The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Read More Books

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 353 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading more books can really help you learn and grow. It improves your focus, memory, and how you connect ideas.
  2. Even busy people like Warren Buffett and Barack Obama make time to read daily. It's all about priorities and choices.
  3. By reading widely and thoughtfully, you can build a better understanding of the world and find connections between different ideas.

2023 Retrospective: A Return to Normal?

Holodoxa • 139 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. 2023 may be a return to normal, or at least as close to normal as possible in our time.
  2. The author's year was a mix of highs and lows, including personal milestones and adventures.
  3. The author focused on reading, writing, and podcasts, offering insights on their book reviews and audiobook habits.

This Year's Best Bits: The Tipping Point?

What's Important? • 19 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. 2025 felt like a tipping point where mystical or “woo” ideas and new models of consciousness moved from fringe curiosity into mainstream acceptance.
  2. Popular podcasts, books, and articles this year mixed scientific research with personal accounts of nonordinary experiences, highlighting renewed interest in healing and expanded models of mind.
  3. Mainstream entertainment—TV, film, and music—increasingly explored themes like collective consciousness and disclosure, signaling these ideas are spreading into broader culture and institutions.
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Notes & Links

Kvetch • 24 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. AI is already reshaping the real economy and offers a huge chance to redesign business models, though current service incentives are often broken and need fixing.
  2. Countries can choose their demographic and strategic paths, so national identity and immigration policy are political choices rather than inevitable fates.
  3. Institutions and leaders are fallible: journalists, bureaucrats, and officials often act from self‑interest or inertia, which breeds mistrust and can let important failures happen; history shows small groups or individuals can make outsized decisions.

Links - 10/09/2023

Value Investing World • 196 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💰 Finance Books
  1. Good investors consider both positive and negative facts for a balanced view.
  2. Charlie Munger believes AI is overhyped.
  3. Nelson Peltz seeks board seats at Disney after boosting stake.

Interpreting Machine Learning Models With SHAP is published 🥳

Mindful Modeler • 199 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Books
  1. SHAP can explain individual predictions and provide interpretations of average model behavior for any model type and data format.
  2. There's a need for a comprehensive guide like the book to navigate the evolving SHAP ecosystem with updated information and practical examples.
  3. The book dives into the theory, application, and various estimation methods of SHAP values, offering a one-stop resource for mastering machine learning model interpretability.

I'm Writing Another Book

Singal-Minded • 771 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author is writing a book about the youth gender medicine debate in the US
  2. The book will include interviews with various stakeholders such as trans activists, detransitioners, clinicians, and parents
  3. Interested individuals can contact the author to share their stories or perspectives on the subject

Review: Michael Robbins on Wild Souls

Book Post • 196 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Humans have created challenges for other animals by not knowing how to live.
  2. Some popular books may offer simple solutions but lack depth in addressing complex issues.
  3. Marris's book 'Wild Souls' delves into ethical obligations towards nonhuman animals but falls short on exploration.

Cultural Reads by Thomas Plaatsman

Newsletter Circle • 196 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Explore your creativity and don't let fear hold you back.
  2. Consider starting with a newsletter for faster feedback before expanding to a blog.
  3. Focus on connecting with others, providing value, and patience for growth in newsletter creation.

Read at Whim!

Austin Kleon • 979 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading should be fun and spontaneous, like following your mood. Don't feel pressured to read what others think is good.
  2. Don't feel guilty about your reading choices. Enjoy what makes you happy, even if it's considered a 'guilty pleasure.'
  3. It's important to reflect on your reading habits and think about how to improve them for the future. Make your reading life more enjoyable.

Control & consent

gen yeet • 117 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Emotional craniectomy to express unspeakable emotions in letters
  2. Comparing and connecting different movies can reveal unexpected relationships
  3. Theme of control and consent explored through the characters in the movies

Coming to the U.K....

Story Club with George Saunders • 31 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. George Saunders is excited to visit the U.K. in February for conversations about his book, 'Vigil', and to meet friends.
  2. Paula, his wife, is celebrating her birthday and promoting her novel, 'Starting From Here', with events coming up where she'll be speaking.
  3. Saunders is receiving a special award for his contributions to American literature at the National Book Awards, which brings back fond memories for him.

