We’ve all been there. . . reading the perfect book, completely invested in a fictional world, only to be disturbed by a neighbour mowing their lawns or the distant sound of dogs barking. Suddenly you’re pulled back to reality wondering what on earth happened.
To help combat these distractions, we’ve put together some Spotify playlists inspired by some of our favourite genres to help you stay immersed in your latest read! And look, if you want to add some of these songs to your already existing playlists, or maybe you like to read in silence, we completely understand but be sure to check out our great recommendations for each of the genres below.
Click on each of the headings to be taken to the Spotify playlists!
For action and adventure, you really can’t go past the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. With a truly badass protagonist and over 20 books to sink your teeth into, you can’t go wrong. Or, how about Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series? Twists and turns, puzzles and brainteasers, oh my! Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X books may just be your cup of tea. Evan Smoak, raised and trained in a top-secret government programme, uses his skills to vanish but someone is on his tail. . . *dramatic fade out*
You really can’t talk about these genres without mentioning Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You books that set out to prove you’re never too young, or old, to cry. Heads up that these are also described as heartbreaking, so you might want to have some tissues and chocolate handy. Just a suggestion. . . if you’re not after tears, then what about a book by Katie Fforde (who believes that the best thing in the world is falling in love)? Her latest book, A Springtime Affair, features a mother and daughter duo who will discover that love and hope can be found in the most unlikely places. Let’s not forget about Marian Keyes who has written 14 novels in these genres. You really can’t go wrong with any of her books but if you’re not sure where to start you can always take a look at this handy guide!
For science fiction we’d definitely recommend The Martian by Andy Weir, described as Robinson Crusoe on Mars it’s one that’ll keep you thoroughly invested. And who could forget George Orwell’s 1984? A terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime, this is one that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. And lastly, perhaps it’s time to give Ready Player One by Ernest Cline a go? While you may have already seen the movie, the book gives far more insight to the amazing world that is the OASIS. But we don’t have to tell you that the book is always better… right? Plus, Ready Player Two will be hitting shelves later this year!
That’s it for now! Be sure to check back in for some additional genres and let us know if missed your favourite.
Everything you need to know about the Jack Reacher books. Learn about Lee and Andrew Child, figure out which order to read them and quiz your Reacher knowledge.
Want to read Marian Keyes’s books but aren’t sure where to start? Check out this run-down on the bestselling author and her many wonderful works.
Here at the NZ office of Penguin Random House we are huge readers – it is definitely one of the perks of the job that we get access to so many books! Luckily across the team we have a wide range of interests so, for example, if we want to know what all the fuss is about with a big debut international crime novel, our crime fiction enthusiast Becky can read it and share her thoughts on whether it will work for NZ readers, our Naomi can spot the next big thing in young adult fiction, and so on… here we present you with a few of what we’ve truly loved over the summer.
A crash-course refresher to help decode some of his adventures to date.
An in-depth discussion between Lee Child and George Martin in Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 2018.
The Martian author comes clean on his sci-fi publishing phenomenon.
Reading group discussion notes for Jojo Moyes’ acclaimed tearjerker.
Discover the best crime books to gift this Christmas. From chilling thrillers to clever mysteries, these six page-turners will keep readers hooked.
Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.
In the mood for some romance this holiday season? Reach for one (or more) of these 21 Christmas romance books.
Preparation is key before bringing your kitten home. I recommend doing this preparation at least a couple of weeks before you get your kitten.
Take this quiz to find out what type of mullet you are, in honour of Nick Sharratt’s book, Mullets.