Stormzy has passionately declared reading to be a "superpower" as he lends his influential voice to a major campaign aimed at making literature more accessible to everyone. The acclaimed musician and cultural figure is championing the annual Quick Reads initiative, which is designed to encourage individuals who do not typically see themselves as readers to pick up a book.
#Merky Books Joins Quick Reads with New Title
The rapper's own publishing imprint, #Merky Books—which operates under the Penguin Random House umbrella—is publishing one of this year's six specially curated Quick Reads titles. These short, digestible books are crafted specifically for non-readers, lapsed readers, people with shorter attention spans, and neurodivergent readers, according to The Reading Agency, the charity that has been running the Quick Reads programme for two full decades.
Stormzy's Personal Connection to Reading
"Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today," Stormzy revealed in a statement. "Books have the power to carry you through life." The artist expressed immense pride that author Derek Owusu is participating in the initiative through #Merky Books, stating, "His words will reach the people who need them most."
He added a powerful call to action: "I encourage anyone who doesn't usually read to pick up a Quick Read—because reading really is a superpower. Music and books are both about finding your voice. We are all made of stories—they define who we are."
Derek Owusu's 'Hunger Pains' and the Quick Reads Mission
The #Merky Books title for the initiative is Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, a 128-page novel that will be available for just £1 in April alongside five other Quick Reads. The publisher's description outlines a gripping narrative centred on Ray, a fitness enthusiast whose obsession takes a severe toll, leading him to seek support from a dangerous online community while his journalist partner, Temi, watches with growing concern.
Owusu, who himself did not read a book until the age of 24, spoke candidly about the importance of the Quick Reads programme. "Having never read a book until the age of 24, I wish I had come across Quick Reads sooner," he said. "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 nonfiction."
"I'm excited to be part of their legacy and to add my voice to something that helps people feel confident enough to pick up a book and look forward to spending time with it," Owusu added. The author is also known for works such as That Reminds Me, Losing the Plot, and Borderline Fiction, and he edited the anthology Safe: 20 Ways to be a Black Man in Britain Today.
Expanding Access: Audiobooks and Prison Donations
In a significant expansion for 2024, The Reading Agency will launch Quick Reads as audiobooks for the very first time, broadening access for those who may prefer or require audio formats. Furthermore, the charity plans to distribute half a million Quick Reads books to prisons across the United Kingdom, ensuring that incarcerated individuals also have opportunities to engage with literature.
All Quick Read titles undergo a rigorous accessibility review process. This includes thorough testing for readability, concentration levels, and suitability for adults who are rebuilding their reading confidence, ensuring the books truly meet the needs of their target audience.
The Full 2024 Quick Reads Lineup
Alongside Derek Owusu's Hunger Pains, the other five Quick Reads titles being published this April are:
- The Last Bench by Carmel Harrington
- The Girl in the Picture by Rachel Hore
- The Woman Next Door by Louise Jensen
- Sweet Charity by Rosie Goodwin
- Cell One by Leye Adenle
This diverse collection promises to offer compelling stories across various genres, all adhering to the core mission of making reading an inviting and achievable pursuit for everyone.
