The hottest Author Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Diary: Atul Gawande, On Oliver Sacks

Book Post • 294 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Atul Gawande was inspired by Oliver Sacks for his inquisitiveness and ability to capture both medical and human sides of illness.
  2. Oliver Sacks emphasized the importance of understanding the human experience beyond just medical knowledge.
  3. Sacks viewed patients not as collections of deficits, but as unique individuals with their own stories and struggles.

Review: Cynthia Zarin on Alan Garner

Book Post • 176 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. The post is a review by Cynthia Zarin on Alan Garner's novel 'Treacle Walker'.
  2. The novel starts with a young boy named Joseph Coppock hearing a commotion outside his house.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives with a 7-day free trial.

Incident at the Charging Station

Message from the Underworld • 294 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. The author traveled from New York to San Diego, highlighting various locations visited on the trip.
  2. The author discussed a work-for-hire project nearing completion and a new Das Damen reissue.
  3. The short story, 'Incident at the Charging Station,' explores themes of violence, gentrification, and drug addiction around an electric vehicle charging station.

My Àntonia: Book I, Chapters 8–19

Book Post • 137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. Willa Cather's work in My Ántonia emphasizes the value of early memories and wisdom, reflecting on important aspects of life.
  2. The novel portrays growing intimacy between Jim and Ántonia, highlighting elements of adventure and struggles, and delves into deeper themes of survival and hardship.
  3. Cather's embrace of naturalism in the novel, inspired by Darwin's struggle for survival, shapes the narrative and intertwines with themes of human nature and societal dynamics.

‘A good novel is like a holiday for the brain’

NN Journal • 159 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. A good novel can provide a mental escape, like a holiday for the brain.
  2. Success in writing often involves perseverance and seizing unexpected opportunities, as seen in author N V Peacock's journey.
  3. Collaborating with a writing community and mentors can be invaluable for aspiring writers to develop skills and navigate the publishing industry.
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Middlemarch: Finale

Book Post • 275 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. A great reading experience can deeply impact our understanding of decisions, love, and work.
  2. Endings in books are crucial and can leave a lasting impression on readers.
  3. Middlemarch explores complex themes like love, marriage, mistakes, and personal growth through its characters' experiences.

Six Days of the Condor

The Hunt for Tom Clancy • 255 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. The novel Six Days of the Condor was written by a young prodigy named James Grady.
  2. Grady's writing in the novel showcases his knowledge of Capitol Hill and the government culture in the 1970s.
  3. The story follows a CIA department in the aftermath of Nixon's resignation and the Vietnam War, highlighting the protagonist's unique path into the agency.

Book discussion

Buggy Humans in a Messy World • 235 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Pulak discusses his book on evolution & investing in his first public appearance in two decades.
  2. Learn that Pulak exists as a public figure and hear directly from him on topics covered in the book.
  3. Listening to the audio interview is recommended over reading the transcript.

Video of My Talk and Q&A on Japan Zoominar

Japan Economy Watch • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌐 International Author
  1. Richard Katz participated in a lively dialogue about his new book on Japan's economic future during the Japan Zoominar.
  2. Questions from the audience were diverse and engaging, sparking interesting discussions.
  3. Katz will provide answers to more audience questions in a future post and will speak at the Tokyo campus of Temple University on Feb. 8th.

November bookclub reveal – and it's a smasher!

The Shift With Sam Baker • 159 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. The November bookclub selection is 'Went to London, Took the Dog' by Nina Stibbe, known for her bestselling memoir 'Love, Nina' set in 80s literary London.
  2. The book is praised for its wit, likened to the humor of Adrian Mole creator Sue Townsend, and adapted for screen by Nick Hornby, starring Helena Bonham Carter.
  3. Nina Stibbe has written six books since 'Love, Nina,' and this new selection promises to be a worthy successor to her acclaimed work.

Honest Writing

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 607 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. Writing can be perceived as permanent and irrevocable, creating a pressure for perfection.
  2. Writers may explore different perspectives and sensibilities, not necessarily aligning with their current beliefs.
  3. Literary writing allows room for ambiguity, partial truths, and playfulness, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

Sam, I Am

Ladyparts • 299 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Allegra Goodman's journey from a young writer to a published author can inspire others to pursue their own creative dreams.
  2. Reading the works of successful authors like Goodman can ignite courage and determination in aspiring writers.
  3. Goodman's novel 'Sam' explores the struggles and transitions from girlhood to womanhood with depth and beauty.