Scatterbrain: an autumn letter

The Leftovers • 179 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Starting a new passion or career path may not always lead to immediate success and can come with unexpected challenges.
  2. Having extra time available can be disorienting for individuals used to being constantly busy, raising questions about how time is best utilized.
  3. Public reactions to global events on social media can sometimes come across as performative, focusing on personal branding rather than genuine empathy.

Scatterbrain: a letter from the end of times

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey in 2023, touching on the challenges and aspirations of writing for a living but not yet making enough income from it.
  2. The author shares their top ten favorite pieces written in 2023, discussing various topics from AI in art to the struggles of indie writers in the literary world.
  3. Predictions for 2024 include memoirs and Substacks created by AI, highlighting the evolving nature of technology's impact on self-expression and literature.

'The Biggest Problems in Legacy Media:' A Conversation With Chris Hedges and Hasan Piker

The Chris Hedges Report • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Books
  1. Legacy media often struggles to cover important issues, leading to misinformation and a lack of public understanding.
  2. The ongoing situation in Gaza is a significant topic that needs more attention and compassion from both media and the public.
  3. There is a growing concern that the U.S. is moving towards authoritarianism, which requires vigilant critique from society.

#6: How to Sell More Copies of Your Book

Shades of Greaves • 157 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Help your audience find your work by making it clear what you're offering them - clickbait works.
  2. Demonstrate why your audience should listen to you brag whenever possible.
  3. Selling a book isn't just about explaining what the book is about, it's also about explaining who you are and why that makes your book worth reading.

What's got my attention this week #19

The Shift With Sam Baker • 179 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Rose Knox-Peebles, 81, challenged a review of her opera performance for 'frightful makeup' by saying it was just her face
  2. The post covers diverse topics like generational diet trauma, ballet flats trend, and starting IVF at 50
  3. The Friday Round-up includes articles on midlife collapse, 13-year-olds on social media, detoxifying AI, and more

The Demographic Destiny of Cities

The New Urban Order • 179 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Cities worldwide have seen unprecedented growth since 1980, but this growth is slowing down.
  2. Declining population growth will bring economic and social challenges, like older populations and changing demands for goods and services.
  3. Alan Mallach's new book highlights the need to adjust economic models and urban policies for a future with less population growth.

An Ineffable Memory Of Effortless Mastery

Weekly Wisdom • 179 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🎶 Music Books
  1. The author recounts experiencing a state of effortless mastery while playing jazz piano after a series of events including alcohol consumption and the unexpected presence of their father, creating a magical performance.
  2. Effortless mastery in music, as discussed in the book 'Effortless Mastery' by Kenny Werner, involves overcoming self-imposed limitations and negative thinking through affirmations and a love for the process.
  3. The author shares affirmations such as 'I am a master' and 'Music is easy' that counter self-criticism with positive beliefs, highlighting the importance of mindset in achieving mastery and enjoying the process.

Americans Don’t Mind Hearing And Learning About Racism — They Just Don’t Like The Weird And Religiously Tinged Way Educated Liberals Talk About It

Singal-Minded • 1168 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Americans are open to learning about racism, but dislike the way educated liberals discuss it.
  2. Authors facing censorship challenges can spark public outcry and bring attention to important issues.
  3. Culture wars and book banning in schools raise questions about offensive content and editorial processes.

Progress Report for Paid Subscribers #3

Trantor Publishing • 79 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Isaac Young is working on making his content more accessible by experimenting with audio formats.
  2. Isaac Young is diligently creating content for his subscribers, with progress on projects like 'Gigaheroes' and exclusive short stories.
  3. Isaac Young encourages engagement from his audience and appreciates their support.

You're invited to our NYC pop-up

Stripe Press • 157 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🏝 Travel Books
  1. Join the Stripe Press pop-up event in New York City on November 18 from 11 am to 4 pm.
  2. The event will include coffee, food, drinks, limited-edition merch, and books from the Stripe Press catalog.
  3. RSVP to let them know if you can make it to the event at Lavender Lake in Williamsburg.

