Missouri Review

I was compelled to write a review after I received my new copy of the Missouri Review (MR) a few weeks ago. Before I get into MR, I just wanted to say that they've recently changed the design of their journal for the better. They've always had a fairly nice design, but the new MR is slightly larger with excellent cover art (so you'll want to display it on your coffee table) and some nice art illuminating the insides as well. (as well as their usual goofy cartoons which are never as good as the New Yorker's but can occasionally be side-splittingly funny).

If you are unfamiliar with journals, you might think that The MR is a magazine about Missouri. This is not the case. The MR is a showcase for talented writers in a variety of fields from all across the US (and sometimes international authors as well). It is only called the Missouri Review because it is sponsored by the University of Missouri.

MR usually includes a number of well-crafted short stories, thought-provoking essays, poetry and interviews. In the most recent edition, they had fiction by Paul Eggers (no relation to David Eggers) and Steve Almond of "My Life in Heavy Metal" fame.

It also includes nonfiction: most recently an essay by Jeffrey Hammond on joining the now-politically incorrect "Indian Guides" an alternate to boy scouts, in the 1950's, and an essay composed of memories of rural life and how it creates a more immediate connection with food by Jeremy Jackson.

The latest issue also featured an interview with Jon Stewart (of comedy central fame) and fellow writers who contributed to America (The Book)

The MR often features a nod to literary giants. For example, previous issues have included the letters of Robert Lowell and unpublished short stories of William Gaddis.

If you enjoy reading, if you enjoy variety: a very nice mix literary traditional and contemporary smart/ hip writing, it would probably be worth your time to subscribe to Missouri Review. Leave it out on your coffee table.

I haven't subscribed to enough literary journals to be positive, but based on what I've seen, they seem to come in two shapes and sizes: either they try to compete with top-drawer current event magazines such as Harpers' and The Atlantic, or else they concentrate on short fiction, short non-fiction, and poetry. While there's nothing wrong with either one, I already subscribe to other current event magazines, and adding one more would be a waste of resources. One the other hand, journals such as The Missouri Review, which focus on literary concerns as opposed to overwrought hand wringing and sensational analysis, have the potential to inspire and surprise.

Inside any typical issue of The Missouri Review you'll find:

-Fiction

-Essays generally memoir or personal reflection,

-An interview with a successful writer or poet,

-Poetry liberally sprinkled throughout the magazine,

-A critical, connected review of several books,

-And an occasional special feature.

The quality of the 'Review' is consistent not every effort is five-star, but they are entertaining and hold my interest. However, the idea of a 'literary journal' may discourage some people they may suspect that the stories are experimental or open-ended. Personally, I've felt that they are very accessible these are story stories, not avant-garde nonsense. The editors of The Best American Short Stories 2008 even picked the story 'Man and Wife' from the 'Review' for that distinguished anthology. I wouldn't be surprised to see "Loeka Discovered" by Seth Fried from the winter 2008 issue short-listed for the next one.

These literary journals are the last bastions of new short fiction and poetry. If you care about such things, then it isn't so much as one's better than the other, but that you lend your support to whichever you like best. 'The Missouri Review' is certainly a quality magazine, eye-catching and sturdy as a trade paperback, suitable for shelving or coffee tabling; but regardless of aesthetics, in tough economic times it can be hard to justify the expense. While I enjoy the fiction and the memoir, I skimp through the poetry and rarely read past the intro to the interview. Not that either is mis-handled, but my interests lay elsewhere. That leaves a good chunk of the magazine unread, and I have to decide if the remaining portion is worth the cost.

Economics will drive my decision, but there is a better than average chance I'll subscribe again. If you enjoy new short fiction and poetry, then 'The Missouri Review' is a more than adequate place to get your recommended daily allowance.

Buy Missouri Review Now

Given as a gift. They are delighted to have received it, since it was on their wish list!

Read Best Reviews of Missouri Review Here

The Missouri Review comes out three times a year. It's a literary magazine. I thought it might be tough to review, but really, it's not. It's not a great magazine (The Texas Review and The Hudson Review fill the same niche and are better), but it isn't the worst either (Boston Review, that's pretty bad, but it isn't quite in the same category). The fiction contained inside is pretty middle of the road--though they have published some great writers in the past, it's just the last couple of years... I've found the poetry to be atrocious most of the time. Their essays are what is pretty good. They have an intereview each issue, that goes up and down. Just depends on who is getting interviewed. There are just so many other magazines out there that fill the same niche and are better, I'd go with them. But the Missouri Review isn't that bad. I suppose it is worth surbscribing to at least once.

Want Missouri Review Discount?