The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

9 Best Things of 2023

SatPost by Trung Phan • 100 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Create for yourself first - don't try to guess what others will like, make what you like.
  2. Having no investments can sometimes be the best investment strategy.
  3. Using two phones - one for productive tasks and one for distractions - can help increase focus and productivity.

Violence and Responsibility in 'Ministry for the Future'

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book reveals how violence can be used for political change, which is a complex and often overlooked idea.
  2. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and understanding the responsibilities of those causing harm to others.
  3. These themes are not commonly discussed in regular conversations about climate change, but they are prevalent in climate fiction.

I Know What's On Your Mind Right Now

Notes from a Small Press • 41 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. There is a rise in low-quality paperbacks in the market. This change might be affecting the overall reading experience.
  2. Book production and printing can be complex topics that impact how books feel and look.
  3. Sometimes, focusing on creative work like writing helps to distract from stressful news in the world.
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Too many books

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. The publishing industry often thrives on the thievery of our time and brain cells, with many books being published that may not bring value to humanity.
  2. Not every book is a noble object, and the world wouldn't lose much if a vast majority of books disappeared, leading to more trees and less ideological issues.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial to explore the full post archives.

Award Ceremonies and a Book Proposal Course

Notes from a Small Press • 12 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Being part of award ceremonies is exciting and offers great opportunities to support authors. It feels rewarding to celebrate their achievements.
  2. Teaching online courses about nonfiction book proposals is a key focus. These courses help people understand how to write effective proposals and develop their ideas.
  3. The community formed during these courses is important. Participants often continue supporting each other after the course ends, creating lasting writing groups.

2024 Kvetching & Books

Kvetch • 33 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author had plans to work on some big writing projects this year but ended up not completing them. Life events like having a new baby and starting a new fund took up a lot of time.
  2. Despite not finishing their main projects, the author still wrote a good number of pieces and saw their readership double. Their most popular piece encouraged some readers to have more kids.
  3. Looking ahead, the author has new ideas for writing and is taking it week by week, while hoping to explore topics related to history and demographics.

another newsletter? in this economy?

an email from eugene • 59 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. People are craving more control over what they see on social media; they want a way to subscribe to content they care about and interact meaningfully.
  2. Maintaining a personal website is seen as a work in progress rather than a polished final product; it's like tending to an 'online garden' to shape identity and share thoughts.
  3. Encouraging dialogue and conversation through newsletters is important; it's about sparking interactions and meaningful exchanges rather than passive engagement.

Merch Alert! Fight to Repair Shop Now Open.

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 22
💼 Business Books
  1. You can support Fight to Repair by purchasing t-shirts, mugs, and books from their shop.
  2. The Fight to Repair shop offers t-shirts, mugs, and a bookshop with recommended reads for right to repair advocates.
  3. Farmers have a special 'DUCK FEERE!' shirt and mug that supports their right to repair their equipment.

On books

PartiallyNerdy, sometimes fully too! • 2 HN points • 03 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Books are physical manifestations of potential and represent the hopes and dreams of humanity materialized.
  2. Saying goodbye to unread books can evoke a sense of loss and regret for the untapped knowledge and experiences they contain.
  3. Despite the pain of leaving behind unread books, the act of holding onto physical books serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of transformation.

🧹🧹Housekeeping for Paid Subs🧹🧹

Default Wisdom • 29 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The update is meant for paid subscribers and addresses common questions they're asking. It's nice to provide clear answers to avoid confusion.
  2. There's an acknowledgment of communication mishaps, like sending multiple emails. It's important to keep subscribers informed without overwhelming them.
  3. The mention of a book club suggests community engagement is a priority. Engaging with readers can create a stronger bond and enhance the overall experience.

Coming soon

Litverse • 59 implied HN points • 29 May 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. Litverse is a newsletter about literature, books, history, politics, and philosophy.
  2. Blaise Lucey is associated with Litverse.
  3. The Litverse newsletter will be launching soon.

New words #4

Mutual Information • 19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. New words encountered can be researched and recorded for future reference.
  2. Different biological terms like ecotone and phyllosphere describe specific regions and habitats.
  3. Vocabulary expansion can be beneficial, offering insight into various scientific fields.

Little Treats #8

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Little treats go beyond physical consumption and touch on spiritual experiences.
  2. Appreciating art and literature can bring about emotional responses and deep connections.
  3. Exploring different types of cultural experiences, like art exhibitions and literary works, can offer moments of joy and reflection.

Little Treats #9

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Enjoy the everlasting era of little treats like watermelon with feta and mint for a refreshing sensation.
  2. Invest in quality beauty products like Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer SPF 27 for excellent results.
  3. Explore flower essences and probiotics for potential mood improvement and overall well-being.

What's got my attention this week #3

The Shift With Sam Baker • 19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Tina Turner's legacy and impact are celebrated widely, with a special remembrance by Mad Max director George Miller highlighting her stance against relationship abuse.
  2. Consider setting your time free instead of managing it, as explored in a thought-provoking piece.
  3. Exploring topics like the significance of trees, a new drug for hot flushes, reflections on therapy, and questioning the concept of self-optimization in beauty culture are all highlighted.

Relating as beneficent space

Meaningness • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books
  1. The post discusses a Vajrayana Buddhist approach to relationships, aimed at resolving stuck patterns in personal interactions.
  2. The writer mentions upcoming topics including software engineers, stage theory, and the future of stage theory as science.
  3. The writer is contemplating the value of producing a paperback/Kindle version of their AI book based on potential readership numbers.

