A perennial hit, our Best American Magazine Writing chooses from the nominees and winners of the coveted National Magazine Awards. Selections belong to the categories of public interest reporting, features, criticism, commentary, and fiction. This year's selections include Iraqi War veteran Brian Mockenhaupt ( Byliner) on modern combat in Afghanistan and its ability to both forge and challenge friendships; Mac McClelland's ( GQ) on his nightmarish stint picking and packing at an online shipping warehouse; Daniel Alarcón ( Harper's Magazine) on the strange social and political dynamics of Peru's most infamous prison; Melissadel Bosque March ( Texas Observer) on the secret dealings of Mexico's deadliest smuggling corridor; Ta-Nehisi Coates ( The Atlantic) on the complex racial terrain traversed by African American politicians; and Frank Rich ( New York) on the late Nora Ephron and her invaluable contribution to American culture.