I eagerly awaited the mail every day of 2008 for the following periodicals, since finding one in the mailbox makes me very happy. There’s always something worthwhile to read in each room of our house – I sure do like good brain-food.

Image.
This is my favorite periodical, ever. I am utterly inspired by the fusion of “art, faith, and mystery” in short stories, poetry, essays, interviews, and contemporary art; I’ve discovered some of my favorite writers and visual artists through these pages. It’s a challenge to combine faith and art and do it well, but the folks at Image make the combination an art form in and of itself.

The Sun.
Other than great writing, the two best things about this magazine are the amazing black & white photographs, and the Readers Write section (I keep meaning to submit a piece).

Dwell.
I’m not a textbook minimalist, but I lean in that direction. I love this beautiful magazine full of clean lines and modern architecture – flipping through each issue makes for good mental housecleaning.

Poetry.
The design of this journal caught my eye; the cover art, in particular. It’s just the right size to stick in my purse, and of course, it’s filled with great poetry (the November 2008 issue featured two poems by Billy Collins).

The New York Times.
As much as I love online publications, I’m adamant about reading at least one physical
newspaper a week. However, the local Houston paper leaves a lot to be desired. I take the
Sunday Times for well-written articles, the Book Review, the Magazine, Arts & Leisure, and
newsprint on my fingers.

Eighth Day Books catalog.
Firstly, this voluminous catalog is free by merely joining the mailing list. And not only do they offer the best book selection, but the reviews are beautifully-written. I’ll curl up with any book of fiction they recommend.

Books & Culture.
I love this oversized periodical for great book reviews covering all manner of culture, especially history and science in which I have a healthy interest. But I don’t read the two subjects enough, so I appreciate a nudge in the right direction. I’m particularly fond of the reviews by one of my favorite authors, Lauren Winner.

Mars Hill Audio Journal.
The only exception to snail mail on my list, this bimonthly MP3 journal is perfect for my iPod and Houston traffic. The audio articles are the same intellectual quality as my favorite NPR programs, yet “committed to assisting Christians who desire to move from thoughtless consumption of contemporary culture to a vantage point of thoughtful engagement.” I’m a big fan of the classical music between each segment, too.

Good.
This is the most creatively designed magazine I’ve ever seen, and each article features people doing good all around the world.Every single dollar of my subscription goes to the charity of my choice – I’ve selected the likes of Room to Read and Slow Food USA; you can’t beat that.

Paste.
Well, who doesn’t love a free sampler CD with every issue? I’ve discovered so many incredible musicians by popping those samplers in my car stereo. I dig Paste’s whole vibe of finding “signs of life in music, film, and culture.”

* Honorable mention: Toast catalogs.
You have to fill out an online form for each seasonal catalog, but they are free, too, and by God, the photography is gorgeous. I’d like my wardrobe and life to look just like a rustic Toast catalog.

Books & Culture Dwell Eighth Day Books Good Image Mars Hill Audio Paste Poetry magazine The New York Times The Sun Toast catalogs