Magazine Reviews

Reviews of new magazines: Electric Literature, Vintage Magazine, & HerStoria

By Steve Black -- Library Journal, 11/30/2009

Cerise Press: A Journal of Literature, Arts & Culture (online). 2009. 3/yr. free. Eds: Fiona Sze-Lorrain, Sally Molini, Karen Rigby. ISSN 1946-5262. illus. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Arts. Issue examined: Vol. 1, Issue 1, Summer 2009)
The editors describe this new online-only periodical as “an international online journal based in the United States and France [that] builds cross-cultural bridges by featuring artists and writers in English and translations, with an emphasis on French and Francophone works.” Content is organized in seven categories: poetry, translations, essays, fiction, photography and art, interviews, and reviews. The broad range of topics gives Cerise Press a somewhat random feel, but the eclectic mix works. The web site is attractive and easily navigated. The layout of text and graphics illustrates a sound sensibility for graphic design. Having an ISSN and being a member of the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses are positive indicators for this online journal’s future. This is a fine effort at an unbeatable price; a link to Cerise Press is a wise choice for any arts collection.

East West. 2004. bi-m. $17.50. Ed: Anita Malik. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Asian Americans. Issue examined: Vol. 5, No. 1, Oct./Nov. 2009)
East West is a lifestyle magazine for Asian Americans, broadly defined to include folks with roots in East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands. First launched in 2004 and folded in 2007, it has now been relaunched by the editor and members of the original staff. Articles in the examined issue include celebrity profiles—e.g., of Nisha Kataria, a musician discovered by Michael Jackson; actor Rex Lee (Entourage); Lisa Wu-Hartwell, one of the “Real Housewives” of Atlanta; and news anchor Betty Liu—a feature on Sikh rap musicians, a fashion photo-essay, and a story about the expression of love in interracial couples. The advertisements and short-form pieces address the usual array of beauty products, food, health, and “things we love” but all tightly geared toward the target audience. Thus, while the format is similar to other lifestyle magazines, the content is distinctive. Primarily light reading, the examined issue also includes features on cancer and depression in Asian American women. Authentically of and for an important minority community, East West is a worthwhile magazine for Asian Americans and readers with interest in Asian American pop culture.
On Feb. 15, 2010, Folio reported that East West will again stop publishing.—Ed.

Electric Literature. 2009. bi-m. $48. Ed: Andy Hunter. adv. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Short Stories—21st Century. Issue examined: No. 1, Summer 2009)
The five original short stories in the examined issue are by distinguished authors Michael Cunningham, Jim Shepard, T Cooper, Lydia Millet, and Diana Wagman. Original writing by excellent authors is neither unique for this genre nor a guarantee of success. What really distinguishes Electric Literature is its business model. It intends to pay $1000 for accepted articles in a market where compensation is typically a few issues of the journal. This should give the editors a large pool of stories from which to choose. Production of print issues is strictly print-on-demand, thus avoiding the financial risk and overhead of print runs. Finally, readers have the option to purchase Electric Literature as a DRM-free ebook in one of four formats—Kindle-compatible (.mobi), Epub, PDF, or LRF (for the Sony Reader)—for half the price of the print subscription. This model is unusual and may be worth emulating. The engaging writing makes Electric Literature an excellent choice for collections of contemporary short fiction.

eVolo. 2009. s-a. $34.95. Ed: Carlo Aiello. ISSN 1946-634X. illus. adv. Aud: Ac (Subject: Architecture, Modern—21st century. Issue examined: Issue 1, Fall 2009)
eVolo’s stated objective “to promote and discuss the most avant-garde designs from around the world” is advanced through design competitions—winners and notable mentions from the contests are featured in the magazine. Production quality is excellent, with the heavy paper and fine color printing one expects from a first-rate art publication. Featured designs include real buildings and conceptual projects. (The current state of computer rendering allows some of the conceptual designs to be so realistic one might mistake the image for a photo of a real building.) eVolo’s commitment to experimental designs means that some of the projects are pretty bizarre, but a touch of weirdness is true to the magazine’s mission. The architects’ descriptions of their projects manage to seem simultaneously pretentious and simplistic to a general reader, but one can still get the gist of their design philosophies; however, the target audience clearly is architects. A valuable and well-produced source of avant-garde design, eVolo is a good choice for academic collections on design and architecture.

