Quick Reads and reading groups
Start a new chapter in 2013
Why reading groups?
Reading groups are a great way to meet new people, have fun and stimulate your mind.
There is a reading group out there for everyone, you don't even need to be a good reader!
You can watch short video-clips about people who have joined a reading group and Daphne's tips on starting one yourself.
You can listen to Quick Reads authors like Andy McNab reading the first chapter of his true story of growing up unable to read and write before joining the army.
Or print out a game you can play - guess which first line matches which Quick Read cover.
And see below for how you can receive first chapters of Quick Reads books for free to your mobile phone.
Why Quick Reads?
Quick Reads are short, easy-to-read books by well-known authors. They are great for people who don't have much time but just fancy a quick read!
Quick Read of the month for reading groups
Each month from March to August 2013 we are featuring one Quick Read of the month for reading groups.
If you run a reading group or are thinking of starting one, why not try the new Quick Reads? They are great stories and widely available. And on each book’s link below you’ll find useful resources to get your group talking about the book.
March
Today Everything Changes by Andy McNab
An inspiring true story of how the army education system changed the life of Andy McNab forever.
April
A Sea Change by Veronica Henry
A story of two people, whose lives collide, as they try to make life-changing decisions against the sunny backdrop of a seaside town.
May
Doctor Who: The Silurian Gift by Mike Tucker
An all-new adventure which sees Doctor Who go to battle with climate change. Can he win?
June
Wrong Time, Wrong Place by Simon Kernick
An edge-of-your-seat thriller where two couples’ chance meeting with a frightened girl in a dark forest has drastic consequences.
July
A story of sibling rivalry, and a sister’s quest for a husband which takes her to the other side of the world.
August
A Dreadful Murder by Minette Walters
A chilling true story of the murder of Mrs Caroline Luard. Her husband is a suspect. But is he guilty?
Text BOOK to 81010
You can receive first chapters of the Quick Read of the month, as well as tips on joining reading groups, direct to your mobile phone, to read on the move.
To join the BBC Quick Reads text club and receive one alert per month, send BOOK to 81010.
Texts will be charged at your standard message rate, monthly alerts will be free of charge and sent on the 1st of the month from March to August. To opt out at any time send BOOK STOP to 81010.
Find out more about Quick Reads
Quick Reads is a charity that publishes easy-to-read books by best-selling authors to get adults into reading.
This year Skillswise is working with Quick Reads to offer video-clips, audio recordings of authors and printable resources on our website, to make it as easy as possible for you to join and start reading groups around the six new Quick Read books.
Where can I find Quick Reads books?
- You can borrow them for free from your local library
- Some workplaces have copies which you can borrow for free
- You can buy them at bookshops and supermarkets for £1 each (sold on a not-for-profit, cost recovery basis)
- Download them as e-books to your e-reader, computer or mobile phone
Many Quick Reads are available in large-print or as audio books
For more information on Quick Reads go to the Quick Reads website.
You can also follow Quick Reads on Facebook and Twitter and read and add your comments to the Quick Reads blog.
If you read all six new Quick Reads, or any six books, you will also be able to enter the Reading Agency's Six Book Challenge.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
