Notebook

Notebook Substack explores a range of themes including the complexity of celebrities, nuances in literature geared towards different age groups, the dynamics of fandom particularly around Taylor Swift, reflections on personal progress and fashion, ethics in consumerism, and critical reviews of movies, music, and books.

Celebrity Culture Literature Fandom Dynamics Personal Growth Fashion Consumer Ethics Movie Reviews Music Criticism Book Reviews

The hottest Substack posts of Notebook

And their main takeaways

celebrities are people…

1297 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Celebrities are complex figures, not just regular people.
  2. The public's obsession with celebrities blurs boundaries between private and public life.
  3. Celebrities have significant control over their narratives, shaping how they are perceived by the public.

shouldn’t some things be for kids?

943 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. The distinction between children's literature and young adult literature involves the complexity and cadence of the prose, with young adult literature being more streamlined and individually consumed.
  2. There is a debate surrounding whether young adult literature should be primarily for young adults, with concerns about its commercial success and literary prestige.
  3. It's okay for adults to enjoy and appreciate entertainment meant for children, but it's important not to impose adult preferences on content specifically designed for younger audiences.

taylor derangement syndrome

884 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. Taylor Swift is a normal person with a strong following who does not engage much in politics.
  2. Criticism and attacks on Taylor Swift may actually benefit her by giving her political credibility.
  3. Taylor Swift's fans are loyal to her, but not necessarily to her political views or instructions.

all my pretty hates are dead

746 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. People often have idols or figures they look up to for inspiration and motivation.
  2. Dorothy Parker's writing style, characterized by witty malice and enthusiasm, continues to influence modern writing.
  3. As magazines and publications grow in reputation, they often become more serious and lose some of their initial liveliness.

a taylor swift studies emergency broadcast

589 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Taylor Swift strategically teased and released a new album, surprising fans and experts alike.
  2. The new album is predicted to have a folk-inspired aesthetic and be a collaboration with Jack Antonoff and Lana.
  3. The album is anticipated to explore emotional themes similar to Taylor's previous work, potentially correcting aspects of her past albums like 'Lover' and 'Midnights.'
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why taylor doesn’t serve

530 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Taylor Swift's fashion photoshoots may lack the glamor expected of a pop star, causing her to be considered unable to 'serve.'
  2. Taylor Swift's style doesn't fit the typical diva mold, as she doesn't cater to one specific audience and doesn't have a signature look or designer.
  3. While Taylor Swift has moments where she exudes confidence and serves in her fashion choices, she sometimes misses the mark with styling that doesn't align well with her aesthetic.

taylor’s a mirrorball

687 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
  1. Everyone who likes Taylor Swift relates to her in the same way
  2. Taylor is always performing and includes her audience in her 'mirrorball' persona
  3. Universality in music can be real and diverse, representing deep feelings in concrete detail

the worst thing about progress is making it

668 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
  1. Progress often involves pushing through challenges and obstacles
  2. Comparison to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt
  3. Building habits and staying consistent can be difficult, but self-awareness can help in coping

it's swiftlash time

805 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. Taylor Swift's public presence can polarize opinions.
  2. People may feel a sense of betrayal when a public figure changes their image.
  3. There is a cycle of hype and backlash around celebrities, like Taylor Swift.

food is good

569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. When experiencing a suspected pancreatitis episode, it's important to stop eating and switch to clear liquids to let the pancreas rest.
  2. Not eating for a couple of days can affect cognitive function, making activities like reading or watching movies challenging.
  3. Sliding back in health can be disheartening, but realizing progress made before is a positive indication of improvement.

capsule reviews

491 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. The movie 'Notting Hill' lacks chemistry between the main characters.
  2. 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' is a movie about love, grief, and self-sacrifice involving a ghostly presence.
  3. A biography of Barbara Stanwyck reveals her complex and sometimes distant relationships.

ariana grande is not your… well, you get it

609 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Ariana Grande's image as a celebrity is shifting due to scandals and controversies.
  2. Ariana Grande's recent projects and behaviors have negatively impacted her public reputation.
  3. Despite the controversies, Ariana Grande is embracing an aspirational 'bad girl' persona that resonates with some fans.

capsule reviews

314 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. The movie Anatomy of a Fall delves into the complexities of relationships and truth, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
  2. Babylon presents a unique take on the glamorous world of old Hollywood, mixing sentimentality with crass humor in a three-hour rollercoaster.
  3. The discussions on guilt and innocence in films can engage audiences in intriguing ways, sparking debates on perception and reality.

that boycott back there is not real

452 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. There is no real boycott of new electronics using rare earth minerals to support miners in Congo.
  2. Individual ethical choices, such as buying refurbished items, may not have a significant impact on global issues.
  3. Engaging in symbolic actions like online clicks or fake boycotts may provide a false sense of contribution.

from the archives: moonstruck

373 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Norman Jewison directed the movie Moonstruck in 1987, starring Nicolas Cage and Cher.
  2. Jewison was also known for directing Fiddler on the Roof.
  3. Moonstruck entered the Criterion collection and is a must-watch movie.

don’t want no other shade of blue but you

196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎶 Music Collaborations
  1. Taylor Swift's love songs are romantic but also pessimistic, focusing on derailment, need, and wreck in relationships.
  2. Taylor Swift's collaboration song 'Snow on the Beach' with Lana Del Rey stands out for its sense of total security and reciprocity, which is unique in Taylor's love songs.
  3. Loneliness is a significant theme in Taylor Swift's songs, often intertwined with love, portraying a stable but unpleasant solitude when relationships end.

capsule reviews

294 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
  1. The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett stands out as a superb crime novel with complex characters and plot.
  2. The Getaway by Jim Thompson is a thrilling heist story that delves deep into themes of loyalty and intimacy.
  3. Black Wings Has My Angel by Elliott Chaze is notable for its bleak and poetic language, portraying life as a mix of beauty and meaninglessness.