The hottest Book Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Troubled is a National Bestseller—But Weirdly, Not a New York Times Bestseller

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4697 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews
  1. Making it to different bestseller lists can vary based on different criteria and sources, showing how subjective the process is.
  2. Bestseller lists reflect sales velocity for a week, not the overall success of a book. This can lead to various books making the lists based on short-term sales spikes.
  3. Elite opinions, including those of individuals who read a lot and care about bestseller status, can significantly influence public opinion, policies, and societal functioning.

Two-Parent Families Are More Important Than College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3920 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Family Dynamics Social Mobility Book Reviews Life experiences
  1. The focus on education as a sole solution for social mobility overlooks the importance of nurturing and support before age 18.
  2. It's crucial to gather data from communities directly rather than relying solely on self-proclaimed leaders to bridge gaps.
  3. Encouraging two-parent families is emphasized over college attainment, highlighting the significance of family structure.

Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class is Available Now!

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2632 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book release Book Reviews
  1. The author's book, 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' is now available, containing new material and insights on social class, upward mobility, and luxury beliefs.
  2. Support for the book is welcomed through social media posts, physical bookstore purchases, and leaving reviews on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads.
  3. The author also shares podcast appearances discussing the book and related topics, providing various links for listeners to access.
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Strange things

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Novel Authors Book Reviews
  1. The author rediscovered and reread her own novel, which had been set aside for years, reflecting on the transformative power of myth and fairy tales in her work.
  2. A new online fairy tale psychology training program will be offered at Pacifica Graduate Institute, focusing on narrative techniques for therapy and personal development.
  3. Recommendations for thought-provoking novels are shared, emphasizing the importance of being open to unsettling stories and the beauty of rich prose styles.

Interesting reads, March 2024 edition

Brain Pizza • 794 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Fiction Fantasy Psychology Book Reviews
  1. Maximising happiness is not the only goal in life, different societies value different aspects of well-being.
  2. Current thinking on happiness is evolving to include the concept of psychological richness as a facet of a fulfilling life.
  3. Exploring the idea of benign masochism reveals that some activities initially seen as unpleasant can bring joy and pleasure.

What’s So Great about ‘The Great Gatsby’?

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1650 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author analysis Literary Criticism Book Reviews American Literature
  1. The Great Gatsby is a widely celebrated American novel with enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
  2. F. Scott Fitzgerald's personal struggles and the novel's initial lukewarm reception contrast with its eventual rise to literary fame.
  3. The Great Gatsby explores themes of hope, anxiety, and the American Dream through its characters and social backdrop.

The Desk Digest, January 2024

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 1316 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Newsletter Food Writing Book Reviews Travel Photography
  1. The newsletter relaunch focuses on giving more time and space for essays and discussions about food nonfiction.
  2. The author aims to provide flexibility for subscribers to choose email frequency and plans to provide monthly updates on the newsletter's status.
  3. Recent content includes essays, book recommendations, and upcoming projects like a long-form book.

Choosing Consideration, Not Consumption

The Biblioracle Recommends • 1179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Authors Fiction Reading
  1. Arts criticism is becoming less important in our day-to-day lives due to algorithms taking over the role of critics.
  2. Criticism plays a role beyond just recommending what to buy; it offers unique perspectives and interpretations.
  3. Subscription platforms like Substack may offer hope for supporting sustainable work, but there are challenges in finding space and audience for new writers.

Late bloomers, Iliad, strategic romance, classic physics, Murdoch v Amis, Swift's grammar, opera boy, long sentences, Hayek/Mill/game theory

The Common Reader • 389 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Classics Biography Comedy
  1. Late bloomers can achieve great success, like the 43-year-old tennis champion Rohan Bopanna
  2. Different paths lead to success - Larry David's comedy career took off in his 20s and 30s
  3. The journey to success may involve struggles and challenges before finding one's true calling

Oxford Literary Festival, 4 Kinds of Luck, Orgasm Rates

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 94 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
📚 Literature Events Book Reviews
  1. Rob Henderson will be speaking at book events in London, Oxford, and at Yale, discussing his memoir 'Troubled' and engaging with the audience.
  2. Luck plays a significant role in entrepreneurship, with four different kinds of luck identified by Marc Andreessen.
  3. Orgasm rates for women vary depending on the relationship type, ranging from 11% in most recent hookups to 67% in relationships lasting 6+ months.

life is like an enormous pavlova

sweater weather • 4107 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Writing Book Reviews
  1. The author reflects on the release of their new book and shares personal insights about the writing process.
  2. The author talks about learning to disconnect their self-worth from how their work is perceived by others.
  3. The author describes a joyful celebration of their book release, overcoming past feelings of unworthiness and enjoying the moment.

