The hottest Book clubs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Faith & Spirituality Topics
The Common Reader β€’ 1098 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 25
  1. Reading should be fun! Enjoying what you read helps you do it more, so pick books you love.
  2. Different generations have unique perspectives on crises, as seen in Homer's Iliad, which teaches us about temperaments over time.
  3. It's important to share knowledge, like Geoffrey Hill's lectures, so more people can learn and grow together.
Between a Rock and a Card Place β€’ 5801 implied HN points β€’ 22 Oct 24
  1. Many people have books they find embarrassing to read or display. These can be titles that they enjoy but feel ashamed of for various reasons.
  2. The emotional reaction to certain books, like embarrassment, can reveal deeper feelings and interests of a person. It’s okay to enjoy books that might seem cheesy or awkward.
  3. Starting a book club focused on these 'embarrassing' reads can create a safe space for discussing and sharing those hidden interests, allowing people to connect over their unique reading experiences.
The Common Reader β€’ 2551 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 24
  1. The 2025 book club will explore many Shakespeare plays like 'Macbeth' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. Participants can share their thoughts in scheduled meetings.
  2. Reading Shakespeare can be fun and engaging, even for those doing it for the first time since school. His plays are exciting and have great characters.
  3. 2025 is also Jane Austen's 250th birthday, and there will be a special book club for her novels. Each session will discuss a different book, making it a great way to enjoy her stories.
The Common Reader β€’ 1382 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jan 25
  1. There will be zoom meetings for Jane Austen book discussions on Sundays at 7 PM UK time.
  2. The meetings will cover one book at a time, starting with 'Pride and Prejudice' on February 16 and ending with 'Persuasion' on December 7.
  3. Participants will receive the zoom link a day before each meeting to join the discussion.
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Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 52 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 25
  1. The story 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' has a powerful ending that raises many thoughts and feelings. It's a perfect example of how storytelling can deeply impact us.
  2. As you read stories, pay attention to what captures your interest or confuses you. These moments can lead to deeper understanding and help improve your own writing.
  3. Discussing stories in a group can enhance your experience. Sharing questions and thoughts can lead to exciting discoveries and insights into the text.
The Common Reader β€’ 531 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
  1. You can get a 25% discount on a subscription to The Common Reader for a limited time. This is a great chance to access quality literary content.
  2. The platform focuses on understanding classic literature and helps readers deepen their knowledge. Subscribers can participate in discussions about works like Shakespeare's plays.
  3. The paid subscription also offers access to a rich archive of essays and writings about famous literary works, encouraging readers to explore important literature while they can.
Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 35 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 25
  1. The reading assignment focuses on Sections II and III of 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich.', which should help everyone dive deep into the story.
  2. Taking the time to read slowly allows for a more thoughtful understanding of the themes.
  3. There will be a special post mid-week to discuss and respond to comments from the last meeting.
The Common Reader β€’ 106 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 24
  1. There will be a Poetry Book Club meeting on Sunday, December 8th at 7 p.m. UK time. Everyone interested is invited to join the discussion.
  2. The focus of the meeting will be on Seventeenth Century Poetry. Participants can prepare by reading recommended materials.
  3. Attendees are encouraged to share their questions or topics for discussion in the comments before the meeting.
Mind & Mythos β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 23
  1. Essay Club offers a relaxed way to engage with essays instead of long books. You can read short essays and still discuss deep ideas with others.
  2. The club meets every two weeks, and you can suggest and vote on new essays to read. Everyone can join the discussion by sharing their thoughts online.
  3. The first essay for the club is George Orwell's 'Why I Write.' It's a good start for anyone who enjoys exploring interesting topics.
The Fairest Writer β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 20
  1. Writing in groups can really boost your motivation. When you share your writing goals with others, it helps keep you accountable.
  2. Participating in a writing group can lead to real success. Many people have found book deals because of the support and inspiration they got from their peers.
  3. Teaching and sharing ideas with others can enhance your own understanding. By helping others, you also reinforce your own knowledge and spark new ideas.