There’s nothing better than getting lost in a long book. No matter the genre, from historical fiction to fantasy to romance and more, a book with over 500 pages gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in stories with richly detailed characters, intriguing plots, detailed settings, and more. These novels may seem intimidating due to their high page count, but the stories will definitely keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking for a book to hold your attention for a long weekend or upcoming vacation, or just want an exciting read, we have a recommendation for you.
We’ve rounded up books that are thicker than average in various genres. With their high page counts, these books should keep you busy for a while! If you’re looking for emotional historical fiction, try The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. And if you need something light and sweet, Rock Bottom Girls by Lucy Score ticks all the boxes. Keep scrolling to see the full list of long books that pack a punch. Happy reading!
Amidst the glitz and glamour of New York City, combined with the rough art scene, The Goldfinch will easily draw you in. Theo Decker is a grieving 13-year-old New Yorker who survives a museum explosion that kills his mother. With his father out of the picture, Theo is taken in by a wealthy family, where he feels out of place and longs for his mother. He eventually becomes connected to her through a small, captivating painting that draws him into the New York art scene. As an adult, he works in an antique shop, but suddenly finds himself at the center of a dangerous circle.
What readers say: “Donna Tartt’s writing style is brilliant, the words seem to flow off the page and it’s so easy to imagine what’s happening. Her characters are amazing and that’s what makes her books so great for me. This book is incredible!”
This gripping, richly illustrated novel takes readers first to 15th-century Constantinople, where orphan Anna discovers the story of Aethon, who longs to be a bird so he can fly to paradise. In modern-day Idaho, Zeno stages a theatrical adaptation of Aethon’s story. Then, decades later, on a spaceship, Constance writes down Aethon’s story to preserve it. Past, present and future collide in this saga told from multiple perspectives.
What readers say: “I have never read anything as beautiful and as artistic as Cloud cuckoo land. With its interwoven tapestry of stories, the narrative moves from one century to the next and back again.”
Just when 38-year-old Marlee thinks she can’t sink any lower in life, she suddenly finds herself single, broke, and moving back into her parents’ house. Not much has changed in the town of Culpepper, but when Marlee is desperate for a fresh start, she takes a temporary job as a teacher at her old high school. Can she stop the football team from killing each other? Maybe only with the help of Jake Weston – a bad high school boy who becomes the dreamy good guy. When the two finally enter a fake relationship to help each other at school, will their fake feelings turn into a real relationship?
What readers say: “I loved this book! Marley and Jake were so sweet. They helped each other grow into the best versions of themselves, and I loved how it was about redemption and second chances. The small town setting was so well done, the camaraderie was fantastic, and it was so nice to see Marley become a role model for all soccer girls. I also loved the humor in it and the idea that life doesn’t have to go according to a plan. All in all, a top-notch romance!”
With unforgettable characters, tingling romance and gripping suspense, the first part of the Crescent City The fantasy series has it all. After her closest friends are murdered by a demon, Bryce Quinlan teams up with a powerful fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, to track down the killer. Together, the two discover an even darker power that threatens everyone they hold dear… and a love that can offer redemption to both of them.
What readers say: “I read this book twice, both times in one sitting, because it is so captivating! Besides the interesting and exciting cast of characters, I love this new world that Maas has created. The combination of urban and fantastical setting is so well done. I also love how real and emotional this book is. Crescent City kept me on my toes, there was plenty of action and intrigue and constant twists and turns!”
Set in Nazi Germany in 1939, this long novel delves into strong emotions and the effect books have on people. Meet Liesel Meminger, a foster girl who lives outside Munich and survives by stealing books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and soon finds herself sharing her stolen books with neighbors during raids and bombings. Liesel also takes books to the Jewish man hiding in her basement, hoping she doesn’t get caught.
What readers say: “The Book Thief is one of the best novels I have ever read. Really! Author Markus Zusak’s story is both sad and wonderful, as it deals with Germany during World War II and the Holocaust. His memorable characters have enormous depth and the plot is highly original. What makes this book so extraordinary, however, is the author’s writing style, which is sometimes more poetry than prose. I often found myself reading passages of the elegantly written narrative out loud.”
Alcott’s most popular novel is a fictional journey based on her early life. Although their father is at war and money is tight, sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy keep themselves entertained by writing, putting on plays and daydreaming. With their mother working to support the family, the girls must rely on each other to get through the tough times. As they do their best to distract themselves, they can’t help but wonder if their father will return home safely.
What readers say: “I love books in which I recognize myself in the main character,” says Carissa Mosness. “And Little Women is one of them. Every page made me curious for more and to this day it is one of my favorite books.”
The movement is the first oral history of the decade that saw the birth of the modern feminist movement. This compelling history book tells the inside story of women who were at the forefront of the feminist wave and how they demanded the freedom to be who they wanted to be. Bingham weaves together the stories of several women and brings this revolution to life.
What readers say: “It’s been a long time since I’ve finished a book so quickly…every page completely captivated me, piqued my interest, and left me eager to find out more. There couldn’t have been a better time for a book like this, and I’m truly grateful that the women of America have the opportunity to indulge in such a well-researched, beautifully told, and incredibly interesting read in this election year. Brilliantly done, Clara!”
Cold case thriller meets psychological suspense in this novel by Karin Slaughter, bestselling author of the Will Trent series. Flashback to 28 years ago, when Charlotte (Charlie) and Samantha Quinn’s lives were forever changed by an attack on their family home that killed her mother. Now a lawyer, Charlie is plunged into a new trauma that brings back memories of the night she tried so hard to forget. But the truth about the crime that tore her family apart won’t stay hidden forever.
What readers say: “This was my first book by this author and I am blown away by her talent! Her story, her characters, her eloquence and her unique way of telling a story – wow… just wow! This plot will keep you guessing until the end! I highly recommend this novel!”
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese follows three generations of an Indian Malayali Christian family who are afflicted by a mysterious illness. This illness, referred to as “The Condition,” causes at least one family member in each generation to drown. The narrative follows the life and losses of Big Ammachi – a 12-year-old bride who becomes the matriarch of the family. Her story is interwoven with tales of two doctors who join the Indian Medical Service – perspectives inspired by Verghese, who is himself a doctor. The Covenant of Water deals with the themes of family, tradition, heritage, grief, love and sacrifice.
What readers say: “In a book full of cultural detail, Verghese’s descriptive writing style shines, illuminating your path as a reader to not only understand, but feel “The experiences and pain of each character,” says Sienna Sullivan.
When Aurora returns to her Colorado hometown after a breakup, she must confront her past. She doesn’t expect to bond with her grumpy landlord and his son across the driveway—but she might be the one who opens Tobias Rhodes’ heart.
What readers say: “I’m not an outdoors person,” admits Raquel Lekic. “But this story, set in Colorado, made me want to lace up a pair of hiking boots!” Raquel says, “Seeing Aurora and Tobias’s romantic relationship gradually develop made the book an entertaining and captivating read.”