It's Never Too Late to Write That Novel

Ladyparts • 319 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
📚 Literature Author
  1. It's never too late to pursue your passion, like writing a novel, even if it takes decades to achieve.
  2. Lisa Williamson Rosenberg started crafting stories in childhood and eventually secured a book deal after many years.
  3. Inspiration can strike at any age, and persistence can lead to fulfilling creative achievements.

Audio version of Reality is Breaking

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📚 Literature Author
  1. An audio version is provided to make the piece accessible to blind readers and to serve people who prefer listening.
  2. Reading is recommended because some paragraphs need time to digest and reading lets you pause and follow your own pace, while audio forces the narrator's timing.
  3. Subscribers are thanked and invited to consider switching to a paid subscription, and there's a brief personal note about having a bad cold.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live with Anna Funder

The Shift With Sam Baker • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Author
  1. The Shift Bookclub discussed topics like misogyny, domestic labor, and erasure of women in history during a live session with author Anna Funder.
  2. Anna Funder highlighted the importance of acknowledging the artists' true selves in relation to 'can you love the art but hate the artist' debate.
  3. The conversation touched upon the significance of recognizing the roles of women in history like Eileen O'Shaughnessy, Orwell's wife.

Mouth to Mouth

Eliot Peper • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Eliot Peper has a new novel coming out called 'Foundry' on October 11th.
  2. AI will increase the value of in-person human connections due to the rise of machine-generated content online.
  3. People often share things that make them look good, leading to the misconception that everyone is always doing well. Remembering that everyone faces challenges can help reduce anxiety.

Writing Topical Satire Quickly

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Writing topical satire quickly involves reacting to timely headlines and translating them into jokes efficiently.
  2. Teaching topical satire allows for therapeutic exploration of real-world issues through humor and camaraderie.
  3. Efficiently turning around satire pieces involves quick brainstorming, drawing from familiar topics, and utilizing available templates.

Sleeping Giants

Eliot Peper • 98 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Author Eliot Peper discusses the success and origin of his novel 'Bandwidth'.
  2. The importance of challenging oneself creatively in writing novel sequels.
  3. Creating new and positive solutions rather than opposing existing ones.

Simenon-on-Sea

Mister Slang • 98 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Georges Simenon was a prolific and internationally renowned author with a vast body of work that includes detective novels and 'romans durs.'
  2. The sea and coastal towns played a significant role in Simenon's fiction, providing atmospheric backdrops for his plots and reflecting his personal experiences and interests.
  3. Simenon's writings often explore themes of human nature, criminality, and escapism, where the sea symbolizes freedom, danger, and the complexities of life.

Behind the Book Review

Study Marry Kill • 98 implied HN points • 22 May 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. The author reviewed a book about Jackie Kennedy and considered if their expertise influenced their critique.
  2. The review was mostly positive but ended with a critical note on how the book could have been better.
  3. The author appreciates support, whether through paid subscriptions or leaving book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

One rule for good writing

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Writing is Darwinian not Newtonian - language changes as you use it.
  2. Good writing meets its purpose or the requirements of its medium.
  3. Ignore strict style rules and focus on adapting your writing based on circumstances.

Every Love Story is a Ghost Story

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. David Foster Wallace was a highly influential writer known for his complex personal struggles and literary achievements.
  2. The biography 'Every Love Story is a Ghost Story' by D. T. Max offers a comprehensive look at Wallace's life, connecting personal experiences to his unique writing style and themes.
  3. Despite some shortcomings, the biography provides valuable insights into Wallace's deep honesty, his exploration of contemporary issues, and his literary legacy.

Thomas Hardy, Genius

Autoscriptorium • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Poetry involves sound and requires a voice. Thomas Hardy believed in conveying meaningful messages through poetry, not just elegant words.
  2. Thomas Hardy, a talented architect turned poet, had a diverse range of influences and taught himself various languages. He was known for his unique style inspired by folk music and rhythm.
  3. Hardy's poem 'The Voice' beautifully conveys deep emotions and longing through its poetic language and structure. Each line reveals layers of complexity and evokes strong emotions.

