I couldn't be more excited to join Reader's Digest as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. Since 1922, this magazine has shared stories about remarkable people across the country and the kind and heroic things they do for one another.
I grew up in a family of storytellers. My father, a police officer in our central Illinois town, came home every day with stories about the people in our community: funny anecdotes or dramatic stories that revealed the lives of the individuals in our town and what they went through every day.
My mother was a gifted storyteller and her job in the front office of our local middle school provided a lot of material. My sister and I heard about classmates who were caught skipping school or forced by the principal to admit their mischief on unpopular teacher. She would deliver the play-by-play to us, laughing about kids and the things they do. My sister and I learned how to find and tell our own stories in a way that the April 1960 issue held Mom and Dad's attention and earned their laughs. I suspect those conversations pushed me toward journalism, a way of telling stories to an audience beyond the dinner table.
In this special anniversary issue, we look at some of the incredible stories from famous writers, politicians, everyday heroes, and average Americans that have filled the pages of Reader's Digest for a century. We also talk about humor, health, and how to feel hopeful about the next century. Of course,there is too much for one issue, so be sure to visit us online at rd. com/100th for more.
Most of all, thank you for being a part of the first 100 years of Readers Digest. I look forward to hearing and sharing your stories for years to come.
