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.
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.
