Short stories reading guide
Short but not necessarily sweet - short fiction can pack a punch.
Short stories can usually be read in a single sitting so are great for people who don't have much time to read. With fewer pages to tell a story in, you'll find the action and character development happens quickly. Short stories can often leave a strong impression with a lot of conflict, emotional involvement or character development squeezed into this shorter format.
Short story collections sometimes pull together the work of a single author, or may be centred around a common theme.
Short stories reading lists
Short Stories - eBooks & eAudiobooks
A curated list of some of the best short stories from different genres available through Libby, Borrowbox, Wheelers, and Overdrive.
Short story sub-genre lists
Short Stories - Contemporary
Short form fiction that is all about our world as it is now - realistic plot-lines, characters, and experiences.
Short fiction - Novellas
Not quite a novel but longer than a short story - great reads in the shorter form of a novella. From around the world, across genres & eras
Short Stories - Graphic Novels
Graphic novel collections of short and sweet (or hilarious, terrifying, or inspiring) stories: Kiwi writers, manga artists and award winners
Short Stories - Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
A selection of short fiction anthologies by influential authors of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Short Stories - Mystery/Thriller/Adventure
Suspense, intrigue, action, adventure, and suspicion - all wrapped up in the short story format, so readable at one sitting.
Short Stories - Aotearoa/New Zealand
Short stories written by a range of Kiwi authors, including classics from literary greats through to modern takes from fresh talent.
The benefits of reading on your mental health
Discover some of the ways in which reading books can improve your everyday wellbeing.
International Dylan Thomas Prize
Awarded to published authors in the English language under the age of 39. This year's shortlist has been announced.
The year of reading intentionally
If you get easily distracted from the books you definitely meant to get around to reading, Moata has some tips!
David Cohen prize for literature
Awarded every two years to a living British or Irish writer in recognition of an entire body of work, written in the English language.
Find great reads:
Short story authors:
Award-winning short stories
More short story resources
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
