Have You Read Redbook?

Redbook claims on its front cover to be the publication that balances "family, work, love, and time for you". It definitely encompasses all of these ideals and more.

The cover typically features a celebrity. October's cover shows a svelte and radiant Kelly Ripa. Reba MacIntire graced the October cover.The article inside details facets of the celebrity's lives that are not commonly known.

The eight main categories are broken up into shorter segments featuring details on the latest hot topics. "Sex and Marriage" is probably what makes the magazine sell as well as it does. This doesn't simply get into your Dr. Ruth question and answer series, but delves into intimate details in technicolor! Of course the magazine is intended for mature adults, but unlike other "women's" magazines, I don't feel comfortable leaving this one on the kitchen table or the sofa. There are details about sexuality that my 7 and 10 year olds are not ready to read! From tips on how to drive a man wild in bed to which contraceptive is right for you, Redbook leaves very little to the imagination when it comes to sex.

"Health and Fitness" offers readers the latest in women's health issues, and has an OB/GYN section that is very well written. Nutrition and diet manage to squeeze in an article or two, as with most women's magazines, and there is typically an article covering holistic health or an alternative healing method.

"Beauty, Fashion, and Style" is fantastic. If you're looking to see what the latest trends will be for "real" women--not only those who are 6 feet tall and weigh 100 pounds--then you'll enjoy this section. Tips on hiding figure flaws are frequently featured, and are presented without a trace of humor or sarcasm. They simply define a problem, and offer reasonable suggestions on modifying it. Most of the suggestions don't involve spending an arm and a leg, either.

The "Celebrities" section features the celebrity of the month. As I mentioned before, the celebrity is typically featured on the cover.

"News & Features" keeps readers abreast of the world around them, while profiling women like themselves who have achieved, endured, or overcome great odds or transformations. This is my favorite part of the magazine. It is refreshing to read good stories about positive things.

"Kids" is of course--about kids. I find this to be one of the weakest parts of the magazine, but being a women's magazine, I'm sure they felt the need to acknowledge that many women have children. Some months there are worthwhile sections on illness and safety warnings, but sometimes the content is monotonous. This month's main feature, however, is very good. It examines children's safety issues at school.

"Food" features 30-minute meals which are typically easy to prepare and delicious, too. The ingredients are available in the average grocery store, and require basic culinary skills---no Martha Stewart carved radishes here!

"In Every Issue" features reader's mail, and another of my favorite segments: Red in the Face. This is a collection of readers contributions detailing their most embarrassing moments. They are usually hilarious and I find myself laughing out loud!

The magazine ends with "Last Laugh"--a combination of funny blurbs and cartoons. It's enjoyable, but not nearly as humorous as Red in the Face!

Ellen Kunes is the new editor-in-chief of Redbook. After having launched O, The Oprah Magazine, she has plenty of experience. Her performance at Redbook is expected to boost sales.

Redbook sells for $2.50 at news stands. I receive mine at the subscription rate of $14.99 per year.

I would recommend Redbook for mature women of any age. Just don't leave it around for the kiddies to read!