The UK is facing a reading crisis, and a beloved actor and festival president is stepping up to the challenge. Stephen Fry has launched a captivating initiative to reignite the joy of reading, especially among those who have lost their literary spark.
But here's the twist: instead of a traditional campaign, Fry is curating a list of irresistible books, aptly named 'The Pleasure List'. This list aims to combat the alarming decline in literacy rates by enticing readers with the most captivating reads. A recent study revealed that over a third of UK adults have abandoned reading for pleasure (https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/24/more-than-a-third-of-uk-adults-have-given-up-reading-for-pleasure-study-finds), and Fry is determined to reverse this trend.
"The National Year of Reading 2026 is a celebration for book enthusiasts, but it also highlights a concerning reality," Fry stated. "The statistics indicate that we're becoming a nation that reads less for pleasure, and we must address this." The campaign, a collaboration between the Hay Festival and the government's National Year of Reading 2026, seeks to compile a list of books that are simply too good to put down.
And this is where it gets interactive: Fry is calling on readers to contribute their favorite page-turners. "We want to know the books that kept you up all night, the ones that bring a smile to your face every time, and the first book that truly captured your heart," he said. By engaging readers in this way, the campaign aims to create a community-driven list that resonates with a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Submitting recommendations is easy. Readers can visit https://www.hayfestival.com/the-pleasure-list/ and share their favorite reads. As a special incentive, each submission enters contributors into a draw to win a collection of books for a public space of their choice, encouraging a love of reading in their community.
Hay Festival CEO Julie Finch emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, "Many people feel disconnected from the world of books, and we want to change that. 'The Pleasure List' is designed to be an accessible gateway, offering a delightful entry point for anyone looking to rediscover the joy of reading."
The campaign is part of a broader effort to address the decline in reading among all age groups. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who announced the National Year of Reading 2026 in July, stressed the need for collective action. "We must all take responsibility and make reading a priority," she said. "It's time to put down our phones and pick up a book."
As the campaign gains momentum, readers can anticipate the unveiling of 'The Pleasure List' at the Hay Festival 2026, scheduled for May 21-31. Earlybird events have already been announced, featuring renowned authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Lea Ypi, Samira Ahmed, and David Olusoga. The full program promises an exciting lineup, with more details to be released in March.
And now, the question for our readers: What books would make your personal 'Pleasure List'? Share your must-read recommendations in the comments below, and let's spark a literary revolution!
