The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
Regress Studies 275 implied HN points 28 Apr 23
  1. We naturally communicate fluently when speaking, which can help overcome struggles in writing.
  2. Writing offers unique affordances that encourage complex meanings and enhance privacy compared to speech.
  3. Hyper-awareness of written words can lead to writing difficulties, but leveraging speaking as a drafting tool can be beneficial.
The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie 678 implied HN points 30 Jul 22
  1. The author reflects on revisiting past places, realizing how much she's changed but also how old selves still linger within her.
  2. The monthly newsletter discusses upcoming projects like 'Hagitude' and 'The Rooted Woman Oracle', and offers a chance to win a signed copy of 'Hagitude'.
  3. The author shares personal experiences and insights on growth, learning, and the impact of different places on one's sense of self.
Austin Kleon 759 implied HN points 15 Nov 22
  1. Finding old clippings in books can be a fun surprise. It shows how books can hold memories from different times.
  2. Storing clippings in books makes them special little time capsules. Each time you open the book, you can discover something new inside.
  3. Preserving these memories in books adds a touch of joy. It's like giving your future self a little gift whenever you read.
The Jolly Contrarian 39 implied HN points 05 Jun 24
  1. Jane Jacobs challenged 1960s urban planning policies that sought to reorganize communities from the top-down, advocating for a bottom-up approach that respects local knowledge and decision-making.
  2. Jacobs' observations highlighted the importance of streets over buildings, the negative impact of planned parks, the value of mixed-use spaces, and the benefits of incorporating diversity in communities to promote vitality.
  3. She emphasized that the richness and adaptability of a community depend on real diversity, which may conflict with the drive for efficiency and homogenization in modern management and city planning.
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The Fairest Writer 19 implied HN points 16 Jul 24
  1. There are exciting lectures and workshops happening in Chicago related to art and writing. These events focus on practical skills like embracing failure in creative work.
  2. Summer reading can be slow, but there are some standout books to explore. Titles like 'Housemates' and 'Tehrangeles' offer unique perspectives on art and culture.
  3. 'Refuse to Be Done' is a helpful resource for writers. It encourages persistence and improvement, showing that good writing often comes from the willingness to keep working.
Signal Fire 255 implied HN points 07 Apr 23
  1. There are 7 idioms lost to the English language that could make a comeback.
  2. The book adaptation 'The Power' on Amazon Prime is worth watching for its empowering content.
  3. 9 easy life tips can make a big difference in making life a little easier.
Value Investing World 255 implied HN points 14 Sep 23
  1. For value investors, price declines can mean more attractive pricing due to higher yields.
  2. High turnover portfolios can have costs due to bid-ask spreads.
  3. Spinoffs have underperformed but can still be profitable.
Restoring Truth 255 implied HN points 01 Mar 23
  1. Legacy of a thinking man lives on through books and habits
  2. Father's unique reading and writing routine enriched author's education
  3. Importance of family influence and mentorship in shaping worldview and career
The Shift With Sam Baker 99 implied HN points 07 Mar 24
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured author Jennie Godfrey discussing her bestselling debut, The List of Suspicious Things.
  2. The conversation covered topics like growing up in the 1970s, father's music preferences, and societal impact of events like the Yorkshire Ripper case.
  3. The event highlighted a sense of community with recurring and new participants, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere.
Unreported Truths 28 implied HN points 09 Dec 25
  1. A prominent political reporter crossed clear ethical lines by having intimate relationships with people she covered, betraying colleagues and sources and harming private individuals.
  2. Her memoir avoids real accountability, leans on celebrity name‑dropping and insider gossip, and comes off as self‑pitying rather than reflective.
  3. The fallout — weak sales, damaged reputation, and job loss — shows how personal misconduct and elite media culture can sink careers and erode trust in journalism.
Meaningness 79 implied HN points 31 Mar 24
  1. Opinions about AI future are often based on feelings rather than evidence or rational reasoning.
  2. Predicting AI future using Bayesian probability can be unreliable due to the initial framing of the problem and personal biases.
  3. Understanding the risks and opportunities of AI requires acknowledging uncertainty and taking pragmatic measures while considering the impact on culture and society.
Embedded 117 implied HN points 11 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses 'Hot Guy Books' and GPT Admissions, sharing a roundup of articles, links and thoughts from the internet.
  2. There are featured stories like 'Are creators the future of media?' and 'The TikTokification of ASMR'.
  3. The post includes exclusive content for paid subscribers and promotes subscriptions for full access.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 908 implied HN points 24 Feb 24
  1. Eli Lake reviews Kanye West's album, acknowledging Kanye's controversial behavior but praising his musical talent.
  2. Kat Rosenfield discusses the idea of using books as props for image and the divide between actual readers and those who pose with books.
  3. Evan Gardner explores Beyoncé's foray into country music, highlighting her diverse musical influences and questioning the genre boundaries in music.
The Chip Letter 1747 implied HN points 19 Mar 23
  1. The post discusses a book called 'Culture Won' by Keith Clarke, which details the success of Arm from a startup to a global technology phenomenon.
  2. The book offers insight into the business culture that contributed to Arm's success, making it a recommended read for those interested in startups and business culture.
  3. The post also includes links to interviews with ARM founders, executives, engineers, and a bonus clip featuring Steve Jobs on the Newton for paying subscribers.
