We’ve all experienced that moment right before bed when we internally debate the merits of reading one more chapter or calling it a night. This dilemma has plagued bibliophiles for ages, with our love for reading occasionally winning out over our basic needs.

A big factor in that decision: chapter length.

It’s a common talking point these days, and I’ve even seen the mention of short chapters in some people’s book recommendations. Clearly, the love for short chapters is deep enough that it helps some readers decide to pick up a book.

So what makes shorter chapters different from longer ones? If you’re a mood reader, like me, the answer may actually help you decide what book to read next.

Short chapters are for speed.

I’m not going to lie, a 400-page book with 80 chapters feels shorter than a 400-page book with 20 chapters. When chapters are only a few pages each, it’s so easy to justify keeping on – “Okay, fine, one more chapter.”

It’s harder to commit to a longer chapter, because you know once you start it, you may be there a little longer than you should be (especially if it’s bed time).

Long chapters are for immersion.

On the flip side, if you want a story to truly transport you to another world, where each chapter builds to its own mini crescendo – you may want long chapters.

With length comes more time to create episodic arcs within the larger story. Each chapter has breathing room and a chance to really explore the scene it sets up, rather than immediately dashing on to the next thing. This is also where you might have the most chance at character relationship building, because you can see interactions play out in full.

It depends on the story.

If I’m reading something for fun (read: tropey), short chapters are great. I don’t expect my deadly-competition/vampire-enemies-to-lovers escapism read to be quality literature – I just want to fly through it for the funsies. So short chapters are great.

However, when it’s a book I genuinely expect great things from, long chapters more often deliver what I’m looking for.

What do you think? Do you prefer the brisk tempo of short chapters, or do you find solace in the immersive embrace of longer ones?