"King Midas and the Golden Touch" is a classic Greek myth revolving around King Midas, a wealthy but unhappy ruler. Midas wishes for everything he touches to turn to gold, believing this will bring him endless happiness. However, he soon discovers that his golden touch is a curse, as it turns his beloved daughter and everything he cares about into lifeless gold.

The character of King Midas is depicted as a flawed but sympathetic figure. His desire for wealth and happiness ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the timeless theme of the consequences of unchecked greed. Midas' transformation from a jubilant king to a desolate, lonely man is a poignant portrayal of the human condition.

"King Midas and the Golden Touch" is a timeless myth that fits perfectly within the genre of classical literature. It offers moral lessons and explores universal themes, making it the best short bedtime story. This retelling of the King Midas myth by Nathaniel Hawthorne is highly recommended for readers who enjoy classical literature, mythology, and moral tales.

Author: M. Charlotte Craft

Published: September 23, 2003

Linkhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/630684.King_Midas_and_the_Golden_Touch?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9qlx0iwJW2&rank=1

"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt is a psychological thriller centered on a group of classics students at an esteemed Vermont college. Their involvement in a hedonistic ritual results in a murder, and the story is narrated by Richard Papen, an outsider drawn into their mysterious circle. The narrative unravels the hidden dark aspects of these students' lives, weaving a complex tapestry of deceit, guilt, and paranoia.

Donna Tartt's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions that create a constant atmosphere of suspense. The novel explores themes such as morality, the repercussions of one's choices, the allure of knowledge, and the conflict between intellectualism and human psychology. It poses the question of whether knowledge and beauty can ever justify immoral actions.

As a psychological thriller, "The Secret History" is exceptionally well-crafted, delivering tension and intrigue throughout. This book is a must-read for enthusiasts of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate in-depth character development. It stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a skillfully told tale.

Author: Donna Tartt
Published: September 16, 1992
Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29044.The_Secret_History?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Xaqu4d7HPH&rank=1

"The Fault in Our Stars" is a novel in the young adult genre that chronicles the lives of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two adolescents grappling with cancer. Their initial encounter takes place at a support group, sparking a profound connection between them. Throughout the narrative, they confront the trials associated with illness, form deep friendships, experience love, and embark on a quest for purpose.

John Green's writing style in "The Fault in Our Stars" includes cleverness, humor, and emotional depth. He adeptly captures the voices of teenage characters, rendering the story both captivating and relatable. The book explores a range of themes, including the delicate nature of existence, the pursuit of significance, the influence of illness on one's sense of self, and the potency of love and companionship in the face of adversity. It poses profound questions about the human experience.

For readers who appreciate emotionally charged tales with well-developed characters, "The Fault in Our Stars" comes highly recommended. It serves as a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of life's intricacies, with its examination of illness and love establishing it as one of the finest short bedtime stories for adults available online.

Author: John Green

Published: January 10, 2012

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=L5GLHJhlCN&rank=1

"Puss in Boots" is a timeless and beloved fairy tale that has captivated readers of all ages for generations. Authored by Charles Perrault in the late 17th century, it tells the tale of a clever and resourceful feline who uses wit and cunning to secure a better life for his impoverished master.

The characters in "Puss in Boots" are archetypal figures. Puss, the titular character, is a charming and quick-witted feline who embodies the idea that brains can triumph over brawn. His master, the impoverished Miller's Son, is initially portrayed as naive but ultimately benefits from Puss's cleverness. The ogre, while a traditional fairy tale villain, serves as a foil to Puss's intelligence.

The fairy tale genre remains relevant today due to its enduring themes of courage, resourcefulness, and the triumph of good over evil. "Puss in Boots" continues to be a recommended read for children and adults alike, as it offers valuable life lessons wrapped in an enchanting and entertaining narrative.

Author: Charles Perrault

Published: January 1, 1697

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/858152.Puss_in_Boots?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=12NuWLgiYp&rank=1

"The Ugly Duckling" is a timeless and heartwarming fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It tells the story of a young duckling who is born with gray feathers and is considered ugly by his family and fellow farmyard animals. He faces rejection, ridicule, and isolation because of his appearance, which leads him to embark on a journey in search of a place where he belongs.

The central character, the Ugly Duckling, undergoes significant character development throughout the story. Initially filled with self-doubt and sadness, he eventually matures into a beautiful swan, discovering his true identity and finding acceptance among his fellow swans. This transformation highlights themes of self-acceptance, inner beauty, and the idea that our differences should be celebrated.

As a classic fairy tale, "The Ugly Duckling" remains highly relevant and recommended for readers of all ages. Its enduring message of hope and self-discovery makes it a beloved and cherished story that continues to inspire and uplift.

Author: Hans Christian Andersen

Published: November 11, 1843

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122967.The_Ugly_Duckling?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_17

"The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde tells the story of a giant who owns a beautiful garden. He is initially selfish and refuses to share his garden with the children in the village, driving them away. As a result, the garden remains in eternal winter. However, when the giant has a change of heart and allows the children to play in his garden, spring returns, and the garden blossoms once more. The giant learns the importance of kindness and generosity through this transformation.

