The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

In praise of the present

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'filmic writing' and explores the idea of narrative time.
  2. It mentions the author's experience of starting to work on a new book of short stories, with some stories written in first person and others in third person.
  3. The post teases the opportunity to read more by subscribing to 'The Leftovers' and getting access to the full post archives.

Fail, Furlough, Fall, and other F words

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 20
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The US 2020 election was seen as a significant fail by the author, emphasizing the importance of good prevailing in the end.
  2. Making tough decisions like furloughs as a leader should always be emotionally challenging, showing empathy and responsibility.
  3. The changing of seasons to fall in November brought beauty, reflection, and an opportunity to slow down and be thankful for what we have.

Editing, or the lack thereof

Notes from a Small Press • 23 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Book editors have different styles and expectations based on the type of publishing they work in.
  2. Authors should not expect book editors to provide feedback as they write the book.
  3. Generalizing editors in the publishing industry is unwise; editors have varied roles and approaches.
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In Praise of Charles Darwin

Critical Mass • 18 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The Voyage of the Beagle opened the author's eyes to a different side of Charles Darwin.
  2. Charles Darwin was not only a great scientist, but also a brilliant writer.
  3. Reading Darwin's works can provide valuable insights and appreciation for his storytelling.

August 2020: Notes in the Margins

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Many people are feeling a mix of emotions in 2020 - from low key sad to high note sad, it's been a rollercoaster year.
  2. It's important to pay attention to the little details and listen to inner callings, even if it means making adjustments and changes.
  3. Committing to a creative project, like writing a novel, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even when the path forward may not be entirely clear.

The poetics of the pile-on

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 13 Aug 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. Writing fiction can be a process where stories develop gradually during the act of writing, allowing space for creativity and exploration.
  2. Engaging with contemporary issues in writing can be challenging as the fast-paced nature of news events can quickly make a book feel outdated.
  3. In writing about the present, authors may choose to imagine possibilities rather than focus on capturing the exact reality, as fiction allows for the exploration of hypothetical scenarios.

The Curse of Optimization

Path Nine • 12 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Books
  1. The article discusses the allure of constant optimization in work and life, warning about the negative impacts of over-optimization like reduced efficiency and wasted time.
  2. A recommendation is made to strike a balance between productivity and creativity, emphasizing the importance of not getting lost in the quest for perfection.
  3. The post suggests practical tips for effective time management, such as filling your schedule, leaving room for spontaneity, and estimating task times accurately to improve planning.

Bodies Bodies [A Primer]

The Author Is Dumb • 6 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author is working on a new book that will be written in real time and is focused on themes of faith.
  2. Unlike previous works, this book will not have a paywall, promoting access to everyone, while still appreciating paid subscribers.
  3. The style of this book might be different, potentially being more autobiographical and experimental compared to the author's other writings.

If You Don't Have Anything Good To Say

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 6 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. It's better to stay silent than to leave negative reviews. If you can't say something nice, just don't say anything at all.
  2. Instead of tearing others down, focus on lifting them up with positivity. Like your friends' achievements and show support, even if you don't agree with their choices.
  3. Criticism can be easy and tempting, but being a critic isn't a worthy goal. Aim to be a force for good in the world instead.

Welcome to TeamCraft

TeamCraft • 19 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Books
  1. TeamCraft is a weekly newsletter on technical team management.
  2. Transitioning to a manager involves setting baselines and exceeding low expectations by simply being a normal human being.
  3. Starting a newsletter offers opportunities to understand the audience, share content sooner, and serve as a potential book precursor.

Don't Break the Chain

Path Nine • 12 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Books
  1. Don't Break the Chain method promotes consistency in achieving goals.
  2. Productivity strategy involving commitment to daily goals and small achievable steps.
  3. Embracing perseverance and consistency over lofty goals leads to success.

the ancient book of magic secrets

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author sent their book manuscript to a publisher they admire, Milkweed Editions, after 6 years of work.
  2. Milkweed Editions is known for taking risks on debut and experimental writers.
  3. The publisher invests significant time and care in the editorial process.

Works in Progress: 2023 Wrapped

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The top articles of the year include 'How mathematics built the modern world', 'France's baby bust', and 'Why Britain doesn't build'.
  2. Noteworthy posts like 'Degrowth and the monkey's paw', 'In pursuit of decent coffee', and 'The value of family' made an impact this year.
  3. Popular links covered various topics like infrastructure challenges in Britain, high-speed rail in America, and incredible science images.

