The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

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Book Review Contest Rules 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 4749 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book review Fiction Nonfiction Poetry
  1. Book review contest for 2024 on www.astralcodexten.com. Participants can write reviews between 2,000 and 10,000 words, with no word count requirement. Entries must be submitted through a Google Form by May 5th.
  2. Contest rules emphasize blinding the judging process to ensure fairness. Personal information that could identify participants should not be included in the Google Doc submissions.
  3. Diversity in review topics encouraged through affirmative action. A quarter of finalist slots reserved for books from nontraditional categories like fiction, poetry, or older works.

Troubled is a National Bestseller—But Weirdly, Not a New York Times Bestseller

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4697 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews
  1. Making it to different bestseller lists can vary based on different criteria and sources, showing how subjective the process is.
  2. Bestseller lists reflect sales velocity for a week, not the overall success of a book. This can lead to various books making the lists based on short-term sales spikes.
  3. Elite opinions, including those of individuals who read a lot and care about bestseller status, can significantly influence public opinion, policies, and societal functioning.

What’s So Great about ‘The Great Gatsby’?

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1650 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classic Novels Author analysis Literary Criticism Book Reviews American Literature
  1. The Great Gatsby is a widely celebrated American novel with enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
  2. F. Scott Fitzgerald's personal struggles and the novel's initial lukewarm reception contrast with its eventual rise to literary fame.
  3. The Great Gatsby explores themes of hope, anxiety, and the American Dream through its characters and social backdrop.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Cultural Studies Writing
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.
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On Writing

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4886 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Authors Memoirs Books
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.

Notes on Being Licked

The Lifeboat • 252 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Prose Essays Narrative
  1. People often communicate in ways that lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Just like in Chekhov's plays, everyone has their own thoughts that don't always connect with others.
  2. Language consists of more than just words; it includes different interpretations and personal meanings. This can lead to a disconnect where everyone sees the world differently.
  3. In society, agreeing on common rules or understanding can help create trust. Without this, people may feel isolated and misunderstood, even among friends and family.

Moscow, Gooseberries, and Inexorable Motion of Time

The Lifeboat • 183 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📚 Literature Drama Philosophy Narrative Existentialism History
  1. Time keeps moving forward, and people often struggle with how to cope with it. Some try to ignore it, while others seek to enjoy the present moment more.
  2. Desires and dreams are a big part of being human, but many people end up feeling regret for what they didn't achieve. This can make life feel empty or unfulfilled.
  3. Stories like 'Three Sisters' and 'Gooseberries' show how people can become trapped by their dreams or stuck in routines, realizing too late that time has passed without them taking action.

A Plea for a raise

Letters of Note • 1611 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Letters Childhood Money Lessons
  1. 10-year-old John F. Kennedy asked for a raise of 30 cents in a formal letter to his father.
  2. The letter explained his need for more money to buy scout items and be responsible with his spending.
  3. His father required a written request for the raise, teaching John a quick business lesson.

How Emilia Hart Wrote Her Debut Novel While Working As A Lawyer

Changing The Channel • 1136 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction
  1. Emilia Hart, a former lawyer, successfully published her debut historical novel, Weyward, which received critical acclaim and commercial success.
  2. The novel Weyward explores the lives of women in different time periods like a woman in contemporary Cumbria, another in 1942, and one on trial for witchcraft in 1619.
  3. Language, its use, and its power are central themes in Emilia Hart's novel, as described by The Shift With Sam Baker.

Are Books Worth Writing?

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading
  1. Writing a book can help spread ideas more effectively than blog posts. Books allow for a more organized presentation of related thoughts.
  2. Converting blog posts into a book can save time since it involves editing rather than starting from scratch. It builds on existing content, which can be easier.
  3. There's a possibility to create short books or combine related topics into one longer book. Exploring these options might benefit both the writer and the readers.

20 books I didn’t read this year

Austin Kleon • 1958 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Books Reading Writing
  1. There's no shortage of books to read, so it's okay not to finish them all. It's a reminder that reading is a journey, not a race.
  2. Having a list of books you didn't read can reflect your interests and ongoing projects. It can actually tell you a lot about what you want to explore next.
  3. Taking breaks from reading or not finishing certain books doesn't mean you're not engaged. Sometimes, other things in life take priority.

Showcase Magazine, Ephemera, C & R Press, Steel Toe Books, Fjords Review, PANK Magazine, American Poetry Journal...oh my?

Lit Mag News Roundup • 2790 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Editors Writers
  1. Several literary magazines and publishing houses are connected through common individuals.
  2. Accusations of mistreating writers and financial discrepancies have been raised against these entities.
  3. Investigation and questioning are necessary to uncover the truth behind these alleged practices.

Death and Life

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 48 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Linguistics Philosophy Narrative Symbolism
  1. Death is a common theme in our language, showing up in many phrases and everyday conversations. This reflects how deeply the idea of death influences our thoughts and expressions.
  2. Words related to life, such as 'vital' and 'vivacious,' are also frequently used in discussions to convey a sense of energy and positivity. These words connect to our experiences and perceptions of being alive.
  3. Both death and life are rich topics in literature, often explored through powerful quotes and themes. They reveal our struggles and feelings about existence, making them relatable and poignant.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 92 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Creative Process Storytelling Literary Analysis
  1. It's important to notice areas in your writing that feel off or unsatisfying. These areas can guide you to make better changes and improve your story.
  2. Polishing your writing helps you see new possibilities. Once everything looks clean, you might realize something about the overall structure or flow that needs adjusting.
  3. Practicing writing through revision is key. Focus on small sections of your work and ask yourself how they can be improved, which can reveal new ideas for your storytelling.

