The Best American Magazine Writing 2010 [Paperback]

The American Society of Magazine Editors (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0231157533 | ISBN-13: 978-0231157537

The Best American Magazine Writing 2010 proves that print journalism is as vital as ever, offering information, amusement, connection, and perspective to those who love to lose themselves in a good read. This year's selections, chosen from National Magazine Awards finalists and winners, include David Grann's article from the New Yorker on the execution of a possibly innocent man; Sheri Fink's report from the New York Times Magazine on the alleged euthanization of patients during Hurricane Katrina; and Fareed Zakaria's compelling take from Newsweek on Iran's weakening regime.

The Best American Magazine Writing 2010 also includes absorbing profiles, arresting interviews, personal essays, and entrancing fiction. Esquire's Mike Sager recounts a promising quarterback's shocking descent into drugs; Vanity Fair's Bryan Burrough shares the confessions of the year's other major Ponzi schemer, and, from McSweeney's Quarterly, Wells Tower weaves a transporting tale of elemental desire. GQ's Tom Carson offers his critique of America's current vampire craze; Mitch Albom rediscovers Detroit's indomitable spirit in Sports Illustrated; and Garrison Keillor sings an ode to the homegrown joys of state fairs in National Geographic. Additional contributors include Atul Gawande, Megan McArdle, and many others commenting on a range of issues, from health care and the national debt to war movies and the controversy over circumcision. Altogether the writing collected here proves the rich pleasures waiting in the best magazines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Balanced, comprehensive, thought-provoking, involving, and well-crafted.

(Library Journal )

The compulsive readability of a good novel, but the immediacy and moral power of good journalism.

(Irish Times )

About the Author

The American Society of Magazine Editors is the principal organization for magazine journalists in the United States. ASME sponsors the National Magazine Awards in association with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.Jon Meacham is the former editor of Newsweek; he co-anchors Need to Know on PBS. His latest book, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Meacham is also the author of two additional New York Times best-sellers: American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation and Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship.

Product Details

• Paperback: 520 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (November 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231157533
• ISBN-13: 978-0231157537
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #594,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of the Best January 14, 2011

By Patti Chadwick VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

If you are a fan of print media, you will want a copy of this book. Basically, it is an anthology of the best magazine articles that were published in 2010. You will find articles from authors that work with Vanity Fair, GQ, Esquire, McSweeney's Quarterly, New Yorker, National Geographic and many more! So if you want the best writing of 2010 at your fingertips, get yourself a copy of this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of Print Magazines--A Real Gem July 25, 2012

By E. Kinney Klusendorf

Format:Paperback

I've read several of the "best of" series books, though primarily short story collections, so when I stumbled across this compilation for magazine writing on the discount display at the Colorado College bookstore, I was intrigued. Compiled by the American Society of Magazine Editors and introduced by former Newsweek editor Jon Meacham (whose writing and opinions I greatly respect), this book is a real gem. The articles vary from investigative journalism to features to commentaries, and they come from varied sources: Vanity Fair, Wired, The Atlantic, Esquire, NYT Magazine, Harpers, and one magazine I've never even seen, Texas Monthly. But with the exception of one or two articles, I devoured each one of these. Excellent writing and a range of topics to suit nearly everyone. Some of my favorites: In "Still Life," Skip Hollansworth writes about a high school boy paralyzed in a football accident whose mother cared for him at home for nearly 40 years without complaint virtually by herself (In fact, she said it was an honor). In "Vanish," Evan Ratliff writes about his challenge to disappear from society for 30 days, creating a new identify for himself. His editor at Wired offered a $5000 reward to anyone who could find and identify him. It's a manhunt via technology. Atul Gawande writes about McAllen, Texas and its health care costs which are higher than almost anywhere else in the country, though its labor and living costs are far lower. This public interest winner, "The Cost Conundrum" is a must read for anyone who wants a voice in the health care debate. "Lead us not into Debt" takes us on a Dave Ramsey 'live within your means' journey, and "Trial by Fire" tells the story of Todd Willingham who appears to be innocent of a crime for which he was executed by lethal injection in Texas. Each article grabbed me, and they'll grab you too.

Picking up this book is like stacking up all the great magazines and then plucking out their most prized feature. For students who need to be reading a lot more nonfiction and a lot more about real issues, this is the type of reading they should be doing. Everyone will love something---if not most everything---in this anthology of magazine writing. If I come across a 2011 or 2012 version, I'll snatch it up on the spot if it's anything like this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best American Magazine Writing April 11, 2013

By Conrad Gren

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an outstanding book. It has affected my thinking on several important topics that are still relevant in 2013: abortion, health care treatment in New Orleans for those who were very ill (euthanasia). As someone who opposes abortion except when the life of the woman is in danger, it was healthy for me to read about the life and trials of a doctor who provides abortions to high risk patients. It is important for both sides to understand each other better on this highly divisive issue. I have not finished this book but I highly recommend this book based on the parts I have read.