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RD.COM True Stories

Real Life Stories

You’ve got to read it to believe it! These true stories seem almost too good to be true, but we promise that we couldn’t make these up. From love to loss and from survival to unbelieavable coincidences—we’ve got the wildest stories to keep you informed, entertained, and inspired.

astronaut Scott Kelly

How Astronaut Scott Kelly Wards Off Feelings of Isolation

The pandemic is taking a serious toll on our mental health. Here are a few tips on surviving this crazy time from a man who spent a full year away from civilization.

How I Found Out Racism Isn’t Just a Problem in America

When you’re Black, traveling overseas can reveal a lot more about a place than just...

My Dad Sent Me a Fruitcake Every Year for Christmas. The Last One Didn’t Arrive Until a Year After He Passed

My father resembled a fruitcake. One year, he even sent one. It never arrived.

My Uncle Was a Man of Few Words, But Our Quiet Christmas Eve Drives Are Some of My Favorite Memories

Uncle Ed was a tough guy of few words. But when  he took me on...

15 People Share the Silver Linings They Found Amid a Pandemic

This year, many of us have new appreciation for life’s simpler joys. RD readers share...

7 True Stories About Funny Thanksgiving Mishaps

These true stories of snafus past will make you laugh—and breathe a little easier about...

Heartwarming Photos of Veterans Reuniting with Their Service Dogs

Grab a tissue! You can't help but get all the feels when you read these...

BBC Finds Hope for Unity in Reader’s Digest Nicest Place in America

BBC U.S. correspondent James Coomarasamy visited the 2020 pick for the Nicest Place in America...

This Biker Was Attacked by a Bear with Only a Pocket Knife to Defend Himself

Alone and pinned under a grizzly, Colin Dowler reached for a pocket knife and struggled...

Incredible Generosity Makes Red Handed Tattoo in Shreveport the Nicest Place in Louisiana

Learn how the owner of one small-town tattoo shop made a big difference.

10 Valuable Items People Have Found by Accident

Ever stumble upon something valuable? It’s an incredible feeling.

Caring for Neighbors Makes Yardley the Nicest Place in Pennsylvania

Coronavirus couldn't stop this congregation's spirit of giving.

Walking the Walk Makes Rio Vista the Nicest Place in California

Find out why this small town was voted the nicest place in California.

Kid Power Makes Gaithersburg the Nicest Place in Maryland

In a time when we need kindness more than ever, young people are stepping up...

A Group of Teens on Their Surf Boards Saved Two Swimmers from Drowning

Two swimmers struggle for their lives until  a group of teens arrive on their boards.

He Was on His Way to Cycling in the Olympics—Instead of Chasing Gold, He Used His Bike to Rob Banks

Tom Justice chased Olympic gold on his bike.  Then he used it as a getaway...

A Teacher Told Her Students to Draw What They Were Thankful for—This Was One Student’s Moving Response

As this teacher learned, some of the most moving lessons are taught by students.

My Best Friend Scammed Me Out of $92,000, Forcing Me into Bankruptcy

She swindled me out of $92,000, forcing me into bankruptcy and destroying my once sunny...

The Story of the Very First War Dog Platoon

It’s 1943, the Battle of Bougainville. The Americans attacking this South  Pacific island are outnumbered...

7 Powerful Letters from Soldiers on the Front

A collection of war letters, from the Revolution to Iraq, helps us all share in...

This Family Was Heading Home When They Ended Up Helping Catch a Kidnapper

A couple and three of their kids were heading home from a restaurant when their...

Why I Opened a “Retirement Home” for Senior Golden Retrievers

You can never have too many Golden Retrievers in your life, even if they're not...

Enjoy the BEST stories, advice & jokes!

This Woman Almost Lost Her Leg Due to an Ant Bite

After an ant bite, a woman with type 1 diabetes was told she needed an...

Fighting COVID-19 and Racial Injustice, Buchanan, Michigan, Is the Nicest Place in America

In 2020, we received a record number 1,177 story submissions to our annual search for...

Q&A: Mitch Albom Talks Kindness Through the COVID Crisis and the Nicest Place in America

We sat down with Tuesdays With Morrie best-selling author and moral voice of America Mitch...

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