"Silence for Gaza," by Mahmoud Darwish

Pen>Sword • 1737 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Gaza's resistance is deeply rooted and not for show; it is about survival and dignity, not media attention.
  2. The essence of Gaza lies in its relentless resistance despite hardships, symbolizing a powerful and unwavering spirit.
  3. Mahmoud Darwish's depiction of Gaza highlights its unique value, strength, and significance to its people and the world.

How Khorya And Borya Smuggled A Chort

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Artistic expression
  1. Khariton and Boris are involved in a chaotic plan to smuggle a creature called a chort, leading to humorous and dangerous situations.
  2. The story mixes comedic bickering between characters, showing their cleverness and flaws, as they deal with unexpected challenges.
  3. The ending hints at themes of friendship and camaraderie, even when things go wrong.

2nd Annual Fiction Issue

Soaring Twenties • 139 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Creative Writing Art
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

History, etc • 1788 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Writing Publication Events Podcasts Fiction
  1. The writer expressed gratitude to the readers for their support throughout the year.
  2. The newsletter has grown to over 12,000 readers with various engaging content like Q&A, interviews, and history quizzes.
  3. Future plans for the newsletter include more content like monthly interviews, history quizzes, and maintaining subscription prices until 2025.

The Scottish Play

Wrong Side of History • 280 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Literary Analysis Shakespeare
  1. Macbeth explores deep themes like ambition, guilt, and fate, making it a timeless classic that connects to modern stories like Breaking Bad.
  2. Lady Macbeth is a strong, complicated character who challenges traditional gender roles, and her descent into madness raises important psychological questions.
  3. The play is surrounded by superstition, with its notorious curse and the dramatic history of rival performances highlighting its cultural impact.

Even More Words About Words

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 121 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📚 Literature Linguistics Language Writing Words Communication
  1. Many words in English have one side that is commonly used, while their pairs are often ignored. For example, you might be 'disgruntled' but have never been 'gruntled.'
  2. Language evolves and new words are created when two concepts come together. Words like 'email' started as 'electronic mail' and have changed over time.
  3. As words change, their pronunciation also shifts. For instance, 'bookshop' is pronounced differently than 'book shop,' showing how language and speech develop over time.

Remembering what you want out of books

Austin Kleon • 1918 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reading Writing Authors Books Memoir
  1. Different writers can evoke different feelings. Some are frustrating to read but still valuable, while others are delightful and can leave you feeling a bit lost.
  2. Knowing what you don't want to read is just as important as knowing what you do want to read. It helps you focus on the books that truly matter to you.
  3. Reading can be both a joy and a discipline. It's about finding the balance between what you think you should read and what you actually want to read.

Fugly

Castalia • 319 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Relationships Character Study Narrative style
  1. Brian and Liz have a complicated relationship where they go back and forth between friendship and romance. Their dynamic shows how friendships can sometimes turn into something deeper, even if it’s messy.
  2. Liz’s past with Aaron affects her new relationship with Brian. They both struggle with their feelings and the baggage they carry from previous lovers, highlighting how past experiences can shape present connections.
  3. Despite their ups and downs, Brian and Liz find comfort in each other and eventually decide to live together. Their story reflects how settling for companionship can be a realistic choice for many couples.

The Sense of an Ending.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 77 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memories Time History Philosophy
  1. Our memories can differ from what actually happened. We often remember things differently than how we lived them.
  2. Time feels different depending on our emotions. A happy moment can make time fly, while a sad moment can make it crawl.
  3. As we age, we tend to view the past differently. We create stories about our lives that shape how we see ourselves and others.

☞ Computation and Wonder, Soon in Book Form!

Cabinet of Wonders • 254 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Publishing Writing process Literary Criticism
  1. The book 'The Magic of Code' is coming out in June 2025. It's about making computer code interesting and fun for everyone.
  2. The author wishes he had a book like this when he was younger. It connects computing to various topics like language, biology, and philosophy.
  3. Preordering the book is really important for its success. It helps boost visibility and sales when it launches.

Purple Rage? A Book to Offend Almost Everyone

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reviews Themes Analysis
  1. Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' is beloved, banned, and has won prestigious awards.
  2. The book faced controversy due to its explicit content, anti-religious sentiment, and depiction of domestic violence.
  3. Despite being a source of offense, the novel has deeply resonated with readers, including individuals who have experienced trauma.

Another Boringly Obvious Observation

Chuck Palahniuk's Plot Spoiler • 2437 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Storytelling Experience Education
  1. Recall incidents like the Ross Steering Gear crisis can have broader impact on industries and supply chains.
  2. Combining personal experience with technical skills is crucial for writers to create meaningful work.
  3. According to one study, people tend to create their masterpiece around the age of thirty-one by combining formal education with life experiences.

One essay could change the future

The Novelleist • 1118 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Media Critique Cultural Commentary
  1. Writers have the power to inspire new ideas and change the future. Their words can make us think differently and encourage action.
  2. There is a need for more positive and solution-focused writing. Many writers currently focus on problems, but ideas that show what's working can help us imagine better futures.
  3. Supporting independent writers is important for a healthier media landscape. By funding those who create constructive content, we can promote better discussions and potentially create a brighter future.