We librarians are supposed to be oh-so lofty in our thinking, but I'll admit to scanning the covers of the grocery store checkout stand magazines like everyone else. I mean, who can resist reading about Kirstie Alley's latest dietary dilemma or finding out who Jen's kissing now?
But truthfully, when I want to indulge my passion for books and literary criticism, there's nothing better than browsing the magazines in the Reader's Services area. Located at the end of the "New Fiction" shelves right next to the "Romance" fiction (is this Freudian, by any chance?), these periodicals are a handy resource for anyone looking for suggestions about what to read next. Of course, that's what the Reader's Services librarians are here for, but on those occasions when we're not available, these magazines can be the next-best thing.
The folks at Bookmarks Magazine read book reviews so you don't have to. Not that this is an onerous task, but it's hard to know where to obtain the best reviews of current fiction and nonfiction. Bookmarks' editors select both the hot, "must-read" books of the moment, as well as other worthy books that may not be on everyone's radar screens -- but should be. They furnish a brief synopsis and then take the gist of reviews from publications such as The Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and even England's Guardian newspapers to give readers a comprehensive overview.
ForeWord Magazine concentrates on those books published by small, independent, and university presses -- including the ever-expanding list of self-published works. If you're in the mood for something a bit out of the ordinary -- from cutting-edge fiction to elegantly produced coffee table books -- ForeWord offers enlightened reviews about books you won't find anywhere else.
Fans of both mystery and romance fiction also have magazines dedicated to these specialties. Check out RT Book Reviews for the latest reviews, articles, and information on romance writers, and both Mystery News and Mystery Scene Magazine for the best in mystery, crime, and suspense.
We also carry The New York Review of Books,; The New York Times Book Review; The Times Literary Supplement; and the Chicago Tribune's book coverage.
A little something for everyone...but I still want to know what's up with Brangelina, don't you?
CH