General fiction genre guide
Literary fiction, classics, humour, and the stories of realistic people and places.
General fiction is a broad category in which you'll find writing that doesn't fit into any particular genre. Usually it deals with real, contemporary settings and recognisable characters.
General fiction sometimes explores issues related to power, politics, the environment, relationships or the struggles of everyday life. General fiction can be light-hearted, upbeat or satirical, or more serious, thought-provoking or emotionally powerful.
Whatever your preference, our lists below are full of award-winning reading from New Zealand and the world.
General fiction reading lists
General fiction - eBooks & eAudiobooks
From literary award-winners, cult classics, and mythic fiction, to comedies, chick lit, and uplit – this list has it all!
General fiction sub-genre lists
General fiction - UpLit
For times when you need a bit of a lift - well written stories that often feature characters that are slightly outside of the mainstream.
Down-Lit
Sometimes there is no happy ending. Fall in love with these flawed characters and let them break your soul.
Dystopian fiction
Tales with one thing in common; an imagining of what life could be like in the not-too-distant future if things take a turn for the worse.
General fiction - Social Commentary
These books dissect society's quirks and injustices, serving up thought-provoking tales that'll make you ponder, laugh, cry and question.
Sad Girl Reads
You've heard of hot girl summer but have you heard of hot sad girl reads? Cool, aloof and unapproachable women in bleakly humorous stories.
General fiction - Nice reads
Good reads that aren't too thick and are smart, irreverent and entertaining. Titles you can immerse yourself in during a summer break.
General fiction - Humour
Whether your preference is dark and scathing, satirical, political, serious or farcical, there's something here to tickle every funny bone.
General fiction - Award Winners
Outstanding writing, well-drawn characters and compelling plots - read winners from NZ and around the world.
Christian Fiction - Inspirational and uplifting
Thought-provoking reads about human nature and the challenges we face throughout life (with no violence or profanity).
General fiction - Life & Love
Lots of character development, and mostly relatable, everyday people dealing with raw feelings and real domestic issues.
General fiction - Contemporary
The realities and moralities of modern life explored by the best writers of our generation, including major award winning titles.
General fiction - Mythic Fiction
Fiction inspired by folklore, myth, indigenous traditions, or early literary works - re-imagined plots and characters.
Classics
21st Century Classics
The most-read and most-loved novels of the 21st century so far, full of heart-wrenching themes and unforgettable characters.
LGBTQIA + Fiction - Classics
The 'classics' - these books paved the way for the LGBTQIA+ fiction we know and love today.
Classic Novels - Teens
If you need a 'classic' read for NCEA or just want some great books that have stood the test of time - all published before 1960.
Cult Classics
Lesser known classics, divisive titles, and local classics - books that have a passionate readership, are genre defining, or genre defying.
General fiction - 19th century classics
If you have already read your way through better known 19th century novelists why not try some lesser known literary classics?
General fiction - 20th Century Classics
If you are looking for elegantly crafted fiction or even a life changing masterpiece, try one of these classic authors.
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to reading: General Fiction
With relatable characters and engaging plots, these stories explore themes like self-discovery, relationships, and navigating adulthood.
Return to reading: New Adult General Fiction
With relatable characters and engaging plots, these stories explore themes like self-discovery, relationships, and navigating adulthood.
Delirious by Damien Wilkins: Libby eBook
Borrow the eBook Delirious by Damien Wilkins today. No wait list!
100 Notable Books 2024 (Fiction & Poetry) NYT Book Review
Each year, NYTBR releases a list of 100 notable books they've reviewed.
Return to reading: Reading tips from librarians
We've pulled together some tips and tricks that should help guide your reading choices if it's been a while between reads.
Return to reading: General Fiction
With relatable characters and engaging plots, these stories explore themes like self-discovery, relationships, and navigating adulthood.
Delirious by Damien Wilkins: Libby eBook
Borrow the eBook Delirious by Damien Wilkins today. No wait list!
100 Notable Books 2024 (Fiction & Poetry) NYT Book Review
Each year, NYTBR releases a list of 100 notable books they've reviewed.
Return to reading: Reading tips from librarians
We've pulled together some tips and tricks that should help guide your reading choices if it's been a while between reads.
Return to reading: General Fiction
With relatable characters and engaging plots, these stories explore themes like self-discovery, relationships, and navigating adulthood.
Find great reads:
Authors of general fiction:
Award-winning fiction
Award winning fiction
Reading in many languages
Borrow fiction and non-fiction books or eBooks in dozens of languages.
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