Fit Parent. 2009. bi-m. $12. Ed: Rose Reisman. ISSN 1916-4793. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Parenting. Issues examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar./Apr.; No. 2, May/Jun. 2009)
Distributed for free by Loblaw Companies, the largest retailer in Canada, Fit Parent is also available by subscription in the United States. This glossy, colorful lifestyle magazine focuses on fitness and good nutrition for children and young adults. Magazines of this sort are sometimes little more than an excuse for product placements, but Fit Parent uses a light touch in describing products sold by Loblaw. For instance, several articles about fitness don’t recommend buying anything and describe ways to be active for no cost beyond one’s time. Other content is the typical lifestyle mix of celebrity profiles, media reviews, recipes, and the inevitable descriptions of new products. Fit Parent is notable primarily for being targeted to a Canadian audience. It’s a good choice for public libraries wanting to offer a lifestyle magazine different from what’s found in U.S. supermarkets.

The Flyfish Journal. 2009. q. $39.99. Ed: Kirk Deeter. ISSN 1947-4539. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Fly Fishing. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall 2009)
If your readers need fish porn, this is your magazine. Gorgeous, striking photography accompanies text expressing passionate love for fly-fishing and the rivers, fish, and invertebrates that make the obsession possible. The editors describe why they’re launching a magazine in tough economic times by noting, “flyfishing, and its culture of freaks and fanatics, has always provided us an island of nonsensical joy in a world of over-efficiency. Nothing about it makes sense, which is perfect.” Essays and photos include the obligatory coverage of salmon and trout fishing but also depict the pursuit of tarpon, bluefish, crappie, and even carp. A highlight in the examined issue is a wittily described Siberian fishing adventure. The few ads fit the magazine’s spirit. While the writing is good, the photography and superb production quality are what make The Flyfish Journal stand out. Patrons with even a passing interest in fishing should enjoy leafing through it, and those with the fly-fishing bug will no doubt love it. A great choice for public libraries. [From the publisher of The Ski Journal, an LJ Best Magazine of 2007.—Ed.]

Guitar Aficionado. 2009. q. $24.95. Ed: Tom Beaujour. ISSN 1949-0690. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Guitar—Collectors and Collecting. Issues examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Summer 2009; No. 2, Fall 2009)
Guitar Aficionado provides additional evidence that rock 'n’ roll has come of age. According to the magazine’s web site, it “infuses an upscale Rock & Roll sensibility into fashion, travel, luxury goods.” The cover includes the line “Guitars, cars, watches, wine, & the deluxe life.” Articles focus on collectable guitars, particularly electric guitars associated with famous rock musicians. The examined issue features Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame and includes an article about Bernie Williams, the former New York Yankee baseball player who’s now pursuing a career as a jazz guitarist. Guitar Aficionado is exceptionally well produced, fun to read, and filled with excellent photography. The question for libraries is whether such a narrow, special interest title appeals to enough patrons to justify a subscription. But that small audience will enjoy this high-quality magazine.

