The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

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Links for February

By Reason Alone • 101 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Philosophy Classics Contemporary History
  1. PhD programs are not taking as long to finish as people think. Many students are completing their degrees faster than before.
  2. Curiosity is an important trait for learning and exploration. It helps us understand complex topics and makes us better listeners.
  3. Reading widely, especially foundational texts like the Bible or works by important figures like Shakespeare, can greatly enhance our understanding of literature and culture.

A Year in Books

ChinaTalk • 326 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Biographies War Technology Strategy History
  1. Enjoyed using Audible and Voicedream app to power through a lot of text this year.
  2. Trended towards reading about war and technology rather than China books due to current events.
  3. Found 'The Social History of the Machine Gun' and 'Eye-Deep In Hell' insightful and impactful in understanding warfare.

Declining Into Progress

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Character development Cultural Change
  1. In the novel 'The Leopard,' the protagonist experiences a turbulent time of change from aristocratic to more egalitarian society.
  2. People often perceive their time as one of societal degradation, but change is inevitable for progress.
  3. The author of 'The Leopard' mirrors the protagonist's sense of foreseeing change, highlighting the transition from old aristocratic norms to the new.
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The Bookless Future Foretold by Joan Didion

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Jun 22
📚 Literature Books Essays Reading Writing Literary Analysis
  1. Americans are reading fewer books each year, with a decline in the number of people reading 10 books or more.
  2. College students and women are also reading fewer books compared to previous years, with distractions like phones and TV taking up a significant amount of time.
  3. Joan Didion's insightful observations on media manipulation and the evolving reading habits in a technology-driven society offer a unique perspective on the future of literature.

On Færie-Stories—like Frank Herbert's "Dune"—Derived from Agrarian-Age Roots

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 299 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Analysis Themes Critique Storytelling Characters
  1. Dune by Frank Herbert is a complex and problematic story that delves into themes of tragedy, power, and morality.
  2. The connection between mastery-as-expertise and mastery-as-domination in stories like 'Dune' reflects historical perspectives rooted in Agrarian-Age dynamics of power and exploitation.
  3. While enjoying stories like 'Dune,' it's important to analyze and recognize the problematic aspects of the themes presented, such as the intertwining of expertise and dominance.

Good Luck / Grasshopper

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Stories
  1. It's okay to feel nervous and unsure about what to say sometimes. Everyone experiences those moments.
  2. Sharing stories can be a great way to connect with others and express yourself.
  3. Taking a chance, like performing or speaking in public, can lead to new experiences and opportunities.

Dolon and Achilles; Dolon AS Achilles

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Interpretation
  1. Scholars have differing views on the importance of Iliad 10 in the epic, with some questioning its traditional basis and relevance to the main story.
  2. Book 10 of the Iliad offers important insights into the themes of politics, heroism, and community, showcasing contrasts between different characters like Dolon and Achilles.
  3. The opening lines of the Iliad set the tone for the epic, focusing on the rage of Achilles, which evolves the story into a narrative about his anger and its impact on his own people.

Homeric Redshirts and Iliad 10

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Characterization Composition Tradition Themes
  1. The introduction of Dolon in Iliad 10 serves as a strategic element to provide rest and anticipation in the epic, suggesting it is integral to the overall theme and composition.
  2. Dolon's character in Iliad 10 is complex, with his appearance, relationship to wealth, and status as a single son with five sisters all playing significant roles in understanding his role in the story.
  3. Ancient scholars drew connections between Dolon's traits, such as his greed and appearance, to deeper themes like heroism in response to the actions of characters like Achilles, offering insights into how characters are developed in Homeric poetry.

I Cordially Invite You to Unsubscribe

Orbis Tertius • 402 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Writing Philosophy Art Mindfulness Fiction
  1. The author invites readers to unsubscribe from their newsletter, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing what captures your attention.
  2. The author shares their transition from science and technology to literature and philosophy, influenced by mindfulness and meditation.
  3. The author aims to create unique and unconventional content, focusing on writing that challenges norms and embraces individual expression.

Stop Reading Harari!

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 01 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books History Philosophy Criticism Culture
  1. Yuval Harari's books are popular because they simplify complex ideas about history into easy-to-understand stories. This appeals to many readers who want to grasp big concepts without much effort.
  2. Although his ideas are widely accepted, some people feel they miss important nuances about history and human behavior. Not everything in history follows a clear path of progress; sometimes, societies regress or choose different directions.
  3. Harari's view of ideas as 'viral' can be dangerous. It suggests that people have no control over their beliefs, but history shows us we can resist harmful movements and make choices that defy conformity.

On Austen, Mansfield Park, and Social Comparison—Or How We Judge Ourselves through Others

Vremya • 279 implied HN points • 04 Sep 22
📚 Literature Classic Novels Social Psychology Comparative Analysis Human behavior Ethics
  1. We compare ourselves to others to judge our own happiness and success. It’s hard to know how we're doing without thinking about those around us.
  2. Upward comparison can make us feel bad about ourselves when we see others doing better. This can motivate us but sometimes it can just make us feel worse.
  3. Downward comparison helps us feel better about our own lives when we see others who are worse off. It’s a way to boost our self-esteem in tough times.

