Stormzy has hailed reading as a "superpower" as he lends his support to an initiative aimed at encouraging people who don't consider themselves readers to pick up a book. The musician's publishing imprint #Merky Books is behind one of this year's six Quick Reads titles, which are specifically designed for non-readers, those with short attention spans, and neurodivergent individuals.
The title, Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, will be available for £1 in April as part of a broader effort to make reading more accessible. Owusu himself never started reading until the age of 24, and he wishes that he had been introduced to Quick Reads sooner.
Stormzy expressed his pride in seeing Owusu's work being used to reach those who need it most. "His words will carry the message to people who don't usually read," the rapper said. "I encourage anyone who doesn't usually read to pick up a Quick Read – because reading really is a superpower."
The musician drew parallels between music and books, stating that both are about finding one's voice and telling stories that define us as individuals. The six Quick Reads titles this year have undergone a rigorous accessibility review process, ensuring they meet the needs of readers with varying levels of attention spans and reading abilities.
For the first time ever, the initiative will also be offering audiobooks, alongside distributing half a million Quick Reads books to prisons across the UK. The #Merky Books imprint is committed to providing accessible content that can help people rebuild their reading confidence.
Stormzy's backing for this campaign highlights his own appreciation for reading, which has played a significant role in his life and career. With Hunger Pains and other titles going on sale later this year, it seems that the musician is dedicated to helping more people discover the power of reading.
The title, Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu, will be available for £1 in April as part of a broader effort to make reading more accessible. Owusu himself never started reading until the age of 24, and he wishes that he had been introduced to Quick Reads sooner.
Stormzy expressed his pride in seeing Owusu's work being used to reach those who need it most. "His words will carry the message to people who don't usually read," the rapper said. "I encourage anyone who doesn't usually read to pick up a Quick Read – because reading really is a superpower."
The musician drew parallels between music and books, stating that both are about finding one's voice and telling stories that define us as individuals. The six Quick Reads titles this year have undergone a rigorous accessibility review process, ensuring they meet the needs of readers with varying levels of attention spans and reading abilities.
For the first time ever, the initiative will also be offering audiobooks, alongside distributing half a million Quick Reads books to prisons across the UK. The #Merky Books imprint is committed to providing accessible content that can help people rebuild their reading confidence.
Stormzy's backing for this campaign highlights his own appreciation for reading, which has played a significant role in his life and career. With Hunger Pains and other titles going on sale later this year, it seems that the musician is dedicated to helping more people discover the power of reading.
stormzy is literally the coolest for supporting this initiative 
it's so cool that he's backing an author who didn't start reading till age 24, i feel like i've found my new fave read already! 
and audiobooks?! yeah pls let me get my hands on those too 
can't wait to dive into Hunger Pains and see all the other quick reads out there 
Reading should be for everyone, not just the bookworms 
. It's about finding your voice and sharing your story, like music does for Stormzy. I'm loving the idea of Quick Reads making books accessible for all, especially those with short attention spans or neurodivergent individuals 
. Who says you can't start reading at 24? 
. And what's with these Quick Reads titles? They're just dumbing down books for people who can't handle real literature, if you ask me. I mean, they're designed for neurodivergent individuals and those with short attention spans... sounds like a cop-out to me 
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. And what's the real goal here? To get more people hooked on reading so they can sell more books? It's just a marketing ploy if you ask me... 
It's all about making reading accessible to everyone, regardless of background or ability. The fact that they're also offering audiobooks is a game-changer for people who need a more relaxed way of consuming stories. I'm definitely looking forward to checking out some of these titles myself! 
i love how #merky books is making reading more accessible too, especially with the audiobooks - that's a game changer for ppl who need it 
! I remember when I was in school, we had to read all these classics and think they were boring 
... but then I discovered my first graphic novel and it changed everything 
. Now I devour books like they're candy 
. The idea that Hunger Pains is going to be available for £1 is a great move, more people should be able to access the power of reading 
Stormzy's passion for reading is infectious! I can totally relate to how reading can be a game changer for someone... like me when i finally found my tribe in online communities 
. Its amazing that #Merky Books is doing such great work to make reading accessible to everyone, especially those who feel left behind 
. Hunger Pains sounds like an incredible book and I love how Stormzy's backing it means so much to the author, Derek Owusu 
. Let's keep spreading the word about the power of reading and how it can change lives! 
so yeah, i think stormzy's right on the money when he says reading can be life-changing. let's all try to spread the love of reading, especially to those who might need it most 
so its just another example of how we're getting older and slowly losing our ability to read 
anyone can learn but I guess some people need a push in the right direction like that Hunger Pains seems alright i suppose but £1 is a bit steep dont get me wrong ill still buy it tho half a million books for prisons is a good idea though thats where most ppl really need it
In 2022 alone, the UK spent £1.8 billion on books and audiobooks, with 11 million people aged 16-24 reading for more than 6 hours a week 
- more options means more people can engage with reading in a way that works for them 