HerStoria. 2009. q. £29. Ed: Claire Jones. ISSN 1759-1449. illus. adv. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Women—History. Issues examined: Issue 1, Spring; Issue 2, Summer 2009)
Independently published in England by the editor, HerStoria is a popular, glossy history magazine dedicated to telling the stories of women and exploring events from a female perspective. Articles in the examined issues address 18th-century manuals for the conduct of women, the lack of women historians on British TV, women and Christianity, and Victorian travel writer Isabella Bird. Of special interest is the regular column “Women’s History Walk,” which in Issue 2 is a guided tour of important landmarks of women’s history in Liverpool. Each issue includes book reviews and brief notices of competitions, conferences, and exhibits. The predominantly British perspective of HerStoria gives it a clear focus that may lessen its appeal to American readers, but its themes should resonate with anyone interested in women’s history. Competently written and attractively produced, HerStoria is a good choice for public libraries and for popular history collections in academic libraries.

Lalitamba. 2004. bi-a. $10/issue. Ed: Swamini Sri Lalitambika Devi. ISSN 1930-0662. Aud: GA (Subject: Lyric Poetry. Issues examined: Issue 2, 2006; Issue 3, 2009)
Lalitamba is a literary journal of devotional writings from a variety of faiths including Hinduism, Sufism, Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism. The most recent issue includes a handful of essays and short fiction, one interview, and about six dozen short poems. Printed on heavy paper with ample white space and no illustrations, the publication features a style that is simple and doesn’t distract from the text. Information on the back cover and the journal’s web site might lead one to suspect maudlin or sappy content, but the prose and poetry are sophisticated and well wrought, all suffused with a zenlike calm. Lalitamba is the antithesis of edgy lit mags. As such, it may have limited appeal for devotees of literary studies, but it would be a good choice to balance the avant-garde material in a collection of literary journals.

Mountain Sports + Living. 2009. q. $29.95. Ed: Marc Peruzzi. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Mountain Resorts. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Early Winter 2009)
Mountain Sports + Living is a visually attractive excuse to promote resorts, real estate, and the products people buy to enjoy skiing and mountain biking. The magazine is a benefit of joining the MTNAccess Club, which gives members discounts on the associated businesses’ products and services. There are two interesting articles in the first issue about skiing programs for wounded soldiers and running the warehouse at backcountry.com, but most of the content is product placement. The photography is good but not exceptional. The lack of an ISSN reinforces the brochurelike impression. While potentially of interest to people wishing to visit mountain resorts in North America, this will likely not be a worthwhile subscription for a library.

National Affairs. 2009. q. $27.99. Ed: Yuval Levin. ISSN 2150-6469. illus. Aud: Ac (Subject: Social Sciences. Issue examined: No. 1, Fall 2009)
The editors state that this new journal is consciously modeled on The Public Interest, which ceased in 2005. National Affairs successfully continues the tradition of publishing thoughtful, provocative, and well-crafted neoconservative analyses of important domestic policy issues. The scholarship in economics, sociology, and political science is written in a style accessible to an informed general audience. Thought-provoking articles in the examined issue include Charles Murray’s argument that certificate programs should replace the Bachelor of Arts, an analysis of the political effects of people moving for cultural reasons, and Wilfred McClay’s “What Do Experts Know?,” a superb description of the pros and cons of relying on experts vs. following collective wisdom. National Affairs is an important outlet for neoconservative arguments for free markets and strong families. There is ample room to disagree with the authors’ conclusions, but their well-reasoned stances deserve to be heard. National Affairs is essential for academic libraries and highly recommended for public libraries.

Recovering the Self: A Journal of Hope and Healing. 2009. q. $29.95. Ed: Ernest Dempsey. ISSN 1947-2773. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Mental Healing—Psychology—Personal Narratives. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Sept. 2009)
This new literary journal is the first periodical launched by Loving Healing Press, a publisher of self-help books. Content consists of informative articles, poetry, short stories, and commentary. The writing style is informal and jargon free, and the authors come from a variety of backgrounds and levels of training in psychology. Personal perspectives on healing and recovery are based in many different types of personal challenges, including Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, substance abuse, and trauma. The magazine’s broad range of topics could reach readers interested in many specific struggles, but it lacks a strong focus on any one area. The printing is a bit fuzzy, and the book reviews are written by an author publicity service (which is clearly indicated). Despite these weaknesses, on the whole it is a good but not exceptional self-help publication.

