The best and worst of 2013

In this week’s issue, our writers take a look at 2013’s best and worst movies, albums, books, news events and more.

Our cover this week was inspired by an Internet meme – that’s one of those shared images you probably saw a thousand times on your Facebook feed last year – that blew up in 2013. When we came up with the idea to join in on the “Pretty Girl, Ugly Face” fun, we never thought we’d actually find a beautiful model who would be willing to contort her face – portraying her very worst – for all of Charlotte to see. Shout-out to cover model Laura McDowell for being such a great sport.