Running alongside the National Year of Reading, the event centres on a shared #ReadingHour from 7-8pm, inviting people to read anything they enjoy, in any format, in any place.

At the heart of World Book Night are Quick Reads. These are short, affordable books written by established authors and designed for adults who read less often, struggle to concentrate or feel unsure where to start.

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More than 35,000 free copies are being distributed nationwide, with the books also available for £1 in shops like Waterstones and to borrow from public libraries.

Quick Reads are carefully developed and tested to support adults who are rebuilding reading confidence. They use clear language, short chapters and focused storytelling, without stripping away emotional impact.

Author Rachel Hore (Image: Gemma Day)

One of the six titles selected for 2026 is The Girl in the Picture by bestselling novelist Rachel Hore, who lives in Norwich.

“I knew it was important to concentrate on coming up with an engrossing, straightforward tale without subplots or too many characters,” Rachel said.

“My hope is that a reader will be immediately drawn into the world of the book and its characters and turn the pages to find out what happens. With luck, they will gain insight into the characters’ thoughts and the consequences of their actions.”

Rachel Hore’s novel The Girl in the Picture is one of six Quick Reads chosen for World Book Night 2026 (Image: Simon & Schuster UK)

Research by The Reading Agency shows adult reading is in long-term decline, with just over half of UK adults describing themselves as regular readers. Lack of time, screen use and confidence are a common barrier.

“I think the principal reason for losing the habit is lack of time,” Rachel said. “We are all so busy doing things, sometimes simply to keep our heads above water.

“I experience the usual distractions, too, but I always have a book ‘on the go’ and it’s always in the back of my mind to get back to it and find out what’s going to happen next.

“My favourite reading time is bedtime – screens are banished from our bedroom! There is no doubt that screens are a thief of time.”

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Rachel has some top tips for rekindling a love of reading.

“My tips for reconnecting include re-reading favourite books, reading aloud to your children or elderly relatives, joining a library and asking for advice, and finding a friend to swap books and opinions with.

“Reading an ebook on the bus or listening to an audiobook in the car are great options.”

Research from The Reading Agency found that 46pc of adults struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, with audio helping reading fit around commuting, childcare and everyday tasks.

Audiobooks are being highlighted this year as a practical option for busy adults. All six Quick Reads titles will be available free to stream on Spotify, widening access for people who struggle with print or lack time to sit and read.

Rachel said even a single positive experience with a book can have a lasting effect.

“Reading for pleasure can bring great comfort and reassurance, especially when we’re feeling low or out of sorts with everything. At other times books that stimulate thought or challenge our beliefs make us look at the world afresh.

“Books can widen our understanding of what is going on around us, help us engage with others’ experiences and encourage us to think imaginatively,” Rachel said.

“On a practical level, reading books can improve literacy and language skills, thereby helping with employment and modern life’s endless form-filling. Reading can also encourage people to try writing themselves!

“I strongly believe that stories help us to understand other people’s lives better, but also to understand ourselves.”

The full list of 2026’s Quick Reads: 

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)

World Book Night’s #ReadingHour runs from 7-8pm on Thursday, April 23. Quick Reads are available in libraries across Norfolk, with free audiobooks also released on Spotify.

This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.

Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk

© Eastern Daily Press