The Saturday Evening Post. 1821. bi-m. $14.97. Ed: Patrick Perry. ISSN 0048-9239. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: United States—Civilization. Issue examined: Vol. 281, No. 4, Jul./Aug. 2009; No. 5, Sept./Oct. 2009)
The lightly redesigned Saturday Evening Post has a new banner on the cover: “Celebrating America—Past, Present, and Future.” Text is now in two columns instead of three, and there are fewer cartoons. The most significant change is the return of fiction to the Post. The fiction advisory board includes Ray Bradbury, who contributes a short story to the latest issue. There’s a new section, “Country Gentleman,” on fishing, hiking, gardening, and hobbies. Coverage of health issues remains a prominent component. According to the magazine’s media kit, 74 percent of its readers are 45 or older. The magazine remains conservative and nostalgic and generally avoids controversy. The thousands of libraries that subscribe to Saturday Evening Post can confidently continue to offer this august magazine to their patrons, and libraries without it might consider adding it for their older readers.

The Smart Set (online). 2007. updated continuously. free. Ed: Jason Wilson. illus. adv. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Current Events. Date accessed: Sept. 28, 2009)
Drexel University, Philadelphia, houses and funds this erudite, witty, and entertaining online publication. The editors choose to call Smart Set a magazine, but technically it’s an online integrating resource rather than a periodical. However, the superior content captures the spirit and quality of the finest magazines of the past, including H.L. Mencken’s Smart Set (ceased 1930). Content is divided into four areas: Ideas, First Person, Journeys, and Columns. The Ideas and Columns sections are written primarily by Smart Set’s staff, while the personal narratives in First Person and Journeys are mostly written by freelancers. Smart Set succeeds in combining the best characteristics of print magazines and online multimedia. The design is clean, consistent, and easily navigated. The well-written essays are enhanced with illustrations, and photo essays work well as slide shows. Because a subscription consists of email alerts of new content, Smart Set cannot be acquired in the traditional way. But public and academic libraries will serve their patrons well by linking to this fine publication.

University Link Magazine. 2009. 10/yr. $20. Ed: Taylor Van Arsdale. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: College Students. Issues examined: Apr., May, Jun. 2009)
Assuming it can attract enough good writing from student authors, this lifestyle magazine should appeal to the younger patrons of college and university libraries. The concept is to publish articles by and for college students. The eclectic mix is written by authors from colleges across the country and ranges from serious tips for working in groups to articles on how to play beer pong. The majority of content is on the frivolous end of that spectrum. Promoted as an “edgy, fun, socially conscious campus magazine,” it fulfills the first two but needs work on social consciousness. An article in the May issue claims that global warming is not caused by humans (it’s just a power grab by Al Gore), and the magazine tacitly endorses binge drinking. University Link is an appropriate choice for college libraries whose collection development policies include offering what students want to read and not just what they should read.

Vintage Magazine. 2009. s-a. $32. Ed: Ivy Baer Sherman. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Popular Culture. Issue examined: Issue 1, 2009)
The editor proudly explains that Vintage is created as a successor to Flair (published 1950–51), a magazine that experimented with print, font, color, photography, and texture with such success it was recently exhibited at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery. Vintage uses the catchphrase “Past forward, here we go” to express its way of interpreting past achievements through the lens of contemporary perspectives. Like its forebear, Vintage applies creative, sophisticated graphic design to tell stories about art, music, fashion, food, travel—the gamut of popular culture. The featured writers and artists all share affection for the past. Articles in the examined issue address Barbie, hairstyles, record jackets, 19th-century sugar refineries, old recipes, and Ferrari Dinos. Production quality is exceptional—a true work of art. It takes some chutzpah to launch such an expensively produced magazine; after all, the inspirational Flair lasted but two years. Still, whether it lasts for one or 100 issues, the gorgeous and creative Vintage is worth acquiring for any collection of the arts.