EXTRACTS: Starbuck Doubleshot

All Visible Objects • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. The name Starbuck may have origins related to water, with various theories suggesting connections to rivers and streams, and it doesn't sound like the typical Seattle name.
  2. Names are significant in Moby-Dick, such as Ishmael and Ahab, providing layers of meaning and context, like Quakerism's origins on Nantucket from the Starbuck family.
  3. Melville's choice of naming a character Starbuck in Moby-Dick, among other notable whaling families, could have been intentionally critical, potentially influenced by a contemporary author's success.

Elizabeth Bishop, an Eye

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Elizabeth Bishop was a genius American poet known for her attention to detail and devotion to her craft.
  2. Bishop's work often reflects her outward focus and meticulous observation of the world around her, without delving much into personal details.
  3. In her poem 'The Fish,' Bishop showcases her rhythmic precision, imagery doubling, and symbolic references like the rainbow and the fish as a Christ symbol.

Y'all Ain't Gonna Believe This...

The Experiment • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Author
  1. The post discusses the story of a fascinating case where a client shot her husband's testicle and the surprising legal outcome.
  2. McCracken Poston Jr. is highlighted as an exceptional storyteller, with a talent for captivating narratives.
  3. The post shares insights into Poston's life and experiences, showcasing his skills as a lawyer and the journey of writing his book.

George Orwell v Frank Richards

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Orwell analyzed 'Boys' Weeklies' and criticized them for conservative bias
  2. Frank Richards defended his work, emphasizing the importance of providing a secure and happy world for boys
  3. There was a mistaken assumption by Orwell regarding the multiple authors behind 'Frank Richards'

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

The Reactionary • 145 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Art can bring solace and meaning to both creators and audiences.
  2. Personal tragedies and despair can inspire profound and enduring works of art.
  3. The famous Christmas song 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' was born out of a poignant moment during the Civil War and personal hardships faced by the poet.

Phantomic Rabbits

The Lifeboat • 103 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. The novelist Yakov Yasninsky prefers to keep a mysterious persona.
  2. Yakov wrote his book 'Phantomic Rabbits' by hand, with one thousand pages
  3. The podcast interview reveals an unexpected twist when Yakov reveals he is actually a rabbit.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 86 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author
  1. The dilemma of balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities is common and challenging.
  2. Sometimes being a responsible parent may mean pursuing one's artistic ambitions.
  3. It's important to consider how fulfilling personal goals can positively impact family life.

American Made: Or, What I'm working On

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
📚 Literature Author
  1. AI is becoming a big topic in the publishing world, and it's important to understand its impact on writing and authorship.
  2. Many people have different opinions about how AI should be used in publishing, making it a complicated issue.
  3. Staying informed and discussing these issues can help authors navigate the changing landscape of publishing.

Holy Books

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 123 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Appreciate wisdom in various forms, whether from religious texts like Psalms and Proverbs or from writers like Jim Harrison.
  2. Seek inspiration from those who share your passions and values, like how Harrison connected with elements of nature, writing, and indulgence.
  3. Embrace balance and truth, even in indulgence, as advocated by Harrison's views on drinking and facing life's challenges with humility.

Telling stories to tell stories

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 22
📚 Literature Author
  1. Manuel Puig's book _El beso de la mujer ara\u00f1a_ is worth reading as it showcases his talent as an Argentine writer.
  2. Puig's work is critically acclaimed and also appeals to a wide audience, blending influences from cinema with his literature.
  3. Puig's background in film plays a significant role in his writing, particularly evident in _El beso de la mujer ara\u00f1a_.

An Interview with an Author, Journal Founder, & Former Publisher: Garret Francis

Barbarian Grunge • 56 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Author
  1. Garrett Francis begins his writing process with images that inspire him, building ideas and timelines before beginning to write.
  2. He approaches both novels and short stories in a similar way, focusing on developing characters and ideas based on images that come to mind.
  3. He aims for stories to have an overarching purpose or point, while also providing readers with multiple layers to engage with.