The hottest Author Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

Diary: Atul Gawande, On Oliver Sacks

Book Post • 294 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
📚 Literature Author Books Review Writing Medical
  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.

Incident at the Charging Station

Message from the Underworld • 294 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Story Writing Author Publication Crime
  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.
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Middlemarch: Finale

Book Post • 275 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Novel Characters Themes Plot 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.

November bookclub reveal – and it's a smasher!

The Shift With Sam Baker • 159 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Book Club 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.

Science Fiction Review: Steelstorm

Aristophanes Athenaeum • 452 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
📚 Literature Science fiction Book review Author Writing Style Imagery
  1. Steelstorm is a speculative science fiction story with multiple timelines, including a Cold War setting and a dystopian future.
  2. The author successfully switches between different perspectives, like a psychopathic character and a soldier, keeping the story coherent.
  3. The book is short but written with unique prose that captures grand imagery and deep themes, making it a satisfying read.

EXTRACTS: Starbuck Doubleshot

All Visible Objects • 39 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author Character analysis Book analysis
  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.

Six Days of the Condor

The Hunt for Tom Clancy • 255 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Novel Author Book review Plot
  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.

Writing Topical Satire Quickly

Shades of Greaves • 117 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
📚 Literature Satire Writing Workshop Author Book
  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.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live with Anna Funder

The Shift With Sam Baker • 119 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Books Feminism Author Discussion
  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.

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

The Experiment • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Author Book Writing Visual Arts Literature
  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.

Mouth to Mouth

Eliot Peper • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
📚 Literature Thriller Author Future Sci-fi
  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.

Holy Books

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 123 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Author Poetry Interviews Writing Books
  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.

Simenon-on-Sea

Mister Slang • 98 implied HN points • 31 May 23
📚 Literature Mystery Fiction Author Crime Novels
  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.

Thomas Hardy, Genius

Autoscriptorium • 99 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Themes Biography Style
  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.

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.

expat in Paris | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 63 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Author Book review Themes Writing Style
  1. Discovering new authors in unexpected places, like bookstores, can lead to transformative reading experiences.
  2. James Baldwin's work in 'Giovanni's Room' delves into themes of love, despair, and societal expectations, providing a deep and impactful exploration of the human condition.
  3. Baldwin's writing style combines poetry, sharp observations, and social commentary to create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers across generations.

Elizabeth Bishop, an Eye

Autoscriptorium • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Author Analysis Symbolism
  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.

Review of Fantasy: Realms of Imagination

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Fantasy Literature Book Author
  1. Exhibitions can offer surprising insights, like broadening one's view of fantasy beyond traditional perceptions.
  2. Fantasy literature includes diverse genres like epics, quests, fairy tales, and more, showcasing a rich tapestry of storytelling.
  3. The exhibition 'Fantasy: Realms of Imagination' is described as sumptuous, featuring film excerpts, beautiful books, and interactive elements.

My climate fiction reading list for 2024

storyvoyager • 9 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
📚 Literature Climate Fiction Reading List Book recommendations Author
  1. The importance of aiming to hold global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and the urgent need for global action to achieve this goal.
  2. The impact of climate change on younger generations' mental health and the importance of taking action to address climate anxiety.
  3. The value of reading and educating oneself about climate change to inspire hope and contribute to a better future for the planet.

Reading Guide: The Bell Jar

salondao • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📚 Literature Analysis Author Book review Writing Style
  1. The author discusses the impact of reading classic novels in nurturing the mind and body.
  2. Plath's 'The Bell Jar' is praised for its deep exploration of personal trauma, mental illness, and treatment.
  3. The novel sheds light on historical perspectives of medical institutions and prompts questions about modern therapies.