WebMD the Magazine. 2006. 8/yr. free for public libraries. Ed: Nan-Kirsten Forte. ISSN 1553-9946. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Medicine—Popular Works. Issue examined: Vol. 5, No. 6, Sept. 2009)
Until recently, this glossy medical magazine for a general audience was exclusively distributed to doctor’s offices for browsing in waiting rooms. As one would expect, it is heavy on advertising, especially for medications. A third of the pages are devoted to ads. The content is mostly short pieces designed to be read in snippets, covering topics like nutrition, bullying, shampoos, obesity, and distinguishing a cold from the flu. One longer article in the examined issue profiles Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi. WebMD.com assures readers that staff medical professionals review content for accuracy and that they partner with the FDA to deliver timely consumer health updates and safety information. An easy read, well suited for casual browsing, WebMD the Magazine is appropriate for public libraries, particularly because it is free upon request from WebMDsubscription@TMGCustomMedia.com.

Whitefish Review. 2007. s-a. $30. Ed: Brian Schott. illus. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: American Literature. Issues examined: Vol. 2, Issue 1, 2008; Vol. 3, Issue 1, 2009)
The town of Whitefish lies in one of the more scenic areas of the earth, the northwestern corner of Montana, near Glacier National Park. About half the authors featured in Whitefish Review are from Montana, so the journal gives voice to people of this distinctive region without being exclusively a product of the Mountain West. Also distinguishing it from other literary magazines is its balanced mix of writing by famous authors, those not yet famous, and winners of local student writing contests. Each issue’s collection of essays, short fiction, poetry, and artwork is well edited into a coherent, enjoyable whole. David James Duncan’s essay “Agony and Hilarity” in the most recent issue is exceptional. Each of the dozen illustrations is described in a brief essay by the artist, and interviews with successful writers round out the magazine. While some stories treat sensitive topics like spousal abuse, the compelling writing is unlikely to offend any readers. Whitefish Review has broad appeal and is well worth adding to contemporary literature collections.

Yale Environment 360 (online). 2007. updated continuously. free. Ed: Roger Cohn. illus. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: Environmental Sciences, Environment. Date accessed: Oct. 18, 2009)
Yale Environment 360 is published by the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and Yale University, funded in part by grants from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Each 700- to 1500-word article is dated and labeled as opinion, analysis, report, or interview. Content is updated continuously, with no division into enumerated issues. The writing style is similar to Science News or the news section of Nature, and Yale Environment 360 is a good substitute for the environmental stories in Science News, which is jumping in price for 2010. The medium is employed effectively, as it incorporates video, comments from readers, and nine article management tools including Delicious, Twitter, and Facebook. Readers can set up RSS feeds, and content is organized by both geographic regions and topics (e.g., biodiversity, climate, energy, forests, oceans, policy and politics). The happy combination of engrossing, readable, and authoritative material with intelligent application of online tools makes Yale Environment 360 a model for an excellent online magazine.

Zone 4: Living in the High Country West. 2009. q. $24. Ed: Dan Spurr. ISSN 1946-0260. illus. adv. Aud: GA (Subject: Gardening—Rocky Mountains Region. Issue examined: No. 1, Spring 2009)
This gardening magazine for folks who live where winters get to 30° below zero, the growing season is short, and summers are hot and dry features full-color photography and a simple design to complement the no-nonsense articles. While definitely tailored to the target market with articles like “Growing a Year’s Worth of Vegetables in 90 Days,” much of the content has broader appeal. Sound advice is given on such topics as seed selection, how to amend soil, and bee-friendly plants. Many of the advertisements and some of the articles are specific to the region around Bozeman, MT, where the magazine is based. Zone 4 is an excellent and highly recommended choice for libraries in that area; it is also a good choice for anyone who has to struggle against nature to harvest a ripe tomato.

See Magazine Reviews for May–August