The hottest Book Reviews Substack posts right now

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New(ish) Books

Castalia • 299 implied HN points • 04 May 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Author analysis Cultural Commentary Historical context
  1. Yanis Varoufakis argues that capitalism is fading and being replaced by a new system called 'technofeudalism,' where tech companies control online spaces and extract rent from users.
  2. Henry Wallace was a progressive political figure in the US, who came close to the presidency but was overshadowed by Truman. His ideals could have led America in a different direction after World War II.
  3. The analysis of Wallace's potential presidency raises questions about whether the US could have taken a more progressive path in its foreign and domestic policies.

5 Great Books from 2024

Data People Etc. • 35 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Reading
  1. Reading a mix of books can provide new ideas and insights, making it enjoyable to explore different genres and styles.
  2. Some books can be very challenging or not as enjoyable, but it's important to keep trying new things and learn from those experiences.
  3. Books like 'Endurance' show the strength of the human spirit and remind us of the importance of persistence, even in tough situations.

The Boy With the Strange Eyes

cruiseandpaul • 40 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Fantasy Cultural Book Reviews
  1. The book 'The Boy With the Strange Eyes' is a fantasy story that focuses on themes like resilience and self-discovery. It shows how the main character, Kuni, navigates his challenges after losing his family.
  2. It features rich Japanese cultural elements, creating a vivid and engaging world. The writing style helps readers feel like they are truly part of the story.
  3. At the end of each passage, there are thoughtful questions that encourage readers to reflect and engage more deeply with the story. This makes the reading experience richer and more interactive.

Notes on Reading: Who Gets What and Why (Part 1)

Nonsense on Stilts • 79 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🚌 Education Economics Markets Decision-making Behavioral Science Book Reviews
  1. Matching markets are about people choosing each other rather than just buying and selling. This can include markets for jobs, schools, and even dating.
  2. In these markets, people's choices depend on each other's preferences, which can lead to complex situations. For example, if one person wants to team up with another, their choice might rely on who that second person prefers.
  3. People often lie about their preferences in matching markets to seem more appealing. This can lead to a situation where no one believes what others say, but it's a common behavior to improve chances of getting good matches.
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DeFi Education's Holiday Book List 2023

DeFi Education • 739 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
💰 Finance Investing Book Reviews Market Analysis Economic Theory Personal Finance
  1. The holiday season is a great time for reading, and the recommended books cater to different interests for personal growth.
  2. Books like 'The Alchemy of Finance' and 'Undermoney' offer unique insights into finance and investing, influenced by real experiences and theories.
  3. Many of the books are available for free online, making it easy for anyone to dive into these enriching materials.

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.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Publishing Cultural critique
  1. Labatut's book 'The MANIAC' explores the dangerous implications of artificial intelligence and how certain brilliant figures, like John von Neumann, led to a shift in human consciousness towards a more logic-driven existence.
  2. Nocera and McLean's 'The Big Fail' argues that the pandemic revealed serious flaws in America's systems, especially in public health, and critiques the profit-driven mindset that worsened the crisis.
  3. The authors emphasize the importance of trust in government and public health responses during the pandemic, highlighting that a lack of open dialogue and transparency led to deep societal divisions.

My Annual Impossible Question For You

Story Club with George Saunders • 63 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Authors Book Reviews Literary Analysis
  1. It's important to think about big questions that seem impossible to answer. They can help us reflect on what really matters to us.
  2. Sharing our thoughts and ideas with others can create meaningful conversations. Talking about difficult topics can bring people closer together.
  3. Being open to different perspectives can enrich our understanding of the world. It's good to listen and learn from others' experiences.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Cultural critique Historical context Political Analysis Personal narratives
  1. Rashid Khalidi's book highlights the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people, presenting their history as a long struggle against colonialism and displacement. It's important to understand the deep historical roots of the conflict to grasp the current situation.
  2. Nathan Thrall's book depicts everyday life in Palestine, showcasing the struggles and frustrations faced by ordinary people. It focuses less on direct violence and more on the daily humiliations and systemic issues that affect Palestinian life.
  3. Both books encourage readers to look beyond simple narratives and consider the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Engaging with these stories helps build a broader perspective on the suffering and aspirations of both peoples.

Nathan Yau's friendly voice

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 99 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization Infographics Statistics Graphic design Book Reviews
  1. Nathan Yau is known for making data visualization fun and approachable, both in his blog and his book, 'Visualize This'.
  2. The second edition of 'Visualize This' offers updated examples and tools, making it more cohesive than the first edition.
  3. Reading Yau's work feels like getting hands-on help from an experienced designer, which makes learning enjoyable.

