Music star Stormzy has thrown his weight behind a scheme designed to get adults studying as nearly half of Britons say they’re “not readers”. The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads is a flagship initiative that includes quick, accessible books written by bestselling authors and created particularly for non-readers, lapsed readers, individuals with quick consideration spans, and neurodivergent readers.
Since its launch in 2006, Quick Reads has distributed greater than 5 million books, labored with greater than 30 publishers, and generated greater than six million library loans.
The scheme celebrates its twentieth anniversary in 2026 – the National yr of Reading – with its most bold programme to this point having grown right into a nationwide studying motion centred round World Book Night on April 23. Thousands of Quick Read titles are gifted to libraries, prisons, neighborhood teams, charities, and foodbanks throughout the UK. Among the six new Quick Reads titles for 2026 is Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, printed by #Merky Books, Stormzy’s imprint at Penguin Random House.
The different 2026 Quick Reads titles span thrillers, romance, and up to date fiction – with books by Rachel Hore, Leye Adenle, Rosie Goodwin, Louise Jensen and Carmel Harrington.
“Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today,” mentioned Stormzy. “Books have the power to carry you through life. So I’m really proud that Derek Owusu, one of our incredible #Merky Books authors, is taking part in The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads. His words will reach the people who need them most.
“I encourage anyone who doesn’t usually read to pick up a Quick Read – because reading really is a superpower.”
Known for his inventive and cultural affect in addition to his dedication to social change, Stormzy has lengthy used his platform to sort out inequality and champion entry to the humanities. In 2020, he based the #Merky Foundation, pledging £10million over 10 years to assist racial equality and justice reform.
Stormzy added: “Music and books are both about finding your voice. We are all made of stories – they define who we are – and that’s why #Merky Books exists: to make sure every voice has a platform.”
Award-winning author and poet Derek Owusu mentioned: “Having never read a book until the age of 24, I wish I had come across Quick Reads sooner. They’re accessible, affordable, and gentle in their approach, allowing new or lapsed readers to find their way into the pleasure and fulfilment of reading fiction and non-fiction.”
https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/2166019/huge-music-star-quick-reads