In this era of information overload, Reader’s Digest offers something unique: the very best advice, information and inspiration from multiple sources, condensed into an easy-to-read digest. In each issue you’ll get trusted, time-saving insights about Health, Personal Finance, Work, Family, and National issues, PLUS exclusive book excerpts, news-making interviews, and humor.
Staying Positive
LETTERS • NOTES ON THE April ISSUE
A Few Good Books—in One Place
The Serial Samaritan • An imperfect man finds the perfect way to give back
The TP Exchange
QUOTABLE QUOTES
The International CHERRY PIT SPITTING Championship • KEVIN BARTZ, age 53, Edwardsburg, Michigan
All in a Day’s WORK
THE MILITARY-TO-ENGLISH DICTIONARY • We can thank soldiers and sailors for the words umpteen, skedaddle, and raunchy. Here’s more military slang that deserves widespread use in the civilian world.
A Little Life Saved, a Big Friend Made
Find Peace Anytime, Anyplace • Meditation is simpler than it sounds. Follow these directions from a skeptic who tried and liked it.
WHEN YOU’RE READY TO TAKE IT FURTHER
WE FOUND A FIX • 9 TRICKS TO Improve Your Life*
The Truth About Wildfires
LIFE IN THESE United States
LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE! • More proof that sometimes people need a bit of humor to get through the tough stuff:
Actually, King of the Sea
News From the WORLD OF MEDICINE
Going, Going, Sold!
LAUGHTER THE BEST Medicine
NOT MAKING THE GRADE • When you were in high school, did you feel as if your teachers failed to recognize your true talent and potential? This guy likely would have felt the same way.
MY Thank you YEAR • How writing 365 notes of appreciation reconnected me to what’s important in my life
WE MOVED TO THE WORST PLACE IN AMERICA • It started out as something of a joke—almost a dare. We’ve been living here for four years now.
Weird and Wonderful Inventions • From a bicycle that rides on water to a pillow that stops you from snoring, these 18 innovations will blow your mind—and a hole in your wallet
20 PAINS TO NEVER IGNORE • We all feel a twinge once in a while. When is it no big deal, and when is it a warning sign that something needs attention—now?
Humor in UNIFORM
On Dad’s Trail, Forever • He taught me how to ride and all the rules of the road
I WAS SCAMMED BY MY BEST FRIEND • She swindled me out of $92,000, forcing me into bankruptcy and destroying my once sunny outlook. But I finally got justice.
YOUR TRUE STORIES IN 100 Words
STORY TIME IS FOR EVERYONE • Reading aloud, even to other adults, yields surprising rewards
BRAIN GAMES
WORD POWER • What do an academic, a debacle, and a Miami Beach clambake have in common? They are words spelled with letters from only the first half of the alphabet, a to m—like all those in this quiz. (Answers on page 124.) Next issue: the second half of the alphabet.
PHOTO FINISH • YOUR Funniest CAPTIONS