The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

DALLΒ·E 2 Decoded

Gradient Flow β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 22
πŸ•Ή Technology Books
  1. A guide to data annotation and synthetic data generation helps navigate the variety of tools available in the machine learning and artificial intelligence landscape.
  2. The Data Exchange podcast features conversations on DALLοΏ½E, scalable machine learning, and orchestration tools for data scientists.
  3. Book recommendations offer a diverse selection including finance, the Metaverse, rogues, and visionary figures like John von Neumann.

The best (and worst) books I read in 2023

George Blackshaw β€’ 263 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The Covid Consensus sheds light on the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges 'expert' credibility.
  2. Our Final Warning highlights the urgent need to address climate change and offers a sobering perspective.
  3. Act of Oblivion introduces an intriguing historical subplot from the post-Civil War era involving regicides and the monarchy.
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Losing words

The Leftovers β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 22
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The author reflects on the idea that sometimes writing is meant to be left behind, rather than preserved or shared.
  2. The text discusses Daniela Cascella's book 'Singed,' which delves into themes of loss in various forms.
  3. The narrative explores the notion of writing as a cathartic process, allowing the writer to let go and embrace the act of losing words.

The Jim Keller Book List

More Than Moore β€’ 210 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Books
  1. Jim Keller, an accomplished CEO and architect, emphasizes the value of reading books to gain ideas, interact with concepts, and expand knowledge.
  2. He has shared a list of book recommendations, including titles like 'Against Method' and 'Grendel,' to offer insights and learning opportunities to others.
  3. Keller's book list includes a variety of genres and authors, showcasing a diverse collection of readings for personal growth and development.

What I'm Reading/Watching

Dreams in the Which House β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Adrian Daub has been reading a lot about Susan Sontag and her work.
  2. There is a discussion on the impact of public pools in America's history, racism, and climate change.
  3. Adrian Daub recommends TV shows like Reservation Dogs, What We Do in the Shadows, The Great, and Deadloch.

ASA lecture

Chartography β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 23
🚌 Education Books
  1. A seminar by RJ Andrews on data visualization is happening this Thursday at the American Statistical Association
  2. Join the virtual tour of spectacular information graphics by registering for the ASA seminar
  3. The American Statistical Association has a rich history in data visualization, featuring leaders like Florence Nightingale

Personal libraries

Daniel Golliher β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Personal libraries serve many different purposes and can be unique to each individual.
  2. Libraries can enhance cognitive abilities by creating connections between books and aiding associative thinking.
  3. Books can be used as decoration but should not be solely relied upon as a measure of intelligence or character.

FortΓ© #8

SJF β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Discover new inspirations from music, animations, and books.
  2. Appreciate the value of mindfulness in reading at places like the British Library.
  3. Improve personal growth and writing skills by practicing the art of noticing small details in everyday life.

Book Offer

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky β€’ 65 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. There are physical copies of the book 'No Apologies' on sale for half off. It's a good chance to grab a deal!
  2. The book discusses how people face silencing and punishment for their opinions. It encourages everyone to find their voice and speak up.
  3. Silence can have serious downsides. Speaking out helps build real connections and allows for open discussions, which can change minds.

Best of T.V. 2023 and Revisiting 'Home Alone 2'

Textual Variations β€’ 231 implied HN points β€’ 26 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. 2023 was a breakout year for the author, leading to more productivity and stronger writing skills.
  2. The author reflected on their best work in 2023, including topics like film catalogs, George R.R. Martin's progress, and Apple TV features.
  3. A revisit of 'Home Alone 2' led to a new perspective, highlighting enjoyable moments and quotes in the movie.

Kids Today Can't Read - Even College Kids

Litverse β€’ 18 HN points β€’ 22 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Kids today struggle with reading due to a lack of concentration, influenced by smartphone usage.
  2. The future of literature faces uncertainty - it could either see a renaissance or risk extinction.
  3. Education systems are adapting to students' reading reluctance by reducing the focus on novels and embracing shorter forms of content.

Open Thread Because Book

eugyppius: a plague chronicle β€’ 62 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 25
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.

My Friends Aren't Reading

Notes from a Small Press β€’ 84 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

Special Edition: John and Paul

The Ruffian β€’ 233 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The author is writing a book about John and Paul from The Beatles, with insights that appeal to both fans and newcomers.
  2. Paid subscribers of The Ruffian will receive exclusive content related to the upcoming book in 2024.
  3. Those with a Founding Member/God Tier subscription may receive a signed copy of the book pre-publication.

On the futility of writing

The Leftovers β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 22
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Question the purpose of writing: Despite acknowledging its futility, the act of writing persists, raising the eternal question of why we engage in a seemingly pointless endeavor.
  2. The infinite possibilities of words: Reflecting on Borges' 'The Library of Babel,' the idea of an ever-expanding, chaotic library suggests a universe where the potential for new creations is boundless, even amidst the saturation of existing literature.
  3. Social media and the democratization of writing: The digital age demands that we all become writers, sharing our thoughts with a global audience through online platforms, blurring the lines between creation, self-promotion, and personal expression.