Everything Is Amazing 1194 implied HN points 17 Oct 23
  1. Reading can be a way to find solace in difficult times and rediscover empathy and kindness.
  2. Struggling with reading can happen due to life circumstances, but it is possible to regain the ability over time.
  3. Consider investing time and effort into re-learning activities that are important to you, even if it feels self-indulgent at first.
Value Investing World 117 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. Value investing means buying something for less than it's worth.
  2. Anti-value is viewed as the opposite of value, not growth.
  3. Have systems, culture, and loyalty to enable compounding.
The Shift With Sam Baker 239 implied HN points 11 Aug 23
  1. Edinburgh festival season is here, featuring an interview with author Maggie O'Farrell at Fringe By The Sea about 'The Marriage Portrait'.
  2. An article discusses how newsletters are now akin to women's magazines in providing engaging content.
  3. There is a trend in adults reading children's books, an interesting lawsuit by women against the Swiss government over climate change, and other intriguing topics shared on The Shift With Sam Baker.
The Shift With Sam Baker 239 implied HN points 01 Jul 23
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker is a reader-supported publication, and you can subscribe to support the work.
  2. The post highlights a monthly round-up to keep readers informed about the latest on The Shift and catch up on what they may have missed.
  3. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to consider becoming paid subscribers to access the full post.
Austin Kleon 1079 implied HN points 10 May 22
  1. Books influence us more as a group than as individual titles. Reading a cluster of related books can amplify their impact on our lives.
  2. The connection between books can create a deeper understanding and shape our perspectives. Sometimes one book leads to others that enhance its message.
  3. When we reflect on our favorite books, it's often the combination of them that defines our experiences. This web of influences guides our creativity and thoughts.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 881 implied HN points 23 Feb 24
  1. Books serve a dual role: for story and as performance props, influencing how we are perceived.
  2. Reading has shifted from a private activity to a public performance, especially influenced by social media and digital culture.
  3. There is a growing divide between readers who quietly enjoy books and public readers who read for an audience, shaping modern book culture.
Thoughts on Writing 159 implied HN points 22 Dec 23
  1. Author Nick Asbury is releasing a book called 'The Road to Hell' in March/April 2024, critiquing the concept of corporate purpose and advocating for human creativity.
  2. The book argues that the pursuit of corporate purpose led to poor marketing strategies and negative social outcomes.
  3. Asbury's work emphasizes the importance of valuing human creativity and cognitive empathy over corporate interests when it comes to business practices.
Signal Fire 235 implied HN points 21 Mar 23
  1. The post discusses the idea of leading a group of thieves in a heist.
  2. It prompts readers to consider their specific skills for a heist and what they would steal.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to keep reading from the author.
Not Drinking Poison 235 implied HN points 27 Sep 23
  1. The World of Natural Wine book turned one year old, celebrating with heartfelt thanks to supporters and a reflection on the journey.
  2. Book distribution in Europe for The World of Natural Wine has faced challenges mainly due to distributor issues and lack of awareness about natural wine.
  3. The author is working on more projects, including a new book pitch, podcast series, and reports from various regions, despite becoming a new parent.
The Rabbit Hole 235 implied HN points 06 Mar 23
  1. The Rabbit Hole has gained significant Twitter followers and made millions of impressions through its tweets.
  2. The Rabbit Hole has published 8 articles in 2023 covering various topics like social media dynamics and societal issues.
  3. Collaborations with prominent figures like Elon Musk and sharing articles on other platforms have extended the reach and impact of The Rabbit Hole.
thegreataffair 137 implied HN points 13 Jan 24
  1. The newsletter discusses personal reflections on experiences and insights into various topics.
  2. The author shares updates on their life, from recovering from illnesses to being back in KL.
  3. There are references to diverse cultural influences like books, films, and Korean culture.
The Shift With Sam Baker 199 implied HN points 10 Nov 23
  1. Compassion fatigue is a significant topic to reflect upon, and it's worth exploring whether it's real or just an excuse.
  2. Advertisers often overlook menopausal women as a demographic despite their financial power.
  3. Celebrating the experiences and voices of midlife women is crucial, as evidenced by various stories and interviews shared.
Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning 280 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. Surprises teach us new things that change our understanding. They help us adapt our views of the world when what we expect turns out to be wrong.
  2. History shows that even unlikely places can produce great innovations and thinkers, like Athens and Ramanujan. Talent can arise from the most unexpected backgrounds.
  3. Twists and turns in history, like wars and societal changes, can shape powerful civilizations. Sometimes, survival and adaptability lead to greatness, even against the odds.
On Looking 159 implied HN points 09 Dec 23
  1. Reading is an important skill for illustrators, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their work and the cultural systems in which it is embedded
  2. Books on creativity and image making provide insights into larger social narratives and systems, shifting the focus from individual success to broader contexts
  3. Exploring the history and processes behind image creation through books can enhance critical thinking and appreciation for the creative industry
Eliot Peper 216 implied HN points 30 Apr 23
  1. Author shares the joy of welcoming his first child and the support from loved ones.
  2. Book recommendation: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern - a captivating mix of mythology, mystery, and self-discovery.
  3. Updates on upcoming events and initiatives related to storytelling and long-term thinking.
spencer's paradoxes 216 implied HN points 07 Aug 23
  1. Great ideas require solitude and curiosity in exploring confusion to emerge
  2. Poetry is a practice of living and embracing the madness of seeking human connection
  3. Becoming a poet means courageously holding contradictory emotions and experiences in life