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

What I read in 2024

Get Down and Shruti • 12 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading Lists Book Reviews Classic literature Poetry Identity
  1. Classics remain timeless. It's often the older books, like George Orwell's and Orhan Pamuk's works, that resonate deeply and teach us about human struggle and society.
  2. Trade and economics books can provide clarity on complex issues. Understanding the history of trade policies helps us navigate present challenges in global economics.
  3. Identity and culture shape our perspectives. Exploring themes of identity through various lenses, like literature and history, enhances our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Trust the Critic?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Criticism Publishing Fiction Cultural Commentary
  1. There is less honest criticism of books because many critics are now freelancers and also writers. This makes them less likely to be negative about new books that could affect their own careers.
  2. Critics used to challenge well-known authors more freely and offer varied opinions, but now they often just give praise without saying what's really bad about a book. This makes it hard for readers to know which novels are really worth their time.
  3. New platforms like Substack are giving space to honest voices in criticism. This shift could bring back more genuine discussions about literature instead of the bland, safe reviews we often see now.

⬜ 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.

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

A dozen summer reads

Austin Kleon • 1258 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Culture Author insights Personal Reflection
  1. Reading can feel like a guilty pleasure, especially when it takes you away from work. It's nice to enjoy those moments of diving into a good book during the day.
  2. Summer is a great time for reading because there's less guilt about taking a break. The hot weather makes it easier to relax with a book while others are on vacation.
  3. Every book you read contributes to your personal story. The books shape who you are and reflect your interests and experiences.

Books I Read in 2024

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Reading habits Personal Reflection
  1. Reading has become more challenging due to distractions and life's demands, especially with young kids around. It’s hard to find time and focus to get lost in a book.
  2. Returning to old favorite books can reignite the joy of reading, as familiar stories often bring comfort and engagement. Some classics can really pull you in, no matter how many times you've read them.
  3. It's important to prioritize reading only good books. If a book isn’t engaging or enjoyable, it’s okay to put it down and move on to something better.

Secret murders and cackling poets

Message from the Underworld • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Science fiction Book Reviews Personal updates
  1. Many Latin American authors are producing dark and compelling stories, blending crime, horror, and social commentary.
  2. Media landscape changes are impacting arts coverage, leading to less focus on books and music in the future.
  3. Benjamín Labatut's book 'The MANIAC' challenges traditional storytelling with a unique, non-linear approach.

The New York Century

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Book launch Book Reviews
  1. The book _Glass Century_ is set to come out on May 6, 2025, and it tells a story about love and family from the 1970s to the pandemic.
  2. Pre-ordering the book is really important because it helps determine how many copies stores will order and how much attention the book gets.
  3. The author is planning book launch events and is open to traveling for readings in different cities if there’s interest.

"A Theory of Everyone" by Michael Muthukrishna

Optimally Irrational • 33 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Science Social Science Behavioral Science Anthropology
  1. Muthukrishna's book looks at human behavior and society through four key ideas: energy, innovation, cooperation, and evolution. These ideas help explain how life and societies develop over time.
  2. The author connects concepts from physics and social sciences, showing how energy sources have influenced human progress and how cooperation among people has been crucial for success.
  3. The book also offers insights into today's social issues, suggesting ways to improve democracy and education, while pushing for more cooperation and innovation to tackle challenges like inequality and political division.

A dozen books worth reading

Austin Kleon • 1398 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Lists Author interviews Creative Writing
  1. The book club read a variety of 12 engaging books that encouraged thoughtful discussions. It was great for readers to explore different perspectives and genres together.
  2. Some books, like 'How To Do Nothing' and 'Four Thousand Weeks', resonated deeply with readers, sparking interest in bigger themes like time and attention.
  3. The author plans to focus more on writing and sharing book recommendations and author interviews in future newsletters, keeping the conversation about reading alive.

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.

Booksbooksbooks 12/24

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Authors Genres
  1. Different books can have very mixed reviews. Some might have a few great stories while others are less enjoyable.
  2. Authors like Stephen King and Adrian Tchaikovsky often explore deep themes in their works, blending genres like science fiction and horror.
  3. Books about philosophy and climate change offer unique insights and perspectives on society's challenges, encouraging readers to think critically about our world today.

