The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

‘De Beauvoir, my heroine’

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Simone de Beauvoir's 'Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter' had a deep impact on the writer, who identified with her.
  2. Marguerite Duras's 'The Lover' is a favorite book about love for its intimate portrayal.
  3. Choderlos De Laclos' 'Dangerous Liaisons' stands out as a provocative and scathing piece of work.

My 2024 in Reading

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. This year, the person read 58 books, mostly fiction, and found new favorite authors and stories. They believe fiction is important for understanding our world.
  2. They're excited to launch a new book review magazine to support new writers and literary culture. They think there’s a revival happening in how people engage with books.
  3. The person is releasing a new novel titled 'Glass Century' in May 2025. They're also looking forward to touring and sharing their experiences with readers in different cities.

A snow day in Texas

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 15 Jan 21
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Winter is a great time for enjoying books, games, and movies. Stay cozy and indulge in your favorite indoor activities.
  2. It's important to be patient with your creative projects. Sometimes letting them sit can help you find the right direction.
  3. Art should be accessible to everyone. Look for affordable pieces and support artists who are making art more reachable.

I have a book coming out!

Notes from a Small Press • 27 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book 'Best of the Rust Belt' features personal essays from a region often labeled the Rust Belt, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.
  2. The book aims to shift the narrative of the Rust Belt region, moving away from stereotypical coverage during election cycles to more nuanced, authentic storytelling.
  3. The creation of the book was a collaborative effort involving multiple editors, writers, and contributors, emphasizing the importance of community and collective storytelling.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.

The life cycle of books

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 16 Sep 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Writing a book is a long process that requires years of effort for writing, getting published, and being recognized.
  2. After the book is published, it may receive some reviews and attention, but then it can often fade into obscurity.
  3. Many people focus on the struggles of getting a book published, but not as much on what happens afterwards.

Experimentation Tools; Surge in MLOps; 2021 Books

Gradient Flow • 39 implied HN points • 09 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Books
  1. Investors and engineers are focusing on ML infrastructure and MLOps, but experimentation tools need more attention to bridge the gap between data teams and product teams.
  2. Financial services industry is utilizing AI and NLP via no-code platforms to build and deploy applications.
  3. Recommendations of books include topics on cyberweapons, macroeconomics, venture capital, and predictive investment frameworks.

Start the week #88

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. The 60 Minute Writer course teaches different writing techniques each week. It's a great opportunity for those looking to improve their writing skills.
  2. Giving and receiving feedback is important for growth in writing. Clear instructions can help people understand how to give constructive feedback and accept it better.
  3. Reading a mix of articles and different styles can inspire new ideas. Engaging with various writers helps to understand different perspectives and improve one's own writing.

Films + Books, Q1 2023

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 49 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Films from different decades and countries can offer unique perspectives on American culture
  2. Exploring classical literature and scientific writings can provide valuable insights and inspiration
  3. Engaging with different genres and styles of books and films can broaden your perspectives and appreciation for art

Shakespeare in a Divided America

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 21
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. James Shapiro examines the intersection of current political tensions in America with Shakespeare's work, notably discussing a Trump-inspired production of 'Julius Caesar.'
  2. The organization of Shapiro's book, 'Shakespeare in a Divided America,' is criticized as being somewhat haphazard.
  3. Consider subscribing to access more detailed insights on this topic and explore related themes in the post archives with a 7-day free trial.

The summer book

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Reading is fun and you can enjoy multiple books at the same time. It's okay to skim through and see what interests you!
  2. Brian Eno has started his own radio station, which is a cool way to discover new music. It has a lot of unreleased tracks to explore.
  3. Creating art and doing projects with your kids can be a great bonding experience. It can also spark creativity in both you and your children.

A Crowdsourced List of Books and Resources for New Venture Capitalists

Venture Reflections • 27 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💼 Business Books
  1. A crowdsourced list of books and resources for new venture capitalists was shared.
  2. The resources are categorized based on different aspects like VC business, technology innovation ecosystems, cautionary tales, finance, and more.
  3. The list includes various formats of resources like books, blog posts, podcasts, newsletters, and organizations for new VCs to explore.

