Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Lee Child Advocates Thrillers in UK School Curriculum

12/26/2025

37 3

Summary

Story summary

Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher novels, argues that literature teaching discourages reading and should include thrillers in the UK school curriculum.
An English teacher counters that replacing classics with thrillers ignores deeper issues in boys’ reading and requires systemic change.
The teacher adds that promoting diverse reading, including Jane Eyre, can help develop well-rounded young men.

1 of 1

Story summary

Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher novels, argues that literature teaching discourages reading and should include thrillers in the UK school curriculum.
An English teacher counters that replacing classics with thrillers ignores deeper issues in boys’ reading and requires systemic change.
The teacher adds that promoting diverse reading, including Jane Eyre, can help develop well-rounded young men.