Ah, I remember reading that about Reader's Digest and finding it quite amusing, when I first read the book. I still often refer to a Reader's Digest touring guide to Britain and a Reader's Digest guide to natural wonders of the world, or something similar on a regular basis, and always wonder at what point I am going to reach enlightenment. :)

Villages in the UK probably aren't quite as weird as small towns in the US, but they certainly have their quirks!