Not Your Grandmother’s Readers Digest
April 23, 2007 – 12:27 amThe only thing I remember about Reader’s Digest is seeing it on my grandparents’ coffee table when I was growing up. They were big fans of Laughter: The Best Medicine, full of puns and zingers that would not elicit even a cackle out of any person born after the first talkie was filmed.
Little did I know that it is now catering to a younger demographic:
“Kicking butt!?” Somewhere, an old lady is taking this month’s issue out of her mailbox, reading the headline, saying, “well, I never!” and immediately fainting on her front porch.
6 Responses
Oh. I used to love those “Laughter: The Best Medicine” jokes. It was pretty much the only reason I would look forward to going to my grandmother’s house. And believe me, I would cackle.
By on Apr 23, 2007
I’d like to think that the hipification of Reader’s Digest will lead to a lot more rappin’ grannies. Or Harley-ridin’ grannies. Whichever, I’m not picky.
By on Apr 23, 2007
I love Reader’s Digest. My family has had a subscription for years, and for a while I was even getting it here in New York.
Laughter really is the best medicine.
By on Apr 23, 2007
I think my favorite part of the cover is on the “Plus” bubble where mixed in with Tyra Banks, Rachel Ray, and Al Gore is “Garfield”.
By on Apr 23, 2007
I like how some of America’s best new discoveries appear to be sausages, cupcakes, the Empire State Building, ducks with sunglasses and remote controls.
By on Apr 24, 2007
I used to read all the “funny” stuff in RD at my grandma’s, too. Say, have you ever heard of this new young actor, Brad Pitt? He is one of RD’s new discoveries!
Did you also notice that Garfield is listed in the burst as an enticement to read the magazine?!?!?
Wow.
By on Apr 25, 2007