This American Ex-Wife syllabus

Men Yell at Me β€’ 174 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The author found her passion for reading and writing through a journey of rejection and self-discovery, eventually earning an MFA in creative writing.
  2. The author's MFA experience involved a lot of reading and writing, but she struggled to tell the truth in her writing, overcoming fear over time.
  3. The author shares a list of books that inspired her while writing her own book, focused on narratives of women breaking norms and finding new paths.

Tokyo Vice

Holodoxa β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Japanese culture often portrayed in American media with exoticism and violence, influencing perceptions of young men
  2. Memoir 'Tokyo Vice' by Jake Adelstein covers his investigative journalism in Japan, focusing on crime and vice stories, but may contain embellishments for effect
  3. Michael Mann's adaptation 'Tokyo Vice' as a TV series adds compelling narratives and characters, making it a more engaging watch compared to the memoir

One Month of Building the Used Bookstore of the Future + Things I loved in July

Castles in the Sky β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Aug 25
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Building an AI tool for used booksellers is more complicated than expected, involving many tasks beyond just programming and filming. It’s been a busy and fun month working on this project.
  2. To improve my reading habits, I've decided to read one classic book and one random book at a time. This balance helps me learn while still exploring my interests.
  3. I’ve started creating short-form videos to share on various platforms. It’s a fun way to engage, even though I know it might take time to find the right audience.

Typewriter interview with Elisa Gabbert

Austin Kleon β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 27 Aug 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Reading can be more enjoyable if you have different books around you. If a book isn't capturing your attention, it's okay to set it down and choose something else.
  2. Elisa Gabbert enjoys singing and finds karaoke a fun way to express herself. She feels connected to music and has a lot of favorite songs that always lift her mood.
  3. Elisa suggests that instead of seeing reading and writing as chores, we should turn our interests into enjoyable activities. She believes in following fleeting obsessions as they can enrich your knowledge and creativity.

To the Reader

Dada Drummer Almanach β€’ 163 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Working with what's available can lead to innovative approaches, like practicing 'deconstruction' even in a small college far from big libraries.
  2. Access to resources can change drastically over time, as seen in the shift from paid alumni access to free borrowing privileges at Harvard Library.
  3. The shift to online resources has transformed research practices, offering a wealth of materials instantly but altering the traditional experience of library exploration.

My Year In Reading

The Ruffian β€’ 184 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. The post discusses the books the author read in 2023, focusing on those related to physics and science writing.
  2. Carlo Rovelli's books 'Helgoland' and 'Reality Is Not What It Seems' are highlighted as excellent reads for those interested in the quantum world.
  3. Benjamin Labatut's novel 'When We Cease To Understand The World' is mentioned for its fictionalized portrayal of brilliant minds in science and mathematics.

Would you be scammed?

Men Yell at Me β€’ 158 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Some scams might seem obvious to avoid, but the right scam can still catch anyone.
  2. People fall for different scams, even if they would never fall for a specific one.
  3. It's important to be cautious and aware of potential scams, as scammers can be creative in finding ways to trick people.

A Pilgrimage for Book People

Castles in the Sky β€’ 302 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The annual pilgrimage to the Brandeis Book Sale was a significant tradition for the author's family, highlighting the reverence for books and the impact of the sale on their lives.
  2. The pilgrimage involved a long road trip, unique family dynamics, and a deep appreciation for books, as seen through the eyes of the author growing up around book people.
  3. Brandeis Book Sale represented more than just a sale - it was a cultural phenomenon where book people gathered, making it a sacred space and a reflection of civilization preserved in books.

Further Reading

Material World β€’ 164 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. There is a wide range of reading materials available to delve deeper into the topics discussed in the book.
  2. Various books and resources are recommended for exploring different aspects of material science, such as sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium.
  3. Authors and specific books are highlighted as excellent starting points for those interested in learning more about specific material-related subjects.

The chroniclers of the crypto collapse

The Future, Now and Then β€’ 175 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 23
πŸ’° Finance Books
  1. Authors faced with unexpected events can choose to adjust their approach or stay true to their original vision.
  2. Different writers responded differently to the changing fortunes in the blockchain world, resulting in varied books.
  3. Michael Lewis' book about the crypto collapse did not adapt to the unfolding events and may eventually be forgotten.

Are Small Books The Future? | #256

Boundless by Paul Millerd β€’ 150 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Books
  1. Writing shorter books can be a hidden market with high reader satisfaction as people tend to recommend books they finish.
  2. Experimenting with different ways to package writing and breaking traditional book length norms can lead to new perspectives on what a book can be.
  3. Launching a podcast series interviewing diverse individuals about their work challenges and offering free coaching sessions can be engaging and informative.

Quarterly Roundup for 2023: Books, Podcasts, AI Developments, Prediction Markets, and Previewed Posts

Holodoxa β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Books
  1. The author shares their favorite books of 2023 and aims to read more fiction in the future. Recommendations are welcomed!
  2. The author discusses their favorite podcasts and shares new and interesting podcast recommendations they've been enjoying.
  3. The author explores recent AI developments, including large language models, chatbots, and text-to-image generators, encouraging others to experiment with these resources.

Why VCs Won't Fund Your Startup

Athena Scale β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 23
πŸ’Ό Business Books
  1. VCs care about making money for investors and partners.
  2. VCs look for products that scale fast, have high margins, and a market.
  3. To prove worth to VCs, provide market research, financial predictions, pricing strategy, and customer acquisition plan.