Is reading in decline? Lee Child on the importance of literature

^{Image credit: Sigrid Estrada}

Bestselling author Lee Child joins award-winning writer Dreda Say Mitchell MBE for a live conversation at The Royal Society of Arts on the 8th of June. Together, they will explore the power of reading to shape and enrich lives and unlock opportunity for all. They will discuss what authors, institutions, and readers need to do to ensure reading remains central to culture, creativity, and human connection.

From Child’s global success with the Jack Reacher series to Mitchell’s work championing literacy and prison reading initiatives, this event examines how books can transform individuals and communities.

The discussion will be opened by Karen Napier, Reading Agency CEO, and spotlight the role of accessible publishing, including Quick Reads, in tackling barriers to reading in an age of declining attention and growing inequality.

Speaker:

• Lee Child, Author

Chair:

• Dreda Say Mitchell MBE, Author