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.
Bundle of Joy
LETTERS • Notes on the September issue
Life’s Second Acts
Surfer Dudes to the Rescue! • Two swimmers struggle for their lives until a group of teens arrive on their boards
The Chase Is On
LIFE • IN THESE United States
THAT’S WHY IT’S CALLED HOLLYWEIRD!
QUOTABLE QUOTES
YOUR TRUE STORIES • IN 100 Words
On the Ballot: Election Day Facts
ALL in a Day’s WORK
I CAN EXPLAIN!
News From the WORLD OF MEDICINE
WE FOUND A FIX • 9 TRICKS TO Improve Your Life*
LAUGHTER • THE BEST Medicine
RATE A SPECIES
The Goose That Came Home
The NICEST PLACES in AMERICA • Even in these toughest of times, people everywhere reached out a hand to lift up their neighbors—and the nation
AND THE TOP HONOR GOES TO … BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN
Where Democracy Lives
A CONVERSATION WITH MITCH ALBOM “We Are More Alike Than Different”
The “Nicest” Advisory Council
RIO VISTA, CALIFORNIA Walking the Walk
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND Kid Power
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA Showing Their Gratitude
RED HANDED TATTOO IN SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Under One Roof
The Nicest Places by the Numbers
YARDLEY, PENNSYLVANIA Victory Gardens
The Nicest Place in Every Other State • To read the stirring stories of our honorees, click around the interactive map at rd.com/nicest2020.
HUMOR in UNIFORM
50 Virus Facts You Need to Know • We’re inundated with news about COVID-19 and other viruses, but how much do you really know about how they work and whom they target?
The Bank Robber on the Bicycle • Tom Justice chased Olympic gold on his bike. Then he used it as a getaway vehicle.
THE DOGS OF WAR • It’s 1943, the Battle of Bougainville. The Americans attacking this South Pacific island are outnumbered and outgunned. Their best hope lies with specially trained soldiers named Jack, Andy, and Caesar. Two problems: The trio has never seen combat, and they’re canines.
LAUGH LINES
SECRETS AND LIES THAT ARE HARMING YOUR LIFE • RESEARCHING OUR DOCTORS RECYCLING FURTHERING OUR EDUCATION WERE DOING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS. SO WHY ARE THESE COMPANIES TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SO MANY OF US?
Why We Should Rest on the Sabbath • From Mother Ollie, I learned that taking time for yourself is a divine rite too
YOUR BRAIN WAS MADE FOR WALKING • Creative inspiration is only a short stroll away
BRAIN GAMES
WORD POWER • November is a bibliophile’s dream: The National Book Award winners will be announced, and it’s National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo—no kidding). Test your literacy with these book-related words, then flip to page 126 for answers.
When a Book Is a Bouquet
BRAIN GAMES ANSWERS
PHOTO FINISH • YOUR Funniest CAPTIONS