Books that suck you in and spin you out

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Some books pull you in and make you feel deeply connected, while others push you out to explore new ideas or authors. It's a fun way to think about how stories can affect us.
  2. Maps in storytelling can really enhance your reading experience. They help you visualize imaginary worlds and can inspire you in your own writing.
  3. Art can be a way to express gratitude and create meaningful souvenirs. It reminds us of experiences or people that matter to us.

The Best Startup Books You've Never Heard Of

Greg’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 Apr 24
💼 Business Books
  1. Reading anecdotes and advice from successful entrepreneurs in the startup world helps you understand and learn from their experiences.
  2. There are lesser-known startup books that provide fantastic advice and are engaging reads for anyone interested in building or working in startups.
  3. Key insights from startup books include the importance of testing ideas quickly, the value of working with a good team, and the caution founders should have when celebrating raising money.

You have to be obsessed

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Being passionate or obsessed about something can drive you to achieve great things. It's important to let that passion show in your work and hobbies.
  2. Books, music, and movies can all inspire you and provide comfort or entertainment. Exploring different genres can open up new perspectives.
  3. Sharing recommendations and experiences with others can create connections and help build a supportive community. It's great to share what you love!

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, January

By Reason Alone • 25 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading links posts can provide insights into what influences someone at a specific time.
  2. Compiling lists of books, blogs, podcasts, and music can help you reflect on your media consumption and discover new recommendations.
  3. Exploring a variety of media like books, blogs, podcasts, and music can give you a diverse range of perspectives and entertainment.

GRANTED: Hot books for summer and what to do about burnout

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 01 May 22
📚 Literature Books
  1. Good arguments encourage critical thinking by showing complexity instead of seeking agreement.
  2. To combat burnout, focus on reducing demands rather than relying on temporary solutions like vacations.
  3. Believing in people means understanding that they can change and grow, but at their own pace and in their own way.

August Reading Review

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author indulged in reading 17 books and 2 plays in August, showcasing dedication to consuming a variety of content
  2. The author expresses a keen interest in continuously reading, analyzing, and discussing books, indicating a deep passion for literature
  3. The post encourages readers to reflect on their own reading habits and consider the impact of books on their lives

Start the week #90

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Writing reviews can be tricky. Sometimes it's better to mix positive and negative feedback rather than sticking to one type every time.
  2. Teaching encourages sharing and growth. It takes courage to put your work out there, but it's worth it to get better.
  3. Reflecting on your past can be rewarding. Finding your first published work reminds you of how far you've come over the years.

UX Roundup: AI Saves Fuel | Checkboxes Must be Square | Good Books | AI Jobs Grow | Perplexity Grows

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 21 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Books
  1. AI technology is being used to save fuel by optimizing airline routing, showcasing the practical applications of AI in various industries.
  2. Square checkboxes and round radio buttons have been a long-standing UI convention for user interfaces to help users differentiate between selecting multiple or single options.
  3. Reading good books, like those on storytelling and non-UX topics, can enhance communication skills for UX professionals and provide valuable insights.

Open Letter to Russell Brand

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The author suggests Russell Brand should consider a path of radical honesty and atonement to address past wrongs.
  2. Men and women both have complex, multifaceted natures and there should be efforts to understand these complexities better.
  3. Fame and societal rewards can sometimes remove limits on behavior, leading to unhealthy patterns and consequences.

Links & What I’ve Been Reading, February

By Reason Alone • 21 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The post includes media recommendations like blogs, podcasts, music, films, books, and papers that the author enjoyed in February.
  2. There are interesting reading recommendations from various domains and genres suggested by the author, including philosophy, music, documentaries, and movies.
  3. The author provides a personal touch by sharing thoughts on the media consumed, such as novels, music albums, podcasts, and academic papers.

