The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

how they blew | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 102 implied HN points • 08 May 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The post discusses must-reads related to Shakespeare & Co in Paris.
  2. The author reflects on a night of excess and forgotten memories in a city with rising crime and unemployment.
  3. Readers are offered a 7-day free trial to subscribe to Tumbleweed Words and access full post archives.

An Event..(Bonus Post)

Story Club with George Saunders • 26 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. A book launch event for Jenny Slate's new memoir, 'LIFEFORM', is happening in Los Angeles on October 25th.
  2. The event will feature Jenny performing excerpts from her book, followed by an interview and audience questions.
  3. Jenny Slate is known for her creative and heartfelt writing, making this event one to look forward to.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Finishing a book

Kyle Chayka Industries • 99 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Working on big projects can make you feel deeply involved but also detached at the same time.
  2. Consistency and persistence are key in tackling huge projects - small efforts daily can lead to significant progress.
  3. Every big project carries within it a personal narrative reflecting your experiences and influences.

Books Worth Mentioning

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading expands your knowledge and can take you to new places, even if you're not traveling.
  2. A good book list can include gems from different categories like theology, fiction, leadership, and discipleship.
  3. Books can have a big impact on your thoughts and beliefs, making it worthwhile to explore different authors and subjects.

Questions for a new technology

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 20 Aug 21
🕹 Technology Books
  1. When considering new technology, it's important to ask thoughtful questions about its impact.
  2. Art often demands both sacrifice and risk, and embracing this can lead to greater creativity.
  3. It's essential to cultivate your passions and interests, much like tending to a garden for personal growth.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 49 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The form of how writers present themselves to the public has evolved over time - from scripted, stiff appearances to more open and vulnerable portrayals.
  2. There is a wide range in how writers engage with the public - from staying secluded to embracing public speaking engagements and performances.
  3. Authenticity can be less stressful than carefully crafting a public image, and taking risks in the public eye can be rewarding for writers.

Do You Own The Book You Wrote?

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Copyright is automatically yours when you create something, but if you sign a publishing contract, you might give up some of those rights. It's important to know what rights you're giving away.
  2. In the past, American publishers had a big advantage by selling cheap editions of British books without paying the authors, which helped make British authors more popular in America.
  3. Now, with tech like AI using books for training, it's being suggested that those rights should be included in publishing contracts too. This discussion around copyright is complex and impacts everyone in the publishing world.

Homewaters: One Year Anniversary

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book 'Homewaters' has sold over 4,700 copies in its first year. This is considered a great success for a regional book.
  2. The author received positive feedback and kind words about both the book and his talks, emphasizing the importance of Puget Sound's history and stewardship.
  3. The endnotes of the book contain interesting facts and stories that didn’t make it into the main text, adding extra value for readers.

The Bookseller's Register #1

Castles in the Sky • 71 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The series is about a second-generation secondhand bookseller building the bookstore of the future
  2. Each issue will include a feature, update on inventory, and interesting book world links
  3. The goal is to assemble an inventory of 25,000 hand-picked books with updates on the progress

Pretend I’m dead

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jul 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading books about writing can be a fun way to avoid actually writing while still feeling productive. It's like pretending to care about writing without doing it.
  2. Attention can be interpreted differently in various languages, suggesting that how we think about focusing on things can change based on culture. This shows how language influences our perception.
  3. The idea that the year can feel either half full or half empty is a nice reminder to look at life positively. It really depends on your perspective!

News and Notes

Notes from a Small Press • 18 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. A memoir called 'The Minotaur at Calle Lanza' by Zito Madu has been nominated for a prestigious award. It's being celebrated for its unique storytelling and depth.
  2. There's an ongoing discussion about the pressures around platforms like Substack. Writers should focus on their financial needs without feeling judged.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of new, smart nonfiction books available, especially about Japan. It’s important for readers to have access to well-researched overview materials.

