Quick Reads Initiative

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The Quick Reads Logo

Quick Reads is a project by the British Government aimed at encouraging adult literacy. It is designed for older, less confident readers to read more books. With no more than 128 pages, Quick Reads are a great source of enjoyment and a successful tool to increase the confidence of readers. The books have been widely used in Skills for Life lessons, ESOL classes, throughout colleges, prisons and workplaces. The first set of titles were launched on World Book Day 2006 by then Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Quick Reads Initiative, now in its third year, is a major collaboration between leading authors, publishers, government bodies, educationalists, the BBC and many more. There is a separate project for Wales.

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A Quick Reads novel

Quick Reads are fast-paced, bite-sized books by bestselling writers and celebrities for adults who have lost or never had the reading habit, or avid readers wanting a short, fast read. Previous authors have included Danny Wallace, Andy McNab, Ricky Tomlinson, John Simpson, Kerry Katona, Minette Walters, Joanna Trollope and John Bird. Quick Reads also feature three books based on the popular Doctor Who series.

On World Book Day, 6 March 2008, ten new Quick Reads were published, featuring titles from Gordon Ramsay, Chris Ryan, Colin Jackson, Scott Quinnell, Adele Parks, John Bird and Josephine Cox. These are available from Tesco, Sainsbury's, WHSmith, ASDA and Waterstones, as well as local bookshops, for £1.99.