The Common explores the culture of place in our modern times. Each compact, lovely issue is filled with stories and essays, a bit of art, and a smattering of poetry. Each issue has a section that focuses on one place or region, and is usually in translation. Stories take place in the curious, unusual or interesting places of our world, revealing the nuances found there, and what makes our world the diverse, complex and exhilarating riot of cultures it is. Published out of Amherst College in Massachusetts twice a year, in a tactile and alluring package, I await the next issue eagerly.