Cosy read with your elevenses (Readers Digest)

Name: Pamsy

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Product:	Readers Digest
Date:	14/11/00 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unchallenging, informative

Disadvantages: Staid, predictable

The magazine is aimed at those who want to be well-read but don't have time to read much. The format tends to become repetitive if you subscribe for long. Most issues contain a story of someone cheating death from brain cancer/towering inferno/hurricane or whatever, a tale of organised criminals defeated by brilliant detectives, and a story where someone develops a close and unexpected relationship with a horse/teacher/father in law etc. All accounts are written in the same house style. The first couple of paragraphs plunge straight into the drama, fingertips gripping cliff, then the next paragraph gives the protagonist's full name, date of birth and mini biography leading to the moment where we came in.

The general tone of RD tends to be middle class, somewhat right wing with a hint of the Bible belt. All those who miraculously survive are committed Christians and stories of angels are not unknown. Profiles of top politicians or policemen tend to have a right wing emphasis. If this is your cup of tea then fine, if not, be warned.

Having said all this, the medical news is up to date and informative. Some readers report lives saved as a result of information in articles, and they are certainly useful. The dramas are dramatic. If you want a cosy, unchallenging read, and can put up with the awful jokes page, there are many things of interest here.

Summary: