Press Release: 24 November 2025
The Reading Agency Unveils New Titles During National Year of Reading
The Reading Agency has today revealed the six authors behind the 2026 Quick Reads titles – marking 20 years of the life-changing initiative – publishing during the National Year of Reading.
Quick Reads helps adults overcome barriers to reading by providing short, accessible books by leading authors. Unlike other short-form fiction, Quick Reads go through a rigorous review process to ensure accessibility – including testing for readability, concentration, and suitability for those rebuilding reading confidence.
The 2026 collection spans thrillers, romance, and contemporary fiction – genres proven to tempt new or lapsed readers back to books. The full list is:
- Rachel Hore – The Girl in the Picture (Simon & Schuster)
- Leye Adenle – Cell One (Simon & Schuster)
- Rosie Goodwin – Sweet Charity (Bonnier Books UK)
- Louise Jensen – The Woman Next Door (HQ, HarperCollins)
- Derek Owusu – Hunger Pains (Merky Books, Penguin Random House)
- Carmel Harrington – The Last Bench (Headline, Hachette)
The new titles will be published in the run-up to World Book Night (23 April 2026), when thousands of free copies will be gifted through libraries and community groups. Additional books will be available in supermarkets and participating retailers for just £1.
The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads support readers who have lost confidence, face concentration challenges, or are living with or recovering from illnesses such as cognitive disorder or brain injury. As short, affordable, and carefully crafted books, Quick Reads help to give readers confidence and rediscover a joy of reading. In 2026, 30,000 Quick Reads will be distributed free of charge, supported by publishers, libraries, charities, trade unions, and employers nationwide.
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “Quick Reads are more than short books – they’re stepping stones back into reading that are designed to fit modern life. Literally turning a page can change your life – improving wellbeing, focus, and even life satisfaction. The National Year of Reading is the perfect moment to make reading part of everyday life again.”
The announcement comes as new findings from The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation’s Adult Reading 2025 report show:
- Only half of UK adults (53%) describe themselves as regular readers – down from 58% in 2015.
- Nearly half (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, rising to 55% among 16–24-year-olds.
- Almost half of under-44s now read “on the go” while commuting, exercising or doing chores.
- Three in five adults (nearly 33 million) say the cost-of-living crisis leaves them with less time and money for leisure.
The Reading Agency is calling on supermarkets, employers, NHS libraries and trade unions to back the 2026 campaign and help get Quick Reads into more hands.
Since the programme launched in 2006, Quick Reads has collaborated with over 30 publishers to create and distribute 5.4 million copies with over 6.2 million library loans. Quick Reads 2026 titles will be available from participating retailers for £1, or free from libraries nationwide. The books can be ordered online from The Reading Agency. In 2025, Quick Reads is sponsored by Penguin Random House and Hachette.
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries contact ann@causeuk.com or clair@causeuk.com 0753 194 8014
About The Reading Agency
The Reading Agency is a UK charity that inspires social and personal change through the proven power of reading. We work with individuals of all ages, communities and trusted partners to share the transformative benefits of reading for happy, healthy and thriving lives. The Reading Agency reaches over two million people a year but with a UK population of over 67 million that’s not nearly enough. We want to get more people fired up about reading because everything changes when you read. Get in touch today to find out more about what we do and to help us on our mission.
readingagency.org.uk | @readingagency
*The State of the Nation’s Adult Reading: 2025 Report
Quick Read Authors for 2026:
- Derek Owusu (Merky Books, Penguin Random House)
- Louise Jensen (HQ, HarperCollins)
- Leye Adenle (Simon & Schuster)
- Rachel Hore (Simon & Schuster)
- Carmel Harrington (Headline, Hachette)
- Rosie Goodwin (Bonnier Books UK)
Quick Reads, an initiative from The Reading Agency, is a proven, high-impact programme designed to help less confident or lapsed readers rediscover the joy of reading through short, accessible books written by bestselling authors. Since 2006, Quick Reads has distributed over 5 million books, collaborated with over 30 publishers, and seen over 6 million library loans.
Quick Reads has played a vital role in addressing challenges around adult reading and promoting reading for pleasure across the UK – particularly for adults facing barriers such as time, confidence, and language.
In 2026, The Reading Agency celebrates the 20th anniversary of Quick Reads.
For author assets and book jackets, go to: