In a world with "go the extra mile" and "you must give 110%" why in the world would an author write a shorter novel? Do they not care or have standards? Why didn't the give in to the pressures of the world to work harder and give more?

Having 3 teens, I can tell you quite honestly, some people (especially teens) just don't have the time to read a 500+ page novel. Sometimes, I look at my kids' schedules and think, "How are they going to fit it all into a week's time frame?" Sports, school, activities, and homework schedules are so much more demanding. Each teacher thinks their class is the most important, parents think family should be number one priority, coaches and trainers think their sport takes top priority! Making time to see friends is hard enough, let alone time alone to read and think..

So, I would argue there is a need for shorter novels. A shorter novel that you finish gives a sense of accomplishment without the time demands of a longer novel. In the springtime, especially, with sport tournaments, school exams, proms, dances, and end of the year assignments, it is becoming more and more apparent that there is a need for shorter novels.

These shorter novels are still entertaining, fun, exciting, and keep you thinking, but offer the gift of time. With our crazy lives and schedules, I think some authors have realized there is a need, a strong need, for shorter novels.