whenever possible. The situation is different in Mexican culture: there the subject of death is always present and never taboo. Day of the Dead, Día de Muertos, is met with anticipation. Because the deceased comes to visit and there is a celebration. Swiss writer Milena Moser (58) expressed her personal touches and thoughts about Día de Muertos in a book. His partner Victor-Mario Zaballa (67) has been seriously ill for years. He is originally from Mexico, so he is not afraid of the end. Because he believes the dead are fine where they are now.
“After almost everything I’ve done for you” (2016), Marie Malcovati
Book thickness: 128 pages
How many characters and relationships does a good story need? Not as much as you might think: In “After almost everything I’ve done for you,” Marie Malcovati (40) talks about only three people. The two sit on a bench at the Basel train station, while the third observes the unusual duo. Curious? Just poke your nose at 128 pages!
“Cafe at the End of the World” (2003), John Strelecky
Book thickness: 128 pages
It goes deep in John Strelecky’s (52) “The Café on the Edge of the World”. The US author’s best-selling book makes you think and question: John, a constantly harassed advertising executive, takes a seemingly life-changing break in a small cafe somewhere in the middle of nowhere. There are three questions on the menu that catch your attention: «Why are you here? Are you afraid of death? Are you leading a full life?” Together with the cook, the waiter, and a guest, he gets to the bottom of this thought and gains new insights and quickly realizes that career isn’t everything in life. Vividly written, absolutely poignant and enriched with valuable wisdom.
“Monsieur Abraham and the Flowers of the Koran” (2001), Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt
Book thickness: 112 pages
Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s (62) “Monsieur Abraham and the Flowers of the Koran” tells the story of a heartfelt and unusually wonderful friendship that has become a symbol of a tolerant world for a multicultural society. In his hometown of Paris, Moses occasionally steals canned goods from the shop of Monsieur Ibrahim, also known as the “Arab around the corner.” Although the boy is convinced that the shopkeeper knows nothing about the theft, he has already seen his true face.
“The World Isn’t Always Friday” (2002), Horst Evers
Book thickness: 144 pages
We all struggle with daily life from time to time. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes not so well. The hero of Horst Evers (55) also finds this difficult. He is lazy, lazy and just unlucky. He believes that he puts obstacles in front of his daily life. As soon as he gets out of bed in the morning, his troubles begin. He tries to avoid work throughout the day, but is repeatedly interrupted by undesirable things. The 144-page book shows seven days in this man’s life. Stylishly and entertainingly written: a story you can easily and quickly finish in a weekend.
“Love Story” (1955), Louise de Vilmorin
Book thickness: 128 pages
The pure chaos of love awaits us in “Love Story” by Louise de Vilmorin (1902-1969): Catherine and Marise are actually friends until Peter von L. shows up and they both fall in love with the much-desired man. But he’s actually in love and doesn’t want to know anything about either of them. Things get messy when Catherine’s daughter falls in love with him. Written in a playful way by an exciting woman who was engaged to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944), author of The Little Prince (1943) while studying literature, and said to be friends with Coco Chanel (1883-). 1971).
“The Old Man and the Sea” (1952), Ernest Hemingway
Book thickness: 160 pages
A world-famous book that is one of the classics of literature, but surprisingly not so fat: Ernest Hemingway’s (1899-1961) “The Old Man and the Sea” tells the story of Santiago, a Cuban fisherman who has been trying to survive for eighty years. He didn’t catch anything for four days. The young helper switches to another boat because everyone is sure that the old man is followed by misfortune. But then the big surprise happens: A huge fish bites and Santiago sets out to sea.