Review: And Then There’s This by Bill Wasik

Today in January Magazine’s non-fiction section, contributing editor Caroline Cummins reviews And Then There’s This by Bill Wasik. Says Cummins:

Bill Wasik may be the smartest guy in the room, but that doesn't mean he’s bright. A senior editor at Harper’s magazine, Wasik is the latest to shove his way into the crowded room of brave-new-media-world soothsayers, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Internet pundits Clay Shirky (Here Comes Everybody) and Chris Anderson (The Long Tail) as well as such here’s-how-the-world-really-works types as Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) and the Freakonomics guys (Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt).

What these authors -- all male, mostly white, and generally middle-aged -- share is the Secret of the Scam: I will reveal the hidden mysteries of the universe to you, but only if you buy my book first.

The full review is here.

Review: My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter, Tears and Tulle

Today in the January Magazine biography section, contributing editor Cherie Thiessen reviews My Wedding Dress: True-Life Tales of Lace, Laughter, Tears and Tulle edited by Susan Whelehan and Anne Laurel Carter. Says Thiessen:

Most readers will be pleasantly surprised to find these wedding day stories to be far beyond enchanting. Using the romantic image of a wedding dress as a jumping off point, the 26 writers have contributed much more than just a description of their tiaras and trains. They've poured out their souls, as women seem so able to do, while exploring memories and emotions that range from frightening to funny, depressing to delectable, whimsical to wise.

The review is here.