A message from Her Majesty The Queen delivered at the media preview screening of 'The Book That Saved My Life'

In recent years, I have been much encouraged by the scientific evidence that has supported what so many of us have witnessed or experienced for ourselves: quite simply, books change lives for the better. 

They have certainly enriched my own life beyond measure. While I find it impossible to point to a single title or author, or even to a single genre, that stands above others, reading for pleasure has helped entertain, comfort and inspire me in so many ways over the years. 

I have long believed that books are in fact the very best form of escapism, transporting us to other places and into other lives - other hearts and minds - in ways that greatly enhance our own. 

That is why, five years ago, I launched my Queen’s Reading Room, an online space I hoped would foster in adults and children alike a lifelong love of literature, and connect more people with that special magic that can only be found in the leaves of a book. 

Today, my Reading Room has become a global community of millions from over 180 countries, swapping recommendations, undertaking research and donating thousands of books to women’s refuges and homeless shelters. 

It is my fondest hope that this film will build on that work, helping demonstrate to audiences around the world just what a difference reading has made to one particular group of people, each of whom has faced challenge or difficulty in their personal lives, and each of whom has been lifted up by the sheer joy and transformative power of reading. As you will hear, it is a journey that often starts with picking up Just One Book. 

The result is like a compendium of wonderful short stories – each very different in nature but all bound together by a common thread. I shan’t spoil the plot for you, but I hope it’s not giving too much away to say that it ends with one of the most unusual book club meetings I have ever attended – over a nice cup of tea, of course. 

I only hope viewers will find the end result as powerful and compelling as I did. 

My thanks therefore go to all those involved in making this film, but most especially to those who opened their hearts and their homes to share the very personal experiences that lie at its heart.