Letter to Rebecca #25-01

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. The writer prefers quiet moments after the holiday rush, finding joy in low-key family gatherings rather than loud celebrations. It's okay to cherish solitude and more subdued experiences.
  2. The writer enjoys exploring new readings and has subscribed to a newsletter even without reading the articles yet, showing they value the publisher's reputation. Discovering new things can happen even before diving deep into them.
  3. There's humor in everyday situations, like using cleaning as an excuse to exercise, reminding us that we can find fun and creativity in mundane tasks. Life is what you make of it, even while doing chores!

Three self editing tips

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Give your writing some time before editing. Letting it sit for a day helps you see it with fresh eyes and improve it better.
  2. Try printing your draft to edit it on paper. This makes the work feel new and helps you spot mistakes more easily.
  3. Reading your writing out loud can help you catch errors and awkward phrases. It’s a great way to make sure your writing flows well.

Letter to Rebecca #24-23

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Pets can sometimes cause unexpected worries, like health issues. It's good to stay on top of their care, like regular vet visits.
  2. Supermarkets collect a lot of data on shoppers, which can feel intrusive. It's interesting how they use this info to target offers.
  3. Ideas for writing can come from anywhere, even just everyday moments. Walking around or doing chores can spark creativity.

GRANTED: My favorite books—and your favorite links—of 2021

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. It's crucial to invest in those who understand they have room to grow rather than those who are overly confident. Building confidence is easier than dismantling arrogance.
  2. Some top highlights of 2021 include favorite books exploring various topics, resources on escaping languishing, and popular podcast episodes featuring prominent guests.
  3. Learning, growing, and staying connected with insightful resources like books, articles, and podcasts can contribute positively to personal development and well-being.

My favorite Bookstore closes shop and i'm sad

GOOD INTERNET • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Favorite bookstore in Berlin, Bcherhalle, closed down, leaving the author sad.
  2. The bookstore was known for its unique selection of used books covering various genres and subjects.
  3. The author purchased many interesting and quirky books from the bookstore before its closure.

What I've Been Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 25 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The author is discussing the issue of missing aggregators in the publishing industry.
  2. There is a desire for a solution to improve curation and discovery of content in publishing.
  3. Social media used to be more effective for finding published pieces about publishing.

2023 Year in Books

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author read 37 books in 2023, reflecting on the struggle to find time for focused reading in the age of distractions.
  2. There are book recommendations categorized as 'Must Reads', 'Worth It', and 'Skip It', providing insights and reviews for a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.
  3. The act of reading is viewed as a commitment to deeper thinking and nuance, contrasting with the instant gratification of social platforms.

LSW#18 🤔Do You MBWA?

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 30 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
💼 Business Books
  1. Practice MBWA (Managing by Wandering Around) can be more effective than an MBA.
  2. Effective leadership involves understanding the work of your team and being visible and accessible.
  3. Engage in casual conversations and networking within and outside your organization to enhance success and effectiveness.

Reading, Watching 02.25.24

Unpopular Front • 15 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author mentions a new book available for pre-order and promises more self-promotion about it in upcoming posts.
  2. There is a discussion about the historical figure Martin Buber and his views on Zionism, emphasizing his vision of a binational state for Jews and Arabs.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.

Letter to Rebecca #25-02

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Making New Year resolutions can lead to feeling bad if you don't stick to them. Instead, not making any can help avoid that pressure.
  2. Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
  3. Books and reading are enjoyable, and finding interesting ones in second-hand shops is a fun adventure. Plus, discussing what you read with others can make it even better.

Nguyễn Trần Bạt

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 20
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Nguyễn Trần Bạt was a respected individual who had a positive impact on people, especially students.
  2. Bạt emphasized the importance of integrity, honesty, and kindness in life, leaving a lasting impression on those he interacted with.
  3. Despite facing challenges in getting his books widely published in Vietnam, Bạt's influence and teachings continue to inspire others to live a good and moral life.