Reckoning and Rapture

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Humans are a myth-based species and may eventually make all collective myths come true.
  2. Daniel Pinchbeck explores solutions to planetary crises and the need for meaningful change.
  3. Great questions are posed in Pinchbeck's essays, such as the role of AI, community action, and preservation of wisdom.

Let's dance to Joy Division

GOOD INTERNET • 10 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The world's renewable energy capacity grew at a record pace in 2023, providing hope for meeting climate targets.
  2. Scientists discovered a Megastructure, resembling Niven's Ringworld, challenging universe theories.
  3. A mouse was caught on camera tidying up a man's shed every night, showing friendly behavior.

Sense of doubt

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 21
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Having a sense of doubt is important in various aspects of life, including legal systems and commercial relationships. Doubt can lead to greater depth and strength in relationships.
  2. In the commercial world, trust and credit are crucial, and an excessive desire for certainty can hinder growth and innovation. Fostering relationships and trust can lead to long-term benefits.
  3. Wood has played a significant role in shaping human history, yet its importance is often overlooked in historical narratives that tend to focus on individuals. The narrative we choose shapes how we view history and what questions we ask.

Winter

Notes in the Margins • 19 implied HN points • 05 Apr 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Books
  1. Winter months between holidays and spring can be challenging, and 2021 seems particularly tough.
  2. Finding solace and balance during difficult times is important for mental well-being.
  3. Looking forward to spring symbolizes hope and a fresh start after enduring the challenges of winter.

The Maintenance Race was just the beginning

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. A new platform called Books in Progress has been launched for collaboration with authors on draft chapters.
  2. Stewart Brand's upcoming book 'Maintenance: Of Everything' will explore the philosophy and practice of maintenance.
  3. The platform offers the first section of Chapter 2 on vehicles, focusing on what motorcycles can teach about maintenance.

stray clippings #01

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 11 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The author reflects on their writing process and the balance between perfection and speed.
  2. The author discusses experimenting with different writing forms to express their ideas.
  3. The author shares thoughts on storytelling, reflecting on character development and emotional impact.

Influential Mathematicians: Jacques Hadamard

Quantum Formalism • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jun 20
🔬 Science Books
  1. Jacques Hadamard's early struggles in mathematics did not deter him from becoming an influential mathematician of the 20th century.
  2. Hadamard's work on functions of a complex variable and entire functions laid significant groundwork for future mathematical developments.
  3. Although Hadamard did not directly contribute to quantum formalism, his work on functional analysis played a crucial role in its mathematical foundation.

"Sell me this Pen"

Achee Alpha • 6 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
💼 Business Books
  1. Stop selling and start helping when it comes to sales. Position yourself as an experienced guide to the buyer to win them over.
  2. Understand the buyer's problems, pains, and other solutions they have considered before making your case for your product or service.
  3. Don't just assume buyers know how to make the right decision. Teach them how to buy by presenting your solution as the best choice among their options.

#42: Room for discovery

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 20
📚 Literature Books
  1. A book can be interesting to many types of readers, not just one specific audience. It can appeal to people who enjoy high-end cuisine or want to know more about restaurant culture.
  2. People often wonder why traditional ways of running businesses don't work well anymore. Understanding new hiring and goal-setting methods can help create better workplaces.
  3. Publishing is tricky because books often have to fit into one category. This can make it hard for unique books to reach the right readers.

All The Vibes

GOOD INTERNET • 6 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Conway's Game of Life reveals long-sought repeating patterns
  2. Rare copy of The Amazing Spider-Man No 1 sells for over £1m
  3. Karl Marx's burial plot available for £25,000 alongside another grave

10 must-read books

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Reading a good book can bring joy for a long time, not just for a special occasion. It's about enjoyment and lasting value.
  2. The recommended nonfiction books are all easy to read and informative, making them great for casual reading.
  3. These books are not a fleeting trend but rather timeless choices that continue to provide pleasure over the years.

Critical or Commercial Success

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Artists often face a dilemma between choosing to be a critical success or a commercial success. It's usually difficult to achieve both.
  2. Popular mainstream art is often considered lowbrow compared to more niche, highbrow art. Taste of the masses isn't always sophisticated.
  3. The dynamics of the book industry have changed, with authors now needing to actively create buzz for their work, unlike the older days when browsing in bookstores was more common.

Finish What You Start

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Finishing what you start is important for personal growth and success.
  2. Having a high tolerance for frustration helps to push through tough times in new endeavors.
  3. Perseverance and dedication are key to achieving long-term goals, even when faced with challenges.