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stormzy has championed reading as a “superpower” while supporting the Rapid Reads initiative, which aims to encourage individuals who don’t identify as readers to engage with books. The initiative features accessible, shorter books designed for diverse readers, including those with short attention spans and neurodivergent individuals.
#Merky Books and Derek Owusu’s Contribution
Stormzy‘s publishing imprint, #Merky Books, a division of Penguin, is publishing one of the six Quick Reads for 2026: Hunger Pains by Derek Owusu. The book will be available for purchase in April for £1, alongside the other selected titles. #Merky Books was established in 2018 to publish and promote Black british writers.
“Reading helped me when I was young and it still does today,” Stormzy stated. “Books have the power to carry you through life.” He expressed his pride in Owusu’s participation, believing his work will resonate with those who need it most. He further emphasized the connection between music and books, stating, “We are all made of stories – they define who we are.”
About Hunger Pains
Derek owusu’s Hunger Pains, a 128-page novel, centers on Ray, a fitness enthusiast whose obsession leads him to seek support in a possibly harmful online community. His partner, Temi, a journalist, observes his descent with growing concern. Owusu himself didn’t begin reading until the age of 24,and believes Quick Reads offer an accessible entry point for new and returning readers.
“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,” Owusu said.He added that he is excited to contribute to the initiative’s legacy and help others feel confident in picking up a book.
Expanding Accessibility: Audiobooks and Prison Outreach
for the first time in 2026,The Reading Agency will release Quick Reads as audiobooks,broadening access for visually impaired readers and those who prefer auditory learning. Additionally, the charity will distribute half a million Quick Reads books to prisons across the UK, aiming to promote literacy and rehabilitation. All quick Reads titles undergo a rigorous accessibility review to ensure readability and suitability for adults rebuilding reading confidence.