Diary: Stephen Mortland, (2) Reading Akutagawa

Book Post • 176 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Ryūnosuke Akutagawa had a complex relationship with his three mothers, affecting his self-understanding.
  2. Akutagawa struggled with mental health issues and the fear of succumbing to obsession and hysteria.
  3. Akutagawa's works, although not considered original masterpieces, reflected deep emotional and psychological struggles.

The Monday Media Diet with Kelsey Keith

Why is this interesting? • 603 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Kelsey Keith, brand creative director for Herman Miller, describes her varied background in editing design and architecture publications.
  2. Her media diet includes a mix of work-related and personal interest subscriptions like AD Pro, New Yorker, and Bloomberg Business Week.
  3. She recommends lesser-known writers like Stephanie Madewell and Fred Nicolaus, and praises the app Libby for library downloads on Kindle.

26 books I picked up (and put down) this spring

Austin Kleon • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. It's okay to start a book and not finish it; it's part of the reading journey. People often share books they've enjoyed, but sharing the ones they didn't finish can be just as valuable.
  2. Finding the right book at the right time can make all the difference. Sometimes a book resonates because of what's happening in life at that moment.
  3. Trying various books, even if they are put down, shows a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Each book read (or not finished) adds to the overall reading experience.

Best of late blooming novelists

The Common Reader • 1169 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Literary talent isn't limited to the young - age should not define creativity.
  2. Many famous novelists produced their notable works later in life.
  3. There should be recognition for late blooming artists in addition to young talent lists.

Literary Precocity

Life and Letters • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Literary precocity refers to young writers who show exceptional talent early in life. Writers like Abraham Cowley became famous for publishing their work at a very young age.
  2. The concept of precocity emerged around the early 1600s, influenced by the rise of print publication. Printing made it easier to track when someone officially became an author.
  3. Before print, it was hard to define when a writer crossed into authorship. With printed books, age and publication date became clear, creating a clear distinction between different types of writers.

Happy new year

The Jolly Contrarian • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. The Jolly Contrarian has been improving the 'user manual' coverage of main agreements on the wikis, especially the ISDA Master Agreement, with more content and multilevel numbering added.
  2. Reading recommendations include 'Bitcoin is Venice' and 'The Master And His Emissary', which provide deep insights into societal issues and the human experience.
  3. An analogy is drawn between skiing off-piste in skiing and exploring unconventional paths in life, work, and business, emphasizing the benefits of stepping away from the well-trodden path.

The Perfect Foil

Murder, She Cooked • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Jessica finds herself in the middle of Mardi Gras in New Orleans unexpectedly.
  2. Lt. Edmund Cavette takes Jessica to a posh restaurant and makes a flirtatious comment about wine.
  3. The author will be sharing video demos of Angela Lansbury recipes, along with monthly classic movie recommendations.

Happy New Year!

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 10 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A warm Happy New Year message that wishes readers a wonderful year.
  2. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who supports the Cosmopolitan Globalist and helped make it possible.
  3. A personal detail about going to bed early with a good book, plus an offer to continue the post for free or to purchase a paid subscription.

Richard Cook on Bill Clinton the War Criminal, Rafiq on Atan the Revolutionary

Kevin’s Newsletter • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Books
  1. Richard Cook critiques Bill Clinton's presidency, highlighting his role in transitioning the US into a state of global domination through war.
  2. Rafiq's novel 'Atan the Revolutionary' delves into spiritual battles and the clash between indigenous wisdom and the power of the bankster-dominated Deep State.
  3. The text includes references to debates on controversial topics like 9/11 conspiracies and the challenges faced by those who question the mainstream narrative.

Doppelgänger, by Naomi Klein

The Common Reader • 602 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Naomi Klein explores the concept of doppelgängers and her experience of being confused with Naomi Wolf, a conspiracy theorist spreading misinformation about Covid.
  2. Klein delves into the idea that the internet has created doppelgängers of us all, raising questions about online identities and personas.
  3. The book highlights how both Naomi Klein and Naomi Wolf use provocative language and ideas to engage with audiences, emphasizing the impact of strong rhetoric in today's discourse.

The Book and the Screen

Life in the 21st Century • 78 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. In the past, books and their authors played a major role in political revolutions.
  2. The rise of screens over the last century has diminished the political influence of books.
  3. Screens have created a new era where personalities are marketed over political ideas.