Best of America

The backbone of American greatness is the contribution of each individual. From innovative and heroic people to compelling ideas and stories, Reader's Digest celebrates the best.

See other topics in Issues and Ideas

What Makes America Great?

Big hearts, bright ideas, real heroes. Check out our picks for the best of the bunch and honor the home of the brave.

Heroes

Being an American
A Nation of Helpers
Join Our Discussion
Upload a photo
Why You Love Being an American--in 6 Words
Tell Us What You Love Most

Our Great National Parks

From Yellowstone to Yosemite, Zion to Shenandoah, our national parks were founded on one principle: They belong to all of us. Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns explores the parks' hidden history.

4 Ways of Looking at Flags

Star-spangled symbols, from anonymous art in Mississippi to a digital exhibit at Ellis Island.

10 Reasons to Love Our Country

What makes America great? Discover our country's strength, spirit and goodness through these amazing individuals.

Top 10 Jokes in America
The September issue of Reader's Digest will reveal the funniest joke in the U.S. as voted on by you! See the top 10 finalists below. Also coming in September, the top jokes from 30 different countries will face off to determine the World's funniest joke. Stay tuned for details on how to vote!
Easy Ways to Lose Weight: 50+ Ideas
Look slimmer, feel trimmer!
50 Secrets From Your Dentist
Dentists from across the country tell us what they're really thinking as they peer at our teeth.
13 Things Your Waiter Won't Tell You
Waiters share insider secrets about restaurant -- from what days to avoid dining out to how much to tip.
13 Things Your Pizza Guy Won't Tell You
Get smarter with these tips for your local pizza delivery place.

Special OffersFrom our Advertisers

The Latest in Best of America
See All
18 People, Places and Things We Love About America
From amazing people and rich history to fabulous foodstuff and one-of-a-kind parades, check out some of what makes our country great.
210 Great Photos of Our National Parks and Their Founders
In The National Parks: America's Best Idea, Ken Burns explores our country's spectacular natural wonders. Check out some striking images of the parks and their founders and then get the award-winning filmmaker's take on the parks' history and meaning.
3How 7 People Found Hope and Refuge in America
They fled in the dark, hid in black holes, and ran from bullets. Seven remarkable men and women tell how Nazis, Pol Pot, and the monsters of Darfur could not keep them from freedom.
4Best of America: He Delivers to the Blind
In his spare time, this former FedEx pilot helps distribute cures for blindness around the globe.
5Best of America: She Gave at the Deli
When customer Dan Heins casually mentioned that he needed a kidney, Nancy Volk volunteered one of hers.
6Best of America: The Flag Ladies of Freeport, Maine
These patriotic women make supporting our troops a weekly mission.
7Best Guided Tour
A father and son take a special trip to visit rare wildlife.
8Best of America Complete List
RD's Annual Best of America List: People, places, foods, inventions and gotta-have-its from the past four years.
9Best Beers
Suds worth a pitcher -- or two!

From Our Bloggers
Balance and Support
Americans Still Dream Big
More Ways to Connect

Best of America

The backbone of American greatness is the contribution of each individual. From innovative and heroic people to compelling ideas and stories, Reader's Digest celebrates the best.

See other topics in Issues and Ideas

What Makes America Great?

Reader's Digest Around the World