Editor’s Letter: Passion Projects

Photo: Roger Aziz

At a recent Reader’s Digest editorial meeting, I was struck by the enthusiasm with which our editors pitched their ideas, trying to persuade their colleagues of each story’s merit. You could feel the passion they have for creating articles they believe will be meaningful to our readers. It reminded me that, over the years, I’ve been blessed with rewarding jobs in a creative industry where you don’t often see people counting the days until the weekend or the next vacation. Making magazines is the work of spirited people.

Philip Currie was just six years old when, thanks to a dinosaur toy in his cereal box, he discovered his life’s passion. Currie went on to become one of the world’s foremost paleontologists and to inspire Hollywood: he is the basis for a character in the movie Jurassic Park. Lyndsie Bourgon’s profile of Currie (“That’s Mr. Tyrannosaurus to You!”) is an illustration of how you can make a difference and have fun doing it.

Another kind of passion drives Tilda Shalof, an intensive care nurse who thrives on the adrenalin that comes from working in a hospital. For her new book, Bringing It Home, Shalof left the ICU to explore a different side-and pace-of Canada’s health system: home care. “House Calls” is an excerpt of her experience on the front lines. 

We hope these stories inspire you.