The Big Read 2021: War and Peace $5 / month

The Big Read 2021: War and Peace Substack is dedicated to exploring classic literature, primarily through a chapter-by-chapter analysis of novels. It includes group reading experiences, author backgrounds, thematic discussions, and character studies, aiming to enhance understanding and appreciation of renowned literary works.

Literary Analysis Classic Novels Group Reading Experiences Author Backgrounds Thematic Discussions Character Studies

The hottest Substack posts of The Big Read 2021: War and Peace

And their main takeaways

Dune Chapters 1-8: Fear is the mind-killer.

491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24

Dune Chapters 1-8 explores the theme of fear as a mind-killer.
The first week's reading introduced many characters, names, and scenes.
Paid subscribers get access to longer, detailed chapter recaps.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: 4 Reasons to Read This Classic American Story

628 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23

📚 Literature Classic Reading Novel Author

Coming-of-age stories are valuable for the lessons they teach.
Resilience and determination are exemplified by Francie in the story.
Reading in a group enhances the overall reading experience by allowing for discussions and insights.

Dune — Book Two, Chapters 1-6: The Art of Suspense

314 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24

📚 Literature Analysis Books

The post discusses Dune book two and the art of suspense.
It mentions Paul coming into his own in the story.
The content is for paid subscribers.

Dune Chapters 16-22: Paul ascends

314 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24

📚 Literature Book analysis

Paul starts to take charge and fulfill his destiny in Dune chapters 16-22
Significant action happens at the end of Part One, setting the stage for Parts Two and Three
Dune's ornithopters are described to resemble desert bugs

Dune Chapters 9-15: The Weight of Command

314 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24

📚 Literature Novels Characters Discussion

Chapters 9-15 of Dune explore the Weight of Command.
This week provides depth to characters like Jessica and Duke Leto.
The tension of command experienced by Duke Leto is a key focus.

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Heads Up for the Remainder of 2023 + A Sneak Peek at 2024

530 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23

📚 Literature Book Club

Update on plans for the end of 2023 and a sneak peek at 2024 book selections
Count of Monte Cristo virtual hangout nearing its end
Post is for paid subscribers only

Lonesome Dove Chapters 89-94: Greener Pastures Don't Mean a Thing

511 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23

📚 Literature

Death continues to surprise as the book nears its end.
Deets' and Bob's deaths impact the characters deeply.
Gus and Pea's story keeps readers engaged.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 36-45: Subverting the Western Genre

511 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23

The reading covered various Wild West experiences like a whiskey boat, a road trip, and an accident.
McMurtry subverted the traditional Western genre in these chapters.
The introduction of a true antagonist added a new dynamic to the story.

Poll for 2024's Non-Fiction Pick

491 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23

📚 Literature Non-fiction

Jeremy is seeking input on the non-fiction book for the 2024 reading list.
Readers can choose between 'Team of Rivals' and 'The Power Broker'.
Both books are long but highly recommended for a lifetime list.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 81-88: Clara and Her Boys

471 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23

📚 Literature Book review Character analysis

Chapters 81-88 of Lonesome Dove have significant character interactions.
Dialogue is a strong element in McMurtry's novels.
The post is for paid subscribers only.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 73-80: Jake's Fate; Meeting Clara

471 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23

📚 Literature Books Reviews Characters

The latest chapters of 'Lonesome Dove' revealed a major plot point with a character's death.
Part III introduced a new character, Clara, who was long-awaited in the story.
Readers experienced a mix of complex emotions with the character developments in the recent chapters.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 95-102: "You're one of a kind, Gus"

471 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23

📚 Literature

Gus's death in Lonesome Dove was shocking and emotional for readers.
The character Gus was considered larger-than-life in the story.
The post discusses the impact of Gus's death and his storyline in the book.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 65-72: Carried Along

452 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23

📚 Literature Novel Analysis

Chapters 65-72 of Lonesome Dove were described as feeling tame compared to previous chapters.
The chapters provided a variety of viewpoints and experiences, including a memorable grasshopper plague chapter.
The characters July and Jake were highlighted for their roles in the story.

Dune's Backstory and Incredible Influence

275 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24

🎭️ Culture Books Literature

Frank Herbert's inspiration for Dune came from various sources like Oregon dunes and Middle Eastern practices.
Dune incorporates elements of Middle Ages feudalism and even Herbert's own drug experiences.
The backstory of Dune is intricate and involves diverse influences that shaped the creation of the novel.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 46-53: Fear and Loathing in Texas

432 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23

📚 Literature Fiction

The novel Lonesome Dove takes a dark and serious turn, with a mix of humor.
The halfway point of the story is action-packed and emotionally heavy.
The crew in the story has moments of humor, like eating grasshoppers.

Lonesome Dove Chapters 54-64: Death and Worse

432 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23

📚 Literature Analysis

Chapters 54-64 of Lonesome Dove had a lot of violence.
These chapters highlighted the dark aspects of life in the West.
The post is for paid subscribers only.

The Count of Monte Cristo Chapters 77-81: A Bit of Backstory

412 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23

📚 Literature Analysis

The post discusses the biography of Alexandre Dumas's father, General Alex Dumas, and its impact on understanding 'The Count of Monte Cristo.'
Summer reading included the Pulitzer-winning biography 'The Black Count.'
The biography added new dimensions to the reader's understanding of Alexandre Dumas and his famous work.

3 Reasons to Read "East of Eden" to Close Out 2023

373 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23

📚 Literature Classic Themes Author

Steinbeck explores universal themes in 'East of Eden' like right and wrong, time, and family relationships.
Steinbeck blends external and internal landscapes, connecting human emotions with nature.
Steinbeck's writing is full of life, embracing compassion, tolerance, and the richness of existence.

"The Lottery": Background and Context

353 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23

📚 Literature Short Story Author

Shirley Jackson's short story 'The Lottery' catapulted her to literary fame in 1948.
Shirley Jackson is known as a mid-century master of psychological suspense.
The post about 'The Lottery' background and context is for paid subscribers.

The Count of Monte Cristo Chapters 71-76: Death and Marriage

294 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23

📚 Literature Classics

The post discusses chapters 71-76 of The Count of Monte Cristo focusing on death and marriage.
The author is impressed with the plotting skills of Dumas in the novel.
The post is only accessible to paid subscribers.

The Secrets of the Desert (Dune — Book Two, Chapters 7-12)

117 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24

📚 Literature Novel Analysis

The chapters discussed in this post focus on Paul, Jessica, and the Fremen in the desert.
The storyline reveals action-packed scenes, information about the sandworms, and the secretive practices of the Fremen.
The upcoming posts will summarize the end of Book Two and the beginning of Book Three.