Letter to Rebecca #25-10

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Libraries have become social hubs, but some believe they've forgotten their main purpose of providing access to classic literature.
  2. The book 'Hard Rain Falling' is a classic that explores serious themes and is written in a straightforward style, making it engaging.
  3. Teaching can be challenging, but with humor and open discussion, students can become more engaged and interested in learning.

What if I told you you don’t have to write?

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 17 Oct 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Many people write not out of love or need but to see their names on a book cover.
  2. Success in the writing industry is hard to achieve and often means little, leading to frustration.
  3. Writing is often romanticized, but for most, it's a vocation rather than a means to get rich.

First we read, then we write

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 28 May 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. To write well, it's important to read a lot first. Reading helps improve writing skills and creativity.
  2. Keeping track of your reading materials can boost your productivity. Good indexing and filing systems let you find and use your resources easily.
  3. Old books have timeless insights. They remind us that human experiences are often funny and relatable, even centuries later.

Book Release — Echoes of Tyranny: Freedom Lost

antoniomelonio • 17 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book 'Echoes of Tyranny: Freedom Lost' is a sequel that explores the aftermath of a revolution, showing how peace can quickly turn into chaos.
  2. The story features characters grappling with a dying land and a new threat, as an ambitious leader emerges promising order but brings old wounds back to life.
  3. It raises deep questions about power, rebellion, and human nature, highlighting how the line between freedom and oppression can blur.

Decision Tree

Data People Etc. • 17 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. When choosing gifts for kids, it's helpful to have a simple plan. For example, giving kids something they want, need, wear, and read can keep things organized and manageable.
  2. Books can be tricky to categorize. Often, one book leads to another which makes it hard to choose just one thing to read.
  3. Buying books for kids can also reflect personal interests. It's okay to want to share your favorite books even if they are a little nostalgic.

10 good books I read this summer

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading good books can really inspire and help us through tough times. It's great to find a list of books that resonate with you.
  2. Creating and sharing your own projects, like a zine, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, making it available for others to enjoy is special.
  3. Success can come with advice, like not being afraid to take breaks or 'disappear' for a while. It's important to prioritize your well-being.

Cathedral: Year Forty-Six

Castles in the Sky • 52 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
⚔ Fiction Books
  1. The pilgrims on the Ark journeyed towards their promised land of Proxima Centauri-XR-4, embracing life as their religion.
  2. The importance of the observation deck on the Ark went beyond engineering; it symbolized the connection of the passengers to their purpose.
  3. Through personal stories and shared moments, relationships and perspectives evolved on the Ark, shaping individuals' sense of purpose and duty.

recommendations

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading can be a community experience. Finding another person's notes in a book can spark a connection, and even lead to creative projects like podcasts.
  2. Exploring different cultures through literature can be eye-opening. Reading classical texts like 'The Odyssey' and 'Tao Te Ching' helps understand different philosophies and life lessons.
  3. It's important to balance life and creativity. Engaging with stories while also finding ways to be present can enhance our understanding and give peace in a busy world.

You are Giants to Me

Castles in the Sky • 55 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The shape of our lives changes as we age, like shadows stretching and distorting.
  2. Adolescence shapes are influenced by our friends, leading to rapid changes from 14 to 30.
  3. Grief can create emptiness in the shape of our lives, impacting how we grow and change.

Sneak Peek: New Books, New Covers

Notes from a Small Press • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Belt's upcoming catalog features new book titles and covers that are not yet available online. It's exciting to see what new books are coming out soon!
  2. There's a course available on how to write a book proposal, and it's almost full. If you're interested in writing, it's a good idea to sign up quickly.
  3. The process of designing book covers is ongoing, and there's an emphasis on making them visually appealing. Good cover design can really attract readers!

I'm Back!