February Update

Caleb’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Consider moving newsletter to paid subscription for more in-depth content
  2. Engaged in various intellectual activities like launching new newsletters and participating in conversations
  3. Shared personal updates on running achievements, event attendances, and intellectual pursuits

Links from July

nic thinks about things • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Books
  1. Actuaries have the lowest divorce rate, while Gaming managers and Bartenders have the highest.
  2. Creating a "physical" camera in Blender feels like simulating physics.
  3. Improving indoor air quality is a cost-effective way to enhance health and cognition.

Widget Tricks Newsletter #3

Widget Tricks • 19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Books
  1. Life-changing books from the author's reading list include both non-fiction and technical genres.
  2. Job opportunities for Flutter developers with different experience levels and locations.
  3. The importance of soft skills for developers and the impact of embracing AI technology in the field.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The readers expect a cohesive story to lead them in a certain direction, answering questions as they arise.
  2. In writing with multiple points of view, the author should feel the book's need for additional voices rather than adding characters for the sake of it.
  3. One approach is to give each character enough backstory to make the current moment make sense, without unnecessary elaboration.

According to Facebook, I served in 'Nam?

Situation Normal • 71 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The author humorously explores how Facebook algorithmically suggested Vietnam War content in his feed despite having no personal connection to it.
  2. Data mining, music preferences, and watching war movies contributed to the inaccurate content in the author's social media feed.
  3. The author reflects on the impact of targeted advertising and the evolving nature of social media platforms like Facebook.

Top 10 Books we read in 2024

Graphs For Science • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading improves our understanding of data science and technology. The recommended books cover key topics like natural language processing, AI collaboration, and working with network data.
  2. Books can help us connect complex ideas simply. For example, some books demystify artificial intelligence and explain its role in our lives and work.
  3. Being curious about different perspectives enriches our knowledge. Many of the books encourage readers to think about humanity's place in a tech-driven world and to explore ideas beyond our usual understanding.

Notes from the Week - Week 26

Notes in the Margins • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Health and well-being can be greatly affected by stress, illness, and change, highlighting the importance of self-compassion.
  2. The behavior of certain tech figures can reflect larger issues within the industry, particularly in terms of privilege and lack of diversity.
  3. Finding inspiration in positive examples like Ted Lasso can remind us that there is still goodness and fun in the world.

Reading as a warning light

Theory Matters • 25 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Many adults don't read for pleasure anymore, and literacy rates are declining. This affects young people the most, with few kids enjoying reading or owning books.
  2. Reading long texts helps us think deeply and reflect on our ideas. Without it, we risk becoming shallow thinkers who can't fully understand complex issues.
  3. The decline in reading is a sign of bigger problems in society. We need to figure out why reading and thinking critically matter for our democracy and lives.

howl at starving writers | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 116 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author lived among rough men in a bedsit, observing their struggles and lack of communication.
  2. Moving into a new bedsit in the UK was easily done without a contract, showing the transient nature of such accommodations.
  3. Traveling and living on the road in America brought the author in contact with diverse individuals, fostering a deep sense of exploration and cultural immersion.

Introduction and Bibliography

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books
  1. George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, the founder of the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man, dedicated twenty years of his life traveling in the East to seek real knowledge and the sense of life.
  2. To delve into Gurdjieff's teachings, background knowledge of his writings and the secondary literature is usually assumed.
  3. Recommended initial preparatory reading includes works like 'In Search of the Miraculous' by Ouspensky and 'Teachings of Gurdjieff' by Nott, followed by Gurdjieff's three series: 'Beelzebub's Tales to his Grandson', 'Meetings with Remarkable Men', and 'Life is real only then, when I am.'

Holy Books

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 123 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Appreciate wisdom in various forms, whether from religious texts like Psalms and Proverbs or from writers like Jim Harrison.
  2. Seek inspiration from those who share your passions and values, like how Harrison connected with elements of nature, writing, and indulgence.
  3. Embrace balance and truth, even in indulgence, as advocated by Harrison's views on drinking and facing life's challenges with humility.

Reading, Watching 11.03.24

Unpopular Front • 28 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The controversy around using the term 'fascism' to describe Trump shows differing views on political threats today. Some argue it doesn’t quite fit our current situation.
  2. There is a debate about how historical contexts of fascism apply today, especially concerning the role of the left in political upheaval.
  3. The left today feels both ignored and targeted, raising questions about its true influence and significance in current politics.

Your limited edition copy of Nearly Perfect is ready

subtract • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. 'Nearly Perfect' is a limited edition book that aims to feel handcrafted and personal. It's designed to be special and unique.
  2. The book is short at 118 pages but contains deep and meaningful content. It’s meant to be thought-provoking and encourages readers to reflect on its ideas.
  3. It's written in a conversational style, making it accessible to founders, designers, and investors. The author wants you to engage deeply with the text and enjoy the journey.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 66 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The post shares an excerpt from Shannon Reed's book 'Why We Read' about teaching 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'
  2. Shannon Reed is a beloved writer and professor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  3. Shannon Reed's book explores different aspects of the reading life and is described as rich, funny, and poignant.

✍🏽 Become a better writer in 3 minutes? 

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🚌 Education Books
  1. Good writing is a result of mastering grammar, vocabulary, and style through practice, reading, and editing.
  2. Reading and imitating content you admire can help you develop your own unique writing style.
  3. Editing is essential for improving your writing - give your drafts time to rest, get them edited, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.