Street Librarian

Greater Good is a significant new magazine published by the Center for the Development of Peace and Well-Being at the University of California. The Spring 2004 premier issue covers the biochemistry of compassion, as well as how volunteers can make a positive difference in the lives of prisoners by reaching out to their families. $7.95 from 1231 Tolman Hall, #1690, Berkeley, CA 94720; peacecenter.berkeley.edu/greatergood.htmlp>

Now in its second year, panlingual Gobshite Quarterly ('Your Rosetta Stone for the New World Order') publishes diverse international writing, from Hungarian fiction that reads like a song ('hogy jaj. jaj. Jaj.') to poetry, memoirs, and 'reasoned rants' by political jester Paul Krassner, Lebanese author Venus Khoury-Ghata, and others. $20/4 issues from Box 11346, Portland, OR 97211; www.gobshitequarterly.com

Published since 1988, John Toren's Macaroni is one man's urbane quarterly zine of articulate travel writing, reviews, and philosophical musings about diverse intellectual and aesthetic matters. Recent issues have memorialized a family cabin; reported on a Robert Bly poetry reading and a talk by poet Charles Simic about translation; and wondered what it means to be emotionally moved. Format: 8.5 by 11 inches folded lengthwise. $12/6 issues from 2437 McNair Dr., Golden Valley, MN 55422.

Pistil pushes the boundaries between 'fashion and politics, glamour and feminism.' The second issue of the Chicago-based magazine interviewed pornographer/professor Barbara DeGenevieve, profiled fat activist Nomy Lamm (lesbian, disabled, and proud), and covered the artist Orlan, who 'gets plastic surgery in public to make her face look like classical icons of feminine beauty.' $15 from Box 220225, Chicago, IL 60622; www.pistilmag.com

Empowering Girls: Magazines for Daughters, Nieces, and Sisters

It's not easy being a girl. From preschool through puberty, girls deal with social strictures, mixed messages, and wide-ranging expectations. Fortunately, there are several magazines that can help girls develop their potential, think critically, and grow into strong women.