So recently, I have decided to take a break from book reading for the past few months (aka 9 months), but quickly realized that I wasn’t satisfied with regular magazines.  I started getting into themed magazines, those special edition ones that are larger than your average magazines and provide a more in depth look at certain things.  I felt like they were a hybrid between the details of a book and the lightness of a magazine.  I have always read the odd one, but for some reason or other, I found myself reading only those in the past little while.  Although I am starting to miss books again and will soon be heading back to the “paper spined miracles”, during my hiatus I came a cross a few themed magazines that I thought were worth sharing:

1. Time Magazine – Special Edition 2022.  The Power of Positive Thinking (Single Issue Magazine – June 19, 2022)

This one had a lot of interesting articles about changing perspective.  Some of them are intuitive and easy to apply, others need a little bit more training.  I may not be able to apply all the tips, but whoever small ones I can incorporate into my day actually do make a difference.  It’s also interesting to read the science about attitude change and how it manifests into actions.

2. Ideas & Discoveries Magazine – Special Edition 2022.  Marvels of the Mind (ID Magazine – Jun 12, 2022)

This is a “no-brainer”, sorry couldn’t resist the cheese!  Ok so this just makes me appreciate the miracle that is our brain.  Although we still have a lot to learn about it, it is full of amazing things that I could barely wrap my head around….yes another cheesy pun!  I like that this one takes a very complicates topic and makes it digestible to the laymen person like me.

3. People Magazine – Special Edition 2021. True Crime, Unsolved Mysteries (Single Issue Magazine – October 1, 2021)

For those who like a little “who dunnit” in their lives, this one is a fun read.  Equally morbid though knowing that these stories are real, and the cause of these stories are still out there.  A little light on some of the details for a couple of the cases, but overall a page turner better than any fiction – with no happy endings….yet!

4. Mad Magazine – Special Collector’s Edition. “Picks” Our Greatest Spoofs of All Time! (Paperback – January 1, 2022)

For those big on satire, and let’s be real specifically Mad magazine fans.  This is a great one, packed full of great ones from a number of decades – but always relevant.  Huge issue and a great for the coffee table for anytime you need a laugh, which is always.

5. Life Magazine – Special Edition 2021. Inside The Disney Parks – 50 Years of Disney World (Single Issue Magazine – May 2021).

Although geared for those planning to visit Disney World, Orlando in Florida – the tips are great for any Disney theme park, I would argue for any theme park.  Great photos and great for Disney fans as a collectible.

6. National Geographic Magazine Special Collector’s Edition 2022.  100 Best Photos (Single Issue Magazine – October 21, 2022)

Some photo magazines can be quickly dated, but not National Geographic.  Beautiful photos that can be individually ripped and frames as great masterpieces.  Very inspirational with a range of techniques that convey a number of emotions.  Beauty of nature and humanity on full display here.

7. National Geographic Magazine. Atlas of Space (Single Issue Magazine – January 3, 2020)

From our solar system to our galactic home and beyond, this one does a great job of showing the stunning beauty of our space realm.  Its unique in that it takes an unfathomable concept like the universe and presents is as an easy to read atlas.   Includes space maps and amazing visual perspectives of the universe taken by telescopes and space probes.  Truly taking you visually to another world.

8. Life Magazine – Special Edition. Secret Societies:  The Most Mysterious Organizations (Single Issue Magazine – Oct. 9 2020)

For the conspiracy theorists out there, me being a big one, this one goes into the mysterious and insular associations. It details out the organizations, their professed rules, rites and practices; some of which have attracted the wealthy, respected, and powerful. From Freemasons and Knights Templar, to Sons of Liberty, Black Hand, and Skull and Bones, these groups are wither religious, political, nefarious or just plain silly. Great illustrations to bring it all to life.

9. Life Magazine – Special Edition. 1999 The Year in Pictures (Single Issue Magazine – January 1, 2000)

Although there are plenty of special edition magazines that come out annually with a review of the previous year; this one is especially interesting given the turn of the millennium perspectives, concerns, and priorities that were a big deal at that milestone year.  It definitely shows how far we have come fro the days of Y2K.  The next one that comes out with a similar milestone (i.e. 3,000) will also be a keeper!

10. National Geographic Magazine. Your Brain Revised & Updated: A User’s Guide – 100 Things You Never Knew (Single Issue Magazine – Jan. 5 2018)

Much like No.2 on this list, this one focuses on the miracle that is our mind.  Unlike that one, this is more palatable for the younger crowds and presented in a more intuitive way.  More illustrations – and some new facts that were not in the other edition.  I liked the tone of this as well – albeit a lighter one than the version noted above.  Still….you can’t learn enough about your brain, so give both a look.

Any other good themed special edition magazines out there worth recommending? Let me know, comment below.