Not-Particularly-New Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 29 May 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Critique Media Culture Society
  1. Ronan Farrow's book 'Catch and Kill' shows how powerful people like Harvey Weinstein evade justice. It emphasizes how corporations like NBC prioritized profits over truth, making real journalism difficult.
  2. Andrew Bacevich's 'Washington Rules' critiques America's military spending and its ongoing wars. He believes that the public lacks awareness and debate about military actions, suggesting that we live under a hidden imperial power rather than a true democracy.
  3. Both authors highlight failures in institutional responses to abuse and military actions. They argue that current systems favor powerful individuals while neglecting the needs and voices of ordinary people.

Allusions, Franchises, and "To 'Jaws,' or not to 'Jaws?'"

Story Club with George Saunders • 48 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Criticism Writing Narrative
  1. Using literary allusions can feel tricky because they depend on readers knowing those references. Sometimes, relying on them can make a story feel weak instead of strong.
  2. Creating a unique world in writing is important. Using specific names or details can help make the story feel real and engaging, instead of just swapping familiar brands or places.
  3. Finding new ways to express common feelings or experiences can make writing more powerful. It's about capturing the beauty and uniqueness of every moment.

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.

The Poetic Plant

To Asra • 39 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Nature Poetry Romanticism Authors Comparison
  1. Wordsworth's poetry focuses on the connection between the natural world and human emotions, portraying nature as a source of solace and vitality.
  2. Hardy's work presents a melancholic and tragic image of nature and plants, emphasizing themes of universal loss and the frailty of existence.
  3. Both Wordsworth and Hardy depict the poetic plant differently, with Wordsworth highlighting vibrancy and independence, while Hardy explores decay and mortality.

51. Joy

Spyderdoc Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Creative Writing Nature Writing Personal Reflection
  1. Joy is a feeling that's deeply connected to our hearts and can brighten our everyday lives. It's something we all long for during tough times.
  2. Nature expresses joy in many ways, from rivers flowing to birds singing. These moments remind us to appreciate the beauty around us.
  3. Taking time to pause and feel gratitude is important. It helps us recognize the joy and good things in our lives.

A Call To Write

Sarah's Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 17 May 22
📚 Literature Writing Feedback Conversations
  1. The importance of writing to express your voice and thoughts even if you're not an expert.
  2. Encouragement for minority readers to share their perspectives and start writing.
  3. The commitment to continue writing regularly, even if other projects become a priority.

fruits of labour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Poetry Contemporary Political Lyric Free Verse Social
  1. The care you received as a child stays with you, and when love is missing it leaves a lasting emptiness.
  2. Loneliness is made worse by fear and social pressure, so people hide their pain while harmful forces and nonstop bad news wear them down.
  3. Change needs more than private suffering — it requires collective responsibility and breaking destructive habits like doomscrolling instead of waiting for empty promises.

A Review of Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology"

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Review Narrative Character development
  1. Neil Gaiman's 'Norse Mythology' book modernizes ancient Norse myths, making them more accessible and entertaining for readers.
  2. Gaiman's storytelling enhances character dynamics and adds personalities that are more engaging, although he takes creative liberties and introduces invented details.
  3. Readers should be cautious as 'Norse Mythology' may contain inaccuracies and omissions, and it is advisable to supplement with original source texts for a more accurate understanding.

Why is Neal Stephenson Obsessed with Hogs?

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
📚 Literature Sci-fi Author analysis Book review Themes
  1. Hard sci-fi like 'Termination Shock' can sometimes focus too much on scientific accuracy and logic, losing the balance between facts and feelings.
  2. Neal Stephenson's work, while ambitious and curious, may benefit from tighter editing to make it more accessible and impactful.
  3. Feral hogs are a real and dangerous threat, with significant impacts on the environment and human health, representing a menacing consequence of our actions.

Life, Death, and all the Words Between

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
📚 Literature Analysis Speech Characters Debate Language
  1. Book 9 of the Iliad is crucial for understanding Achilles' character development and epic themes like heroism.
  2. The language of Achilles in the Iliad has been a subject of significant scholarly debate, revealing insights into his character and the nature of Homeric speech.
  3. The plot of Book 9 involves the Achaeans' attempts to persuade Achilles to return to battle, showcasing his complex responses and highlighting themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions.

