X0202 4 2004-07-01 0 0000858558 READERS DIGEST ASSOCIATION INC RDA 0001137819 RYDER THOMAS O READER'S DIGEST ROAD PLEASANTVILLE NY 10570-7000 1 1 0 0 Chairman and CEO Common Stock 2004-07-01 4 A 0 65000 15.77 A 281970 D Common Stock 292808 D Common Stock 5226.588 D Common Stock 2259.0603 D Common Stock 80000 I By GRAT Common Stock 5048 I By Daughter Stock Option (right to buy) 15.77 2004-07-01 4 A 0 200000 0 A 2008-07-01 2014-07-01 Common Stock 200000 200000 D Restricted Stock granted under The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. 1994 and/or 2002 Key Employee Long Term Incentive Plan(s). Shares acquired at market prices on a periodic basis through The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the reporting person's account. Reporting person's proportionate interest in the shares held in the Stock Fund of The Employee Ownership Plan and the 401(k) Partnership of The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. Vests in one-fourth increments annually beginning 7/1/05. /s/THOMAS O. RYDER, by Clifford H.R. DuPree, Attorney-in-Fact 2004-07-02