The State of Men

Aaron Renn • 294 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fertility Family Book Reviews
  1. New book 'Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture' by Aaron M. Renn is getting positive feedback
  2. Fertility rates in the Nordics are declining despite gender equality and public subsidies for child rearing
  3. There is pushback on the glorification of polyamory as a lifestyle choice

⬜ Taste notes 2.11.24

One Thing • 197 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Food Book Reviews Fashion
  1. One Thing newsletter is experimenting with a new format and will publish main newsletters on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with other digest-like content on remaining days.
  2. The article about Nicholas Saunders sheds light on British hipster food culture and his influence on companies like Neal's Yard, offering an interesting perspective on the food scene.
  3. Lorde's interest in Snow Peak products showcases the crossover between pop culture and niche hiking gear, demonstrating that pop stars can draw attention to unique brands.

One-Paragraph Book Reviews

Bet On It • 1433 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews
  1. The New Russians by Hedrick Smith is a great piece of journalism and social science about the Soviet Union's collapse and the Russian population.
  2. Maoism: A Global History by Julia Lovell explores Maoist movements globally and their impact with a critical lens.
  3. Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society by Eric Posner and Glen Weyl presents interesting ideas but may not address significant real-world issues.

Your feedback

Asian Century Stocks • 314 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
💼 Business Investing Stocks Reports Book Reviews Feedback
  1. Subscribers prefer deep-dive reports and portfolio discussions over other content types.
  2. Among deep dives, stocks from Hong Kong, the US, Australia, and Japan are preferred over Southeast Asian stocks.
  3. Thematic reports on 'Hidden Champions' and other industry-related topics are well-received by readers.

Start the week #58

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Book Reviews Art Jazz
  1. The author had a close call with their cat Minty almost getting run over, revealing a story with humor and relief.
  2. The author is promoting a writing course and showcased an AI-generated press release that praised their literary imagination.
  3. The author is reimagining Macbeth for a modern audience, blending humor and nuance to explore the characters' dynamics.

Reading, Watching 03.03.24

Unpopular Front • 10 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Essays Book Reviews Podcasts Art Criticism
  1. The author shares updates on their upcoming book and recent podcast appearance, urging readers to pre-order the book or support independent bookstores.
  2. The author reflects on the work and characteristics of English essayist William Hazlitt, highlighting his views on the French Revolution and his influence on art criticism.
  3. The post is tailored for paid subscribers, providing them with exclusive content and inviting new subscribers to join for access to such insights.

Reviews for November 2023

Record Crash • 58 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews
  1. The Exorcist movie is better than expected, with competent horror.
  2. Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey is less tightly plotted but features creative sets.
  3. The Talos Principle II game has disappointing puzzles compared to the original and lacks plot depth.

An Amis Reader

The Ruffian • 245 implied HN points • 24 May 23
📚 Literature Author analysis Book Reviews Quotes
  1. Martin Amis's writing style has been both praised and criticized for its length, reliance on mechanical plot devices, and portrayal of women.
  2. Amis had a significant impact on the literary world with his attention to language and his influence on other writers like Zadie Smith and Jesse Armstrong.
  3. Despite criticisms and shifts in perceptions over the years, Amis was known for his memorable sentences, wit, and ability to provoke thought and laughter.

Book Review: “Thinking in Bets” by Annie Duke 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Decision-making Personal Growth
  1. Luck and randomness are significant factors in our lives and books that help in understanding this are valuable reads.
  2. Decisions should be separate from outcomes, and tools like backcasting and premortems can aid in making smarter choices.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of decisions in the short term, medium term, and long term through the 10-10-10 rule.

When Mainstream Success Trumps Scholarly Integrity: The Frustrating Case of Frank Dikötter

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 137 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture History Academic Book Reviews Historiography
  1. Frank Dikötter's works have faced lukewarm feedback from academic peers in Chinese history.
  2. Despite popular success, Dikötter's writing style tends to rely on shocking anecdotes rather than thorough analysis.
  3. Scholarly reviewers have criticized Dikötter for bias, lack of rigor, and ignoring contrary evidence.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Authors Novels Book Reviews
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto Bolaño offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

Arjun’s Newsletter • 3 HN points • 16 Aug 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Novel Analysis Literary Criticism Historical Fiction
  1. Graham Greene, the author of The Quiet American, led a fascinating life with experiences that influenced his writing.
  2. The novel accurately predicted the US invasion of Vietnam and explored complex themes of American involvement.
  3. Through its impartial portrayal of characters and themes, The Quiet American challenges readers to think critically about real-world complexities.

Of Human Bondage

Arjun’s Newsletter • 1 HN point • 30 Aug 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Novel Analysis
  1. Literature aims to bridge the gap between human experiences and emotions through storytelling.
  2. Successful writers create intimacy by making readers feel closely connected to the characters and emotions in the story.
  3. Of Human Bondage is praised for its ability to capture universal human emotions and experiences in a compelling narrative.