You've heard it a million times: you need to read more. But what if you don't have the time to sit through a full novel? Thanks to the thousands of short stories published online, you can enjoy small doses of literature whenever you're killing time on your phone.

Here are five great stories to get you started.

1. "The Brass Teapot" by Tim Macy

A middle-aged couple's financial struggles are momentarily relieved when they stumble upon a teapot that magically fills itself with money. But there's a catch: it only works when they cause each other pain. Realistic characters, witty conversation and a disturbing twist make this one of the best stories out there if you want something that will keep you up at night.

2. "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver

A man who is struggling to maintain a meaningful relationship with his wife is jealous of her friendship with a blind man, Robert. The awkwardness is tangible when Robert comes for a visit and the husband must act the part of a cheerful host. This story is very approachable, but beneath the surface it explores the choices behind meaningful connections and the truth about perception. Engaging, honest and beautifully symbolic, this is a great choice if you're looking for a story with depth.

3. "A Tiny Feast" by Chris Adrian

In this short, bittersweet story written in the language of a fairy tale, two fairies adopt a human child and struggle to understand his mortality. Their experiences are sometimes witty, sometimes heartbreaking, and always surprisingly realistic. Woven into the whimsical and entertaining plot is a discussion on human weakness, loneliness and the inevitability of death.

4. "Symbols and Signs" by Vladimir Nabokov

A man and his wife struggle to choose a birthday gift for their mentally unstable son and wonder what it will take to bring him home. The value of this story is not so much in its simple plot as in the meaningful symbolism throughout. This fluid discussion on human connectivity and insanity will keep you thinking long after you read the last sentence -- and jumping whenever the phone rings.

5. "The Last Night Of The World" by Ray Bradbury

"What would you do if you knew this was the last night of the world?" Ray Bradbury explores a young couple's surprisingly peaceful response to that age-old question in this very short story. Simple, bittersweet and profound, this easy read will make you rethink your own priorities and your relationship with the world around you.