The Magazine Rack: New Reviews, May 2011

If the number of new magazines being published is any indication, the U.S. economy is improving. Last year was a lean one for new launches (see my Best Magazines 2010 feature for more), but now things are picking up. This month brings five new magazines. All are print publications and appeal to a general audience.

Boom: A Journal of California. 2011. q. $125 print+online; $113 online. ISSN 2153-8018; eISSN 2153-764X. Aud: GA, Ac (Subject: California. Issue examined: Vol. 1, No. 1, Spring 2011)
California's remarkably large and diverse economy, population, and geography obviously provide ample material for a magazine. This new publication from the University of California Press finds a sweet spot by combining the best characteristics of scholarly journals and popular magazines. Public library patrons will find it engaging and readable, while scholars will appreciate the articles' depth and citation of sources. The inaugural issue includes articles on undocumented immigrants, religious pluralism, country music, troubles with the government of California, and race relations in the state. The printed magazine is of high quality and includes well-selected color images. Boom is a fine choice for all libraries, although the price might be steep for public libraries. It's naturally suited to libraries in California, but the importance of that state to American history and politics makes it excellent for any academic library. The publisher is offering a free sample issue or 30-day free trial; contact library@ucpressjournals.com.

Journal of the Early Americas. 2011. bi-m. $30. Aud: GA (Subject: Historical Reenactments. Issues examined: Vol. 1, Nos. 1 & 2, Feb./Mar. & Apr./May 2011)
This publication's title makes it sound like a scholarly journal, but it's a popular magazine for readers interested in reenacting the lives of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and early settlers who lived in North America from 1521 to 1848. Some articles do include endnotes for those who wish to delve into a topic in more detail, but the writing style is definitely for a general audience. The magazine is a family-owned project that "strives for historical accuracy, is easy and fun to read, and is a gateway to interpretation for novices while remaining a resource for veterans [reenactors]." The first two issues of Journal of the Early Americas admirably fulfill this mission. Easy and fun-to-read topics in the examined issues encompass how to make hard tack (unleavened biscuits), a history of the Des Moines Rapids, women's participation in treaty conferences, and the harvesting of trees for ship masts. The Journal of the Early Americas maintains a sharp focus on the intended audience, but the well-illustrated articles will allow it to reach a broader readership easily. A solid addition for public libraries; perfect light reading on early American history.

Knitting Today. 2010. bi-m. $17.97. ISSN 2159-3434. Aud: GA (Subject: Knitting. Issue examined: Apr./May 2011)
Created by Future US, the publisher of Crochet Today (ISSN 1932-3832), this attractive new magazine is well suited for beginning knitters. The appealing designs are described in sufficient detail for a beginner to complete the step-by-step instructions for each project. Knitting Today is divided into three sections: "Inspire," "Create," and "Learn." The expected variety of patterns for hats, sweaters, and throws are supplemented with tips on techniques and book reviews. The examined issue also includes projects for small items like golf club covers and toy bears. A helpful and well-designed visual index of projects is included inside the back cover. The few advertisements are all directly related to knitting. While there is no shortage of publications on knitting, Knitting Today has a thoughtful focus on the needs and interests of beginning knitters and is thus a fine choice for public libraries.

Lucky Kids. 2011. 3/yr. supplement to Lucky ($9.97. ISSN 1531-4294). Aud: GA (Subject: Shopping. Issue examined: Vol. 11, No. 4A, Spring 2011)
Sure, the whole thing is pretty much a bunch of advertisements, but Lucky is justifiably popular for its selection of desirable fashions and decorating ideas. Parents who read Lucky will enjoy Lucky Kids, which is poly-bagged with Lucky three times a year, and appreciate its ideas for "cool Moms everywhere." The content and graphic design are typical of women's magazines. Photographs of products are accompanied by the source and price. Some clothes are presented in full-page themed photo-essays, but most stand alone surrounded by enough white space to visually highlight each product or ensemble of clothes. The careful selection by the editorial staff of products and clothing from various brands is what gives Lucky Kids its value. Selected items range from expensive to affordable and come from stores like Ralph Lauren, Target, and many less-famous vendors. Lucky Kids should be a welcome addition in public libraries that provide a variety of women's magazines.

Trunk. 2011. q. $20. Aud: GA (Subject: Travel. Issue examined: Issue 1, Fall 2010)
The editors state that Trunk's mission "is to showcase and celebrate the most amazing things on Earth." That ambitiously broad scope results in an inaugural issue with quite the hodgepodge of content. Trunk strikes this reviewer as too scattered; one hopes that future issues will have more coherent editorial. The examined issue includes photo essays of young women costumed for a Lady Gaga concert, the Namib Desert, fashion in Mexico, and Kashmir, India. The Kashmir piece is quite good, certainly a highlight. Creative nonfiction ranges from a piece on truckers to coverage of a restaurant in New York; there are also a short story and a feature on artists in South Africa. All of this is presented in a colorful and expertly designed package. Excellent photography makes Trunk work well visually, but the text is less consistently engaging. The eclectic nature of the magazine makes for an entertaining browse, but it's difficult to get into a flow of sustained reading. The scattered and eclectic collection defies classification but may mature into a general interest magazine on par with the well-regarded Cabinet (ISSN 1531-1430). Trunk is worth keeping an eye on, and libraries with strong collections of photography may want to acquire it now to collect the complete run.

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