Much too often I boast of writing “off the top of my head.” That simply means I sit to write without research or notes. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule. Tonight, I looked up some quotes on the act of reading. It did not take me long to realize I was about to deviate from the real goal of what I intended to say. I wanted to make a strong commendation about something that involved reading and would be enjoyable, entertaining, educational and practical to readers.
So, let me explain.
On Monday, I received my March issue of the Reader’s Digest. These words are written on Tuesday night and I have already read every story and feature in this issue. I say that not to boast but to make an apology for actions and attitudes developed over the last few years.
The Reader’s Digest had fallen from my good graces. No longer did I anticipate opening the pages and devouring all the features offered each month. And that in itself deserves an explanation.
It was over 60 years ago I picked up a simple little magazine when visiting with my grandparents at my Uncle Sam Foster’s house near the intersection of Erwin and Peters streets in South Calhoun. The magazine was Reader’s Digest. Nothing could be more unappealing to a 12-year old kid than a magazine without pictures and no advertising at all. Additionally, the front cover was a meaningless list of stories and features serving as the table of contents. It wasn’t for me.
Times changed and by the time the 12th grade school year rolled around an appreciation for the little magazine was embraced as Miss Geraldine Legg demanded her senior English class pursue, in addition to her other rigorous activities, a study of the Reader’s Digest Student Edition.
The magazine has been a significant part of my reading pursuit since that time. The collection of decade old issues of the magazine in my house provides there always be precious avenues for literary pursuit.
Several years ago the magazine began to sell advertising space. It seemed the quality of the publication was never the same after that. Still, it was a constant source of reading material.
Fresh in my memory are stories from many years ago: In the 1990s, Mrs. Ed Brooks, Calhoun High Librarian, was asked to find a copy of the story “Chicken in the Sky” from the 1976 June issue of the Digest. In no time she had the copy in front of me. Her question was how I knew what year and month. My stock-in-trade answer was, “that was when it was.”
An essay on “The Little Red School House” appeared in the 1980-81 school year. This was at a time the concept of “bigger is better” was embraced in American education. This article took exception to that position and set forth the educational values received in the days of “The Little Red School House.” Whether one agrees or not, the article is worth finding, reading and reflecting upon.
The two articles mentioned are treasures in my heart. The first one provided uncontrollable laughter (the why will be explained at another time). The other simply was one to challenge the thinking about what was valuable in life and society.
Now, let’s direct our attention back to the March issue of the magazine. From beginning to end this edition is a masterpiece of an entertaining and practical collection of material. From the “Willie Mays: The Untold Story of A Baseball Legend” to “50 Secrets ER Doctors Won’t Tell You,” the mind is captivated by facts all need to know and moments to warm the heart.
It needs to be said that the emergency room feature is far from negative concerning ER services. It deals with the deficiencies of patients in actions and words as they seek service.
It is hoped everyone will get a copy of this edition of the Reader’s Digest and read it. Then read some more. Long ago, Benjamin Franklin said, “The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.”
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