General fiction genre guide
Compelling stories featuring realistic people, places and situations.
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 engaging reading from New Zealand and the world.
General fiction reading lists
General Fiction - New & Trending
Dive into the best and brightest of contemporary fiction that is flying off the shelves, featuring complex topics, characters and premises.
General fiction sub-genre lists
General Fiction - Essential Reading
These are must-reads for good reason, from acclaimed classics to modern favourites, these offer a rewarding look into humanity and society.
General Fiction - Hidden Gems
Explore overlooked gems, quiet debuts and underappreciated works beyond the mainstream, rich in atmosphere, character, and originality.
New Zealand General Fiction
Fiction by New Zealand writers reflects our character, language, traditions, and viewpoints, offering familiar settings and new perspectives
LGBTQIA+ General Fiction
Dive into the diverse range of LGBTQIA+ general fiction - thought-provoking prose, complex characters, and slice-of-rainbow-life stories.
Page-Turners
Stories that grip from the first line and won’t let go - high stakes, compelling characters, and that “just one more chapter” momentum.
Uplit
Heartwarming stories that lift your spirits - uplifting, feel good reads, with resilient characters and a comforting, "keep reading" glow.
Social Commentary
Books that dissect society's quirks and injustices - thought-provoking tales that'll make you ponder, laugh, cry, and question the world.
Messy Characters
Step into the complicated worlds of messy characters who really don't have their lives together, where the only decisions made are bad ones.
Domestic Fiction
This list captures the drama, joy, and complexity of everyday life, exploring family, relationships, and the moments that shape us.
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.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Books to read instead of Yesteryear
Dysfunctional families, motherhood gone wrong, time travel, political and social commentary, and women with the odds stacked against them.
What you waiting for? October 2026
Donna's looking forward to NZ books about birds and art, and non-fiction titles galore.
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library Thursday Book Group Aug 2026
A list of (most of) the books we discussed at the Thursday Book Group for August.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
Books to read instead of Yesteryear
Dysfunctional families, motherhood gone wrong, time travel, political and social commentary, and women with the odds stacked against them.
What you waiting for? October 2026
Donna's looking forward to NZ books about birds and art, and non-fiction titles galore.
Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library Thursday Book Group Aug 2026
A list of (most of) the books we discussed at the Thursday Book Group for August.
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.