By M.Rajini
Curtains were drawn at the Reader’s Digest, which was a fountainhead of rich reading experience. The 86-year-old magazine breathed its last on April 30, 2024, with Reader’s Digest UK, ceasing publishing its print edition. The ’60s kids grew up with the monthly copy of Reader’s Digest being thrust into their hands at the threshold of their education. It was a ‘Something in it for all’ book. It pains me to refer to it as ‘was’.
Its ‘Quotable quotes’ was a ready reckoner to begin or end my school essays. However, the ‘Improve your Vocabulary’ was my favourite. I would eagerly refer to the answers for the big words in the Answer section to check my ratings. A 6 out of 10 would have been the highest with a 2 visiting my scorecard more often. I was never deterred by it; I always had the excuse of being a small girl, even though I scored 2 while in college too. ‘Laughter, the Best Medicine’ had me in splits, while with ‘Humour in Uniform’ I had trouble understanding a few. Small tidbits peppered throughout the book were always interesting and informative. It was a window to the world for us when there was nothing beyond radio and social media.
The Editor-in-chief, Eva Mackevic, announced that the company was unable to withstand the financial pressures of the current magazine publishing landscape. The noise of social media has drowned the voice of a valuable edition. Like the disappearing landmarks of big cities in the name of development, this is one huge landmark that has fallen. Let us hope there is a new Beginning.
We will miss you Reader’s Digest.