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Books
  1. The newsletter is back after a long break due to work on a book and other opportunities. Readers can expect new posts, but the schedule might be a bit irregular.
  2. The author's new book, _An Abundance of Caution_, will be released soon. It focuses on the impact of school closures during the pandemic and has received good feedback from respected figures.
  3. Preordering the book is very important. It helps with marketing and shows bookstores how much demand there is for it.

A new game: A Gathering Storm for Cairn

Seedling Growth Zone • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. A Gathering Storm for Cairn game is now available in multiple stores like itch.io and Third Kingdom games.
  2. The creator is working on character retirement mechanics, worldbuilding about cities, and generators for Cairn game.
  3. The creator is also creating an adventure for Cairn jam and planning to publish printable bestiaries.

How to eat a book

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. You can enjoy books more by engaging with them deeply, like thinking of them as something to 'eat'.
  2. Finding creativity can come from unexpected places, like trash or common experiences.
  3. It's important to keep practicing and challenging yourself to improve your skills, no matter how small the steps are.

12 Books, 12 Months

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. In 2024, a publishing company released twelve diverse books, covering topics from memoirs to anthologies. They aim to fill gaps in the market with unique stories.
  2. The company became part of a larger publishing group, allowing them to distribute more books effectively. They value collaboration with authors who appreciate their mission.
  3. Their goal is to publish voices and stories that might be overlooked, particularly those related to the Rust Belt. They want to create a community that values different perspectives in literature.

December 31, 2023

Letters from an American • 42 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The letters written for 'Letters from an American' have been collected into volumes.
  2. The community built around the project has been instrumental in its success.
  3. The volumes represent a significant record of the past four years.

Mundane is Interesting

Barbarian Grunge • 56 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Magic feels special when it contrasts with the mundane.
  2. Tolkien's world is magical because of its simplicity, not its abundance of magic.
  3. For magic to be impactful, it needs a backdrop of normalcy.

Start the week #99

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. People often feel pressured to work for free, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. It's important to know your worth and not let that pressure get to you.
  2. Sometimes, we say things without thinking, which can lead to funny or awkward situations. It's a common human experience that everyone can relate to.
  3. Sharing humorous or entertaining content can lighten the mood and bring joy to our daily lives. Laughter is a great way to connect with others.

Treat life like a trip to the used bookstore.

Castles in the Sky • 34 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Treat life like a trip to a used bookstore and be open to finding unexpected treasures.
  2. Growing up in a bookstore can shape your perspective to see stories and meaning everywhere.
  3. Life, like a used bookstore, may not always have what you want, but with introspection, you can find things you didn't know you needed.

I want more people to read books. I also want to be able to call a bad book a bad book

Christopher’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. More people should read books to appreciate different styles and genres. Reading can open up new ideas and experiences for everyone.
  2. It's okay to have different opinions about books, even if some people love them. Being able to say a book is bad doesn't mean you're elitist; it's just preference.
  3. Friendly debates about books help create a healthy discussion around literature. Everyone should feel free to express their views and enjoy talking about their favorites.

Book Announcement: "The Expedition to Khiva" by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book 'The Expedition to Khiva' is a firsthand account of Russia's conquest of Khiva in 1873, providing both military details and adventure. It captures the journey across Central Asia, highlighting the culture and legends of the local people.
  2. Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky, the author, offers unique insights because he spoke the local Turkic languages, allowing him to interact freely with Central Asians and report on their ways of life.
  3. Along with the text, the book includes a 15,000-word introduction with historical context about Khiva and Alikhanov's background, enhancing understanding of the expedition.

Start the week #97

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Free travel for older people has benefits beyond just costs, like reducing social isolation and allowing them to volunteer more. It's important to consider the wider social impact of policies.
  2. Some argue that older people don't need free transport because they are financially stable, but many are not, and they've paid taxes for years. We should give back to them for their contributions.
  3. The comparison made about fare dodgers and travel benefits is flawed. Just like teachers gain more from engaged students rather than those who do nothing, society benefits more from supporting active older citizens.