magazine sub for 17 yo?

[richella]

This is for my niece. She is graduating from high school this year. What's cool? When I was her age I read adult mags, like Cosmo (yuck!). Seventeen was for kids.

Someone told us Jane is cool. The issue we bought had lots of liquor ads and articles about sex. She's pretty focused and doesn't get in trouble, and I probably wouldn't think twice about it if she bought this mag herself, but it doesn't seem right for me to give it to her.

What is out there that is interesting, hip, fun, real? Not too young but not jaded?

[kibba]

Time, Nationational Geographic? Does she love horses? Cat? Dogs? People Magazine doesn't really have anything to disturbing.

[mammastar2]

Depends hugely on her interests and your own orientation, but what about a feminist mag like Bust or Bitch? Adbusters?

[sunnysideup]

How about Utne? I loved Utne (was the Utne Reader back then) when I was a teen, and I still enjoy it. Hip, interesting, potilical, alternative articles.

UTNE MAGAZINE reprints the best articles from over 2,000 alternative media sources bringing you the latest ideas and trends emerging in our culture... Provocative writing from diverse perspectives... Insightful analysis of art and media... Down-to-earth news and resources you can use... In-depth coverage of compelling people and issues that affect your life... The best of the alternative media.

[ryleeee]

i'd definitely second the adbusters...i'm looking into getting a sub of bust for myself actually, i think those are both good ideas.

[teacup]

Just some ideas:

Mother Jones
The Week
Psychology Today

Or maybe a literary journal from a nearby university? They might pub bimonthly or semiannually? Personally, I think you've hit on something here! When we all find the time, energy, and money, let's pub a crunchy teen magazine!

[richella]

Thanks for all the ideas. I had thought about Bust, but I don't know that she is political or interested in feminism. But who's to say she couldn't be, with the right guidance?

[erika h]

I would see if she has any particular interests. There are niche magazines for almost anything, she might appreciate it, but never consider become a subscriber on her own.

As a teenager, music magazines are also good. Rolling Stone is solid.

[Aura_Kitten]

maybe Ms.?

or um.... ? sorry, at 17 i loved Scientific American and Wired...

[Yoshua]

could take her to the grociery store and goto the mag aisle and look for magazines YOU like and then just sit back and watch what magazines she naturally goes to.

lil weird as it is your niece but you could have the brother/sister do it for ya and let ya know :0)

[sunshinesister]

I second Ms. magazine...even if she isn't a strong feminist now, it'll teach her a lot and help her find her feminist energy. i read off our backs when i'm at my parents house, but find it sooo wordy...wouldn't recommend to a 17 year old.

[soygurl]

I'd sugest Bust. I'm 20, and I read a lot of wierd magazines, (matha stewart, readers digest, parents, mothering... but I don't have kids, lol, I hang out here too... ), but I also like all those stupid evil mags like seventeen, cosmo, marie claire, etc. I HATE Jane. The only thing I would acctually RECOMEND is Bust. Well, unless she has any specific interests. Or, maybe you could ask her mom/friends/whoever if there are any mags she buys regularly? Or if she has a mag stash in her room... I know I keep almost all the mags I buy, so maybe she does too? Oh, if she's into music, maybe rolling stone? If all else fails, maybe just ask her? I understand wanting it to be a surprize, but it really sucks to get a mag subscription that you hate... I've gotten several.
HTH!

~Kelsie

[icxcnika]

+

Is she into sports, art, crafts, animals, the outdoors, music, computers, cooking, short stories? I think what a pp said about taking her to a store to look at magazines is a great idea. I would try a larger bookstore, like Barnes & Noble, that has a wide selection of different magazines, and she could choose one she especially likes.

God bless,
icxcnika

[richella]

Well, I have to admit that I don't really know her that well, and she lives in a different town so shopping with her isn't too feasible. But I'm thinking Bust ight not be too radical. I gave her Our Bodies Ourselves a couple years ago and I think she liked it. Thanks for all the input!

[sunshinesister]

oohhh...what about YES! magazine? that's a nice one too!!