Magazines

By Clayton A. Couch -- Library Journal, 11/1/2006

The Senses & Society. 2006. 3/yr. $289. Ed: Michael Bull. www.bergpublishers.com/us/senses/senses_about.htm. ISSN 1745-8927. Illus. Aud: Ac (Subject: Senses and Sensation. Issue examined: Vol. 1, Issue 1, March 2006)

Depicting the human sensorium as an "ever-shifting social and historical construct" rather than a conglomeration of biophysical processes, the editors of this interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal seek to dispel the modernist presumption of the unity of the human body. Although this disruption won't be accomplished overnight, the March 2006 issue is a good start, as Ala Alryyes writes on Daniel Defoe's ability to use accidental details to create sensual depth in his novels. For libraries with strong humanities collections.

Devoted entirely to mystery and detective fiction, Mystery Scene is most well known for its exceptional reviews of genre-related audiobooks, novels, short story collections, and movies, but as demonstrated by the Spring 2006 issue, its feature articles lend the publication more heft than the traditional book review journal. Martin Edwards's tribute to the late British crime writer Michael Gilbert is outstanding, as is the profile of Denise Hamilton, the well-known Los Angeles—based journalist and mystery writer. Mystery Scene is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.

The U.S. public education system hasn't been viewed in a positive light for some time, and while the institution itself needs an overhaul, the idea that individual teachers aren't capable of turning the tide is misguided. Many teachers are already working together to improve the climate, and edutopia, a new professional teacher's magazine from the George Lucas Education Foundation, looks to reach these progressives with articles on how to teach around tests and mix unconventional approaches into standardized curricula. For most education-related collections.

How does one achieve success? It's not an easy question to answer, but the editors of Success concentrate on profiling successful individuals (e.g., Rudy Giuliani, author and salesperson Zig Ziglar, and basketball coach Pat Summitt) and organizations, in addition to offering business advice. It's a successful formula, one that's bound to attract significant numbers of public library patrons.

Although it's a regional publication, Carolina Gardener (CG), a full-color magazine for gardeners in the Carolinas, will attract subscribers from other regions and states. Blending folksy, informative articles with tasteful photographs, CG provides readers with information on subjects such as the cultivation of rudbeckias and disease prevention for hemlock trees while profiling some of the more interesting gardens in the Carolinas, e.g., Gator Pond Garden in Highlands, NC. CG is essential for libraries in the Carolinas, as well as for others with large gardening or horticulture collections.

One of the most original and lively short fiction publications of the last several years, this journal features hip-hop-inspired urban literature by the likes of Caille Millner, Federico Anderson, and rap legend KRS-One. Bronx Biannual is the exact opposite of the sleepy, stuffy, university press—sponsored literary journals that publish so much of the short fiction in the United States: its words are alive and kicking. This one belongs in public and academic libraries of all sizes.

The business of professional sports is becoming more profitable by the day, and with organizations such as NASCAR growing rapidly, periodicals like this draw significant interest. Whether readers are concerned with how MySpace.com is changing the dynamics of fan participation in sports, or with determining which up-and-coming golfers will attract the most interest from corporate sponsors in the coming years, SportsBusiness has the goods. This weekly is appropriate for libraries with significant business collections.

Emphasizing celebrity culture and fashion, Calabasas would be just another grocery store/newsstand magazine were it not for its unusually high-quality, star-laden photographs. As with many popular slick publications, this one contains tidal waves of advertisements that threaten to overwhelm, but if readers are willing to wade through the product placements, there are worthwhile celebrity profiles; Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vivica Fox, and Drew Lachey, among others, are featured in the fourth issue. For large public libraries only.