Start the week #87

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Publication Book Reviews Literary Analysis Cultural Commentary
  1. Choosing the right holiday card can be tricky since different people celebrate different holidays, but a neutral card can be a good choice.
  2. Many people dislike the cheesy Christmas music played in stores, and can even find joy in playing the classic carols themselves.
  3. It's important to take breaks during the holiday season and focus on both family and traditions, while also wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year.

Six Years!

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Publishing Authors Literary Trends Book Reviews
  1. The newsletter is celebrating six years of sharing content and engaging with readers. It's a big milestone that shows dedication and growth.
  2. Subscriber numbers are growing, but the number of paid subscribers has not changed much recently. This highlights a common challenge in converting free readers to paid ones.
  3. The anniversary post invites readers to suggest topics for future articles. This shows a commitment to community involvement and addressing reader interests.

Book out Book in

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Memoir History Politics Criticism Book Reviews
  1. _A Pearl in the Storm_ is a powerful memoir about resilience and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of inner strength during tough times.
  2. In _The Best and the Brightest_, Halberstam explains how fear of being labeled soft on communism influenced American decisions in the Vietnam War.
  3. Halberstam enjoyed the process of researching and interviewing for his book, finding it to be a fulfilling intellectual journey.

Books I Enjoyed This Year

The Analog Family • 139 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Book Reviews Reading Lists Author studies
  1. Books like 'Tom Lake' and 'Lessons in Chemistry' offer deep family stories and relatable characters. They remind us about the importance of family bonds and overcoming challenges.
  2. 'How to Think' sheds light on how people think and interact with others. It shows that thinking independently is tough because we are influenced by those around us.
  3. Sarah Ruhl's 'Smile' is a powerful memoir that explores personal struggles and resilience. It shows how one's journey can inspire others and highlight the complexity of life.

Three Things: Week 44.23

The Analog Family • 179 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Author insights Writing Tips
  1. Crime novels can be fascinating and well-written, as they involve detailed plots and character development. The author suggests that even those who don't usually enjoy dark themes might find them appealing.
  2. John Steinbeck cleverly used reverse psychology to encourage his kids to read by locking books away and making them feel curious about what was inside. This approach shows how sometimes making things off-limits can spark interest.
  3. Feeling lost after losing a job can be tough, but it's also a time to explore what you want for your future. Focusing on what you can control and keeping positive thoughts can help navigate through aimlessness.

10 good books I read this winter

Austin Kleon • 859 implied HN points • 25 Mar 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Reading Lists Author interviews Cultural Commentary
  1. Reading can be a fun adventure. Picking books based on your mood is a great way to enjoy them more.
  2. Exploring different topics, like biking, can provide useful and enjoyable insights. It's refreshing to dive into subjects that excite you.
  3. Talking about tough subjects, like death, is important. It helps us understand and cope with our feelings better.

Turmoil and Hope

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Writing Authors Reading
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.

Book Review: On The Edge, Nate Silver

Matt’s Five Points • 8 HN points • 02 Aug 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Authors Literary Analysis Society Cultural Commentary
  1. Nate Silver's new book talks about people who think differently about risk. Some see it as something to avoid, while others embrace it and try to win big, especially in areas like gambling and tech.
  2. The book highlights two groups: the 'Riverians,' who love taking risks and making calculated bets, and the 'Villagers,' who prefer safe choices and stability. These different mindsets clash in various fields like politics and business.
  3. Silver also raises concerns about how risk-taking can lead to serious problems, especially with things like AI development. He asks if focusing too much on maximizing expected value might overlook important human issues.

Six Books I Recommend 2023

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Book Reviews Poetry Storytelling
  1. The author shares six book recommendations for 2023, focusing on natural history and storytelling. These books inspire him, and he appreciates how they explore language.
  2. The author encourages readers to also share their favorite books, emphasizing the joy of discussing literature.
  3. This message is intended for paid subscribers, creating a sense of community and connection among them during the holiday season.

2024 in Books

GOOD INTERNET • 6 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction Reading Lists
  1. Reading can be diverse, with many genres to explore. This year, many people enjoyed a mix of fiction and nonfiction books.
  2. Some books stand out as favorites for their unique themes or storytelling styles. Classics like 'Frankenstein' and 'Moby Dick' continue to impress readers.
  3. Book reviews can vary significantly, from praising a book as a must-read to critiquing it as boring or poorly constructed. It's important to find what resonates with your tastes.