Oscar Wilde's writing in "The Selfish Giant" is characterized by its elegance and wit. He weaves a simple yet powerful narrative using vivid descriptions and metaphors, making the story accessible to both children and adults. Wilde's use of personification, especially in portraying the changing seasons, adds depth to the story.

Being one of the best short bedtime stories, the story explores themes of selfishness, redemption, and the joy of giving. It conveys the message that kindness and generosity can lead to personal transformation and happiness. "The Selfish Giant" is recommended for readers of all ages, especially children and parents looking for stories that teach important life lessons.

Author: Oscar Wilde

Published: January 1, 1888

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/677552.The_Selfish_Giant?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ammx1FoAmN&rank=1

"The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen is a poignant and heartbreaking story about a poor girl who sells matches on a bitterly cold New Year's Eve. She lights her matches one by one to keep warm and, in their brief glow, experiences beautiful visions of warmth, love, and comfort. However, each match's light is extinguished, and the girl's suffering continues. In the end, she dies from the cold, and her soul ascends to heaven, where she finds the warmth and love that eluded her in life.

Hans Christian Andersen's writing in "The Little Match Girl" is both lyrical and deeply emotional. He masterfully evokes sympathy for the protagonist, immersing the reader in her bleak world through vivid descriptions and powerful imagery. The story explores themes of poverty, compassion, the contrast between the harshness of reality and the power of imagination, and the transformative nature of suffering.

"The Little Match Girl" is a classic example of a literary fairy tale. It tugs at the heartstrings and imparts a poignant message, making it a timeless and relevant addition to the genre. Some readers may find the story's tragic ending emotionally overwhelming. However, it is this tragic conclusion that underscores the story's message about the harsh realities of poverty.

Author: Hans Christian Andersen

Published: December 1, 1845

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/342994.The_Little_Match_Girl?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=xYJh15FBTN&rank=1

"The House at the Edge of Night" by Catherine Banner in 2016 is one of the best short bedtime stories. This work is a family saga spanning multiple generations that unfolds on a tiny island situated off the Italian coastline. The narrative commences during the First World War, when a young physician named Amedeo Esposito arrives at Castellamare Island to serve at the island's sole medical clinic. There, he falls deeply in love with a local woman named Pina, and together, they construct a family and a life rooted in the island's culture.

Banner's writing style is richly descriptive and melodious, skillfully capturing the Italian landscape and the distinct culture of Castellamare. The characters are portrayed with vivid detail, each harboring their own individual aspirations, desires, and concealed mysteries. As the tale unfolds, readers become profoundly engaged in the destinies of these characters.

"The House at the Edge of Night" stands as a beautifully narrated, multi-generational narrative that submerges readers in the captivating realm of Castellamare. It narrates a story of affection, resilience, and the enduring significance of one's home and family. Catherine Banner's storytelling proficiency and her capacity to conjure a strong sense of place render this novel an engaging and remarkable read, especially for enthusiasts of historical fiction and intricately crafted characters.

Author: Catherine Banner

Published: July 12, 2016

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27163154-the-house-at-the-edge-of-night?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sRpXg8fX9f&rank=1

"Whitefoot" is a charming narrative by the best-selling writer Wendell Berry, centered around a petite yet spirited mouse known as Whitefoot. Whitefoot has made her dwelling on the outskirts of the woods, where she finds contentment in the belief that she holds a central place in her universe. Unbeknownst to her, a vast and wondrous cosmos exists just beyond her safe haven, complete with a river that represents a world of immense size and marvel.

Wendell Berry, celebrated for his melodious prose, crafts "Whitefoot" with great skill, elegantly capturing the beauty of nature and the significant existence of a mouse. The narrative's themes underscore universal lessons of exploration, adaptation, and the enduring spirit inherent in creatures, regardless of their size.

"Whitefoot" splendidly delves into themes of tenacity, flexibility, and the boundless marvels of the natural world. Those who find enjoyment in "Whitefoot" might also have an affinity for the works of other writers who focus on nature, such as E.B. White and Beatrix Potter. These authors similarly breathe life into the captivating realm of animals through storytelling and illustration.

Author: Wendell Berry

Published: January 1, 2008

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3687368-whitefoot?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Abyrh7OOKq&rank=1

"Hills Like White Elephants" is a concise narrative by Ernest Hemingway and is recognized as one of the best short bedtime stories. In this tale, a couple lingers at a rural Spanish railway station, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a train bound for Madrid. Beneath their seemingly casual conversation, there lies a profound emotional undercurrent that defines their relationship.

The story's central tension revolves around a significant decision they must make, symbolized by the distant hills that bear a resemblance to white elephants. It gradually becomes apparent that the young woman is pregnant, and the American man is urging her to consider having an abortion.

Ernest Hemingway's writing style in "Hills Like White Elephants" is characterized by minimalism, with much left unspoken. He skillfully employs dialogue as a vehicle to convey the concealed emotions and conflicts simmering between the characters. The narrative explores themes such as communication, the consequences of choices, and the intricate nature of relationships.

Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" stands as a literary treasure for readers who appreciate narratives that rely on subtext and understatement to delve into profound emotional themes. It's an engrossing read that invites contemplation of the intricate dynamics within human relationships.

Author: Ernest Hemingway

Published: August 1, 1927

Link to read: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13239950-hills-like-white-elephants?