Sunscreen? Check. Cold drink? Check. The only thing missing from your perfect poolside setup is the ultimate afternoon companion. How about some compelling short stories that you can fully finish before your ice melts? We’ve got a fun collection of quick titles designed to give you a complete, satisfying story experience in a single sitting. 

Fast Reads for Your Poolside Escape 

Summer goes fast, and maybe you don’t want to commit to a massive, 500-page saga while soaking up the sun? With Hoopla, you don’t have to. Our bite-sized lineup includes short books and graphic novels that pack a major punch without the long-term commitment. 

eBooks Graphic Novels Audiobooks

eBooks

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan cover art

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan 

In 1985 Ireland, busy coal merchant Bill Furlong faces his hectic pre-Christmas season. But an early-morning delivery to the local convent leads to a shocking discovery, forcing him to confront both his own past and the town’s eerie, church-controlled silence.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata cover art

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata 

Keiko loves her predictable convenience store job; the manual tells her exactly how to act “normal.” But 18 years later, her family is still worrying. When a cynical new coworker shakes things up, her cozy world gets upended in this funny, sharp look at society’s pressure to conform.

Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose cover art

Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose 

Three estranged siblings reunite at their late mother’s Wisconsin home to sort through her estate. But when an old 1999 VHS tape reveals a shocking family secret (their parents covering up a gruesome murder) they must decide whether to bury the past or expose the truth. 

Graphic Novels 

Ew, It’s Beautiful: A False Knees Comic Collection written and illustrated by Joshua Barkman cover art

Ew, It’s Beautiful: A False Knees Comic Collection written and illustrated by Joshua Barkman 

Ever wonder what birds are actually thinking? This hilarious comic collection dives right into their dramatic interior lives as they navigate the seasons. Includes funny animals, visual gags, and surprisingly deep existential thoughts.

The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects written and illustrated by Mike Mignola cover art

The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects written and illustrated by Mike Mignola 

When Emperor Zombie threatens the world, President Lincoln drafts a mechanical head to save the day. Accompanied by a trusty manservant and a dog, Screw-On Head braves ancient tombs and turnip-dimension demons. Hilarious and oddball collection includes bonus stories.

Death Wins a Goldfish: Reflections from a Grim Reaper’s Yearlong Sabbatical written and illustrated by Brian Rea cover art

Death Wins a Goldfish: Reflections from a Grim Reaper’s Yearlong Sabbatical written and illustrated by Brian Rea 

Death never takes a day off…until he has to, thanks to a reminder from HR to use up his vacation time. Fortunately for us, Death keeps a journal of his days off, and it’s sweet, funny, and a good reminder that everyone needs a little me time.

All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely cover art

All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Frank Quitely 

It’s back to basics for Superman! This collection of issues #1-12 puts the Man of Steel in all-new adventures with the original cast of characters: Lex Luthor, Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, Bizarro, and more. 

Audiobooks 

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and read by Arina Ii cover art

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and read by Arina Ii 

Ever wished you could travel back in time? A legendary 100-year-old Tokyo café lets you do just that, but only until your coffee gets cold. This heartwarming bestseller follows four summer visitors discovering exactly what they’d change if they could revisit the past. 

Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams and read by Simon Mattacks cover art

Murder in Tuscany by T.A. Williams and read by Simon Mattacks 

Retired detective Dan Armstrong wanted a relaxing Tuscan getaway, but when a famous author is stabbed at a remote villa, he’s pulled back into the game. With 11 suspicious guests hiding dark secrets, can Dan catch the killer before paradise turns deadly again? 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and read by Jeremy Irons cover art

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and read by Jeremy Irons 

Meet Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy heading to the Egyptian Pyramids for buried treasure. Along the way, a Gypsy, a king, and an alchemist guide his quest. While facing crazy obstacles, his search for riches twists into an inspiring journey of discovering the ultimate treasures within. 

Press Play and Listen Instantly 

If you want to lie in the hammock with a great book, these eBooks and graphic novels are ideal ways to while away a summer afternoon. If you prefer to close your eyes, relax, and listen to the splash of the water, we have you covered with an amazing selection of fast reads in audiobookformat.  

With Hoopla, you can listen to a complete audiobook or stream a quick story while you work on your tan or go for a run. Enjoy a perfectly contained literary escape this very afternoon. (And another one tomorrow!) 

*Titles may vary by library