Only after Carnival? 6 short books to read still in January

January usually carries a silent promise: that of slowing down. Even for those who work, the feeling of a fresh start to the year invites the creation of small rituals — and reading can be one of them. There is no need to wait for carnival, long vacations, or that 'ideal moment' that never comes to dedicate oneself to a good book. There are relatively short works that are rich in meaning, capable of provoking deep reflections in a few days (or even a few hours).

In this selection, we brought together titles that traverse themes such as identity, social exclusion, women's freedom, and the absurdity of existence. These are books that fit into the routine of January and prove that the impact of a reading is not measured by the number of pages, but by the strength of the ideas they carry.

1. The Vegetarian

Written by South Korean Han Kang, The Vegetarian is a disturbing and poetic novel that follows the radical transformation of Yeong-hye, an ordinary woman who decides to stop eating meat after violent and inexplicable dreams. From this seemingly simple choice, the narrative reveals deep layers of repression, social control, and symbolic violence.

With a contained yet intense writing style, the book discusses the female body as a territory of dispute, as well as questioning cultural and familial norms. It is a quick read but leaves an intentional discomfort — the kind that continues to echo long after the end, inviting the reader to revisit their own notions of normality and obedience.

2. Notes from Underground

A classic by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground is a direct dive into the mind of a bitter, contradictory, and deeply human narrator. Divided into two parts, the book functions almost like a confessional monologue, in which the protagonist exposes his frustrations, resentments, and internal conflicts with society.

Despite being short, the text is dense and philosophical, anticipating themes of modern existentialism. The reading requires attention, but rewards with sharp reflections on free will, rationality, and self-sabotage. It is the type of work that challenges the reader, ideal for those who want to start the year with a powerful intellectual provocation.

3. A Room of One's Own

Originally published in 1929, A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf remains surprisingly relevant. Based on essays from lectures, the author discusses the importance of financial independence and physical space for women to write and create freely. With irony, elegance, and intelligence, Woolf exposes the historical barriers imposed on women in literature and intellectual life.

The text is fluid, accessible, and full of insightful observations, making the reading quick and enjoyable. More than a literary essay, the book is a delicate yet firm manifesto on autonomy, creativity, and equality.

4. Quarto de despejo

In Quarto de despejo, Carolina Maria de Jesus records, in diary form, the daily life of the Canindé favela in São Paulo in the 1950s. The direct writing and lack of literary artifice reveal the harshness of hunger, prejudice, and social exclusion while also highlighting the lucidity and strength of its author.

Although it is a short book, its impact is profound and emotionally intense. The reading is quick, but hard to forget, as it confronts the reader with structural inequalities that remain current. It is an essential work to understand Brazil from the perspective of a historically silenced voice.

5. The Metamorphosis

Few books are as well-known and at the same time as unsettling as The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. The story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up transformed into a monstrous insect, is narrated with an almost absurd naturalness. In just a few pages, Kafka constructs a powerful allegory about alienation, guilt, work, and family relationships.

The reading is swift but filled with symbols that allow multiple interpretations. Ideal for January, the book invites a reflective pause about identity and belonging — and shows how a brief narrative can contain an entire universe of meanings.

6. Simple Passion

In Simple Passion, Annie Ernaux transforms an intimate experience into literature of extreme precision. The book narrates the experience of a woman involved in a romantic relationship marked by waiting, desire, and obsession. With a direct, almost clinical style, Ernaux deconstructs romantic idealizations and exposes emotional intensity without filters or judgments.

Short and impactful, the text provokes reflections on emotional dependence, time, and vulnerability. It is a perfect reading for January: fast, incisive, and capable of leaving the reader in silence for a few moments after the last page.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator, developed by the Technology team from CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.