Malaparte vs. de Beauvoir; Idi Amin and the Mamdanis' Antifascism

Unpopular Front • 40 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
📚 Literature Criticism Biography Philosophy History Political theory
  1. Fascism is complicated and often came from people who were artistic or bohemian but used their creativity for power. Malaparte, a fascist writer, shows how conflicting ideas can exist in one person's life.
  2. Simone de Beauvoir described an 'adventurer' type who pursues personal glory without caring about others. This fits Malaparte, who was selfish and couldn't appreciate the value of human connection.
  3. The background of Uganda's Asian population during British colonization highlights how racial divisions shaped society. Idi Amin's expulsion of this group was influenced by historical class and race dynamics.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
📚 Literature Dialogue
  1. Visual writing can be achieved by thinking of the narrator as a camera and by using 'props' to direct readers' attention to different elements of the narrative space.
  2. Prioritizing pace over ornament and thinking of dialogues as a plot-building device are essential aspects of achieving a visual effect in writing.
  3. Extreme awareness and conscious use of the narrative space, such as locations and details of 'props', can enhance the visualization of the story for the readers.

Crossing The Halfway Mark

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Reflections Development Humanity
  1. Reflecting on progress made and what lies ahead as we approach the halfway mark of the year.
  2. Summarizing articles on connection, perennial problems, projects & philosophies, and April's miscellany.
  3. Future plans include exploring integral theory, cognitive science, and somatic therapy, with a hint of fantasizing about unique experiences like isolating in a cabin.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
📚 Literature Writing Dialogue Characterization
  1. Authors often neglect writing realistic dialogues in their works, resulting in weaker characters and plots.
  2. Using dialogues as a plot-building device is crucial for creating visually engaging writing, as demonstrated by filmmakers like Robert Bresson.
  3. Observing real-life dialogues and incorporating them into writing, even if with artistic deterritorialization, can enhance the clarity and strength of the narrative.

One Paragraph Book Reviews, Part 2

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Theology Philosophy Ethics War
  1. Truckers face increased surveillance with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track and log their activities, affecting their freedom and safety
  2. God and the Atom by Ronald Knox provides unique theological insights on the atomic bomb post-Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  3. Rossian Ethics explores non-consequentialist moral theory, focusing on _prima facie_ duties and ethical dilemmas

The Duchess of Hysterical Realism: Zadie Smith

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Author analysis Book review Contemporary Fiction
  1. Zadie Smith is a prominent author known for her unique and complex writing style that blends realism with absurdity, humor with tragedy.
  2. Hysterical Realism, a literary term coined by critics, is characterized by its emphasis on cleverness over real insight and a tendency towards exaggeration and absurdity.
  3. Despite criticisms, Zadie Smith's work continues to be prolific and influential in the literary world, showcasing her ability to provoke introspection and entertain readers.

Speaking of Centaurs:

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Mythology Rhetoric
  1. In the _Iliad_, Nestor uses stories from the past as examples in his persuasive speeches to influence others' decisions.
  2. Stories and examples from other narratives in the _Iliad_ may create dissonance with the current context, making them less effective as models for the characters' challenges.
  3. The epic focuses on how characters relate to stories from the past, reflecting on their present situations, and on how the _Iliad_ might be a paradigm for audiences' lives.

Literary clickbait

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Analysis Critique Rhetoric
  1. Clickbait often targets specific demographics, like authors, to generate outrage and drive traffic.
  2. Be wary of overgeneralizations in clickbait articles and carefully consider the rhetorical strategies used to manipulate readers.
  3. Understanding how literary clickbait operates can help readers resist its allure and approach content more critically.

99 Homeric Problems

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Interpretation Transmission
  1. The Homeric epics have been interpreted differently over time, and understanding this is crucial when studying them.
  2. The 'Homeric Question' involves debates about the authorship, oral tradition, and the reception of the epics.
  3. The transmission models, stages for the epic, and reception models offer insights into the complex history of the Homeric texts and how they were perceived over time.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing Syntax
  1. Pace in writing involves creating a specific dynamic rhythm in the narrative events, achieved through factors like syntax, punctuation, and montage.
  2. The use of present tense influences the pace of writing by creating a sense of ongoingness in the narrative.
  3. Understanding pace in writing is essential for creating engaging and impactful storytelling that keeps readers hooked.

Diary #16

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Diary Reflection Writing Creativity
  1. The blend of good and bad news creates a unique suspension throughout the day, not merging but colliding.
  2. Original thought is explored, pondering on how fresh insights and observations come to fruition.
  3. Navigating moments of responsibility and accountability, reflecting on the concept of 'naked responsibility' in daily life.

The Plight of Zoomers: An Empty Tradition

Trantor Publishing • 139 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
📚 Literature Classics
  1. Understanding the meaning of a text requires cultural context and background knowledge.
  2. Classic literary works like Ancient Greek Literature and Shakespeare may become inaccessible or forgotten by younger generations.
  3. The transmission of traditional cultural knowledge to the Zoomer generation seems to be lacking, raising questions about what will be preserved for the future.

The Dilemma of Writing

Uneasy’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Poetry Self-reflection Personal journey
  1. Starting to write can be difficult and filled with self-doubt. It's common to feel discouraged when seeing others succeed in their writing journey.
  2. Having a passion for language and writing comes naturally, but exploring it deeply can take time and effort. Writing should be an expression that flows from within, not just learned from books.
  3. Life experiences and personal challenges can inspire meaningful writing. Sharing these stories can help others and provide hope to those who may feel lost.