Prompted by research from The Reading Agency which shows that half of adults don’t read regularly, the Big Tasty Read is inspiring people from across the UK to rediscover the joy of books, through food - stirring appetites with a smorgasbord of stories from food writers and novelists.

Titles featured on previous Big Read booklists - The Big Sporting Read (2024), The Big Eurovision Read (2023) and The Big Jubilee Read (2022) - saw an 54% average increase in library loans during the campaign periods

Fronting the Big Tasty Read campaign, restaurant critic and Celebrity Masterchef judge Grace Dent and restaurateur and TV personality Nisha Katona will kick-start a national conversation on food and reading at Bradford Literature Festival today - Monday 30 June.

A specially curated booklist, blending fiction and memoir, has been compiled by The Reading Agency in partnership with librarians, booksellers and an expert advisory panel, recognising the powerful connection between food, culture and storytelling.

The full list of titles is:

Stephen James-Yeoman, Commissioning Editor for the BBC, says: “Whether it’s snacking on short stories or feasting on a substantial thriller, stories about food are always fulfilling. We can’t exist without the sustenance of food and the same is true for reading; it should always be a constant that is part of the backbone of our daily lives. And as The Reading Agency’s study shows, reading for pleasure has so many benefits in the drumbeat and noise of modern life. The books our expert panel have chosen are delicious and I hope many people will tuck in to the suggested delights.”

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, says: “The Big Tasty Read will inspire people across the UK to pick up a book and discover a new love of books, and we’re thrilled to be launching it as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and we hope this campaign will encourage readers of all backgrounds to discover stories that nourish both the mind and the soul.”

Grace Dent says: “Reading and eating are two of life's greatest pleasures - both acts of discovery, comfort, and joy. Through this campaign, I hope to inspire people across the UK to rediscover the appetite for reading that exists in all of us, and to recognise that stories, like memorable meals, have the power to bring us together and transform our lives.”

Nisha Katona says: “Food is one of the most powerful storytellers we have. Food carries history, heritage, and heart. I’m delighted to be part of The Big Tasty Read, a campaign that celebrates not only what we eat, but who we are. Books and food have both shaped my life, and I’m thrilled to help bring communities together through the joy of reading and sharing.”

Syima Aslam, Founder and Artistic Director of Bradford Literature Festival, says: “We are delighted that the BBC and The Reading Agency have chosen to launch the Big Tasty Read at Bradford Literature Festival this year, and to welcome Grace Dent and Nisha Katona to the stage at St George’s Hall on Monday evening.

“This campaign speaks directly to the heart of what our festival stands for: the belief that literature, culture and the arts are powerful tools to broaden our horizons and change lives. Food is a rich expression of culture, heritage and identity; it plays a central role in telling our shared stories and bringing communities together, which are values that lie at the core of the festival and across the city of Bradford."

The research also showed that people who choose books aligned to their interests and hobbies are less likely to report struggling to focus when reading, and are more likely to enjoy reading, while people who selected both reading and cooking as two of their top three hobbies are 17.5% less likely to report often feeling anxious or depressed compared to the general population.

Following the launch at Bradford Literature Festival and a series of events inspired by the campaign, Bradford Libraries will deliver a programme of events, workshops, and book clubs inspired by the power of food and reading. Supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant funding, these activities will be designed to engage a wide audience, from avid readers to those looking to rekindle their love of books. The Big Tasty Read will continue to run throughout 2025, engaging readers across the UK.

The campaign builds on The Reading Agency’s previous successful initiatives, using ‘thematic-interest pathways’ to encourage reading and cultural engagement.

The Big Tasty Read from The Reading Agency and BBC Arts is delivered in partnership with Bradford Literature Festival, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Festival and Bradford Libraries.