Reader's Digest

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.

DEAR READER • Good to Go

LETTERS • NOTES ON THE October issue

The Caped Crusaders’ Tailor • Health issues preoccupied all of us in 2020. Thehealthy.com found people making a memorable difference.

Bye-Bye, Medical Debt

Depression Discussions

LIFE • IN THESE United States

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

QUOTABLE QUOTES

YOUR TRUE STORIES • IN 100 Words

HOW TO Quiet the Family Complainer • Talking to a Debbie Downer can stress you out, but with the right tools you can lighten the mood for all

A Nationwide UGLY SWEATER CONTEST • ROXANN CRUNKLETON-GUNN, age 63, New Castle, Pennsylvania

ALL in a Day’s WORK

WHEN SECRET SANTAS GO ROGUE

I Am Onions … Tearfully Delicious

ONION-TOPPED PUFF PASTRY

WE FOUND A FIX • 9 TRICKS TO Improve Your Life*

News FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE

Prowling for Dust Bunnies • Long before Marie Kondo, there was Roomba. In this classic from 2003, Mary Roach gives the robot vacuum cleaner a whirl.

The Best of Our Best

The Ultimate TV Guide to Streaming

LAUGHTER • THE BEST Medicine

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

The Season for Family Miracles • A mother’s eerie premonition. An uncle’s unusual joyride. The sweet wait for a dad’s holiday treat. If you need a little extra warmth this year, these three wonderful stories will do the job nicely.

Celebrating Like a Man • Uncle Ed was a tough guy of few words. But when he took me on a Christmas Eve drive, he gave me the kind of sweet memories that last a lifetime.

The Woman in the Red Coat • When my mother died, I thought I’d never enjoy Christmas again. Then my father began dating a woman who shared a most surprising link to my holiday traditions.

DON’T GO INTO THE VOLCANO • A dream honeymoon hike to the rim of a jungle crater ends with a terrible fall. Now a young bride must get her severely injured husband medical care—by herself.

Finding the Silver Lining • This year, many of us have new appreciation for life’s simpler joys. RD readers share their discoveries.

HUMOR in UNIFORM

THE Double Triple • A triple transplant—heart, liver, kidney—is among the rarest of medical procedures. In one 48-hour stretch, a team of doctors performed two back-to-back.

LAUGH LINES

2020 Holiday Shopping Guide • In this most unusual year, the gift of giving will feel especially good. These tips can help make the season merry and bright for everyone.

Use a Hankie, Dude! • He has used a pocket handkerchief all his life—and was ridiculed for it. Now, this famous author says his habit has found its moment.

OLDIES BUT FEEL-GOODIES • Why our brains prefer music from our youth—call it cerebral comfort food

BRAIN GAMES

WORD POWER • As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to spiritual matters and end-of-year reflection. This contemplative quiz is full of words that refer to holy, soulful, or meditative practices. After you’ve pondered, ascend to the next page for answers.

BRAIN GAMES ANSWERS

PHOTO FINISH • YOUR Funniest CAPTIONS