Literature about oppression and social injustice usually sounds more interesting than it reads—and it doesn’t help that self-righteous activists make themselves redundant through repetition. Thankfully, in The Meaning of Freedom and Other Difficult Dialogues, famed activist Angela Y. Davis proves that it’s still possible to find a new, refreshing way to discuss race, gender, class, and sexuality. In this heartfelt and ... Read More

Actress Aubrey Plaza’s naturally deadpan personality is so entertaining, the role of April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation was based entirely on her dry wit and trademark sullen stare. Here, the up-and-coming Hollywood hotshot opens up about funny women, famous feminists, and facing death “What’s my cover line gonna say?” Aubrey Plaza asks as we walk down a sun-drenched Los Angeles street after a leisurely ... Read More

Our Oct/Nov issue is on newsstands today! Cover girl Aubrey Plaza proves why Parks and Rec is the funniest show on TV Musical powerhouses Paloma Faith and Amanda Palmer turn October into Rocktober Sizzling sci-fi scene stealer Matt Smith is the hottest Doctor Who ever Hollywood legend Penny Marshall tells all in her new memoir Real talk from advice columnist Roseanne Barr Your essential guide to Brooklyn Six pages of ... Read More

With bacon jam appearing on restaurant menus and artisan pickles piled high at farmer’s markets, it’s clear that canning has made a comeback. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite fresh produce all year long; it’ll stay shelf-stable and botulism-free, as long as you follow the directions carefully. If you’ve wanted to try “putting up”—the old-timey term for preserving at home—but didn’t know where to start, kick ... Read More

  Daniel Barnz directs this narrative sister to the school-reform doc Waiting for Superman, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis as two Pittsburgh mothers who want to fix their kids’ failing elementary school. Gyllenhaal plays an Erin Brockovich-like character with tattoos, heels, and an “I’m not an activist, I’m just a mom working two jobs” mentality. Her daughter is dyslexic, but neither ... Read More