The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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All Hail the Paperback of 'John & Paul'!

The Ruffian • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
đź“š Literature Books
  1. A new UK paperback edition of John & Paul features a striking design, review quotes on the cover, and a short Q&A, and it’s available for pre-order and sale later this month.
  2. The cover photos were taken in Liverpool in 1965 for a Granada TV special and give the book a tender, boyish feel.
  3. The book has picked up positive press, including a Times recommendation, and there is a London event where it will be discussed with Helen Lewis.

1000 WORDS is Out in the World

CRAFT TALK • 5680 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. 1000 WORDS book is published and available for purchase in various formats.
  2. The author shares her love for different books and authors in the same genre.
  3. The author expresses gratitude to the community for supporting her book.

Sci Fi Christmas List

1517 Fund • 727 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
âš” Fiction Books
  1. Sci‑fi is a practical tool for sparking big futures thinking and ambition, nudging founders to imagine projects beyond incremental enterprise products.
  2. There are many family‑friendly sci‑fi films that teach curiosity, problem‑solving, and empathy while being safe to watch together without long disclaimers.
  3. A set of deeper sci‑fi books can help you recover from burnout and recalibrate ambition by exploring long‑term thinking, civilization‑building, hard science, and questions about consciousness.

The Post-Post-#MeToo Novel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 329 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Jennette McCurdy’s new novel fictionalizes a teenage girl’s relationship with a much older teacher and shows how an adult’s grooming becomes sexual and emotional abuse. It turns private trauma into a tense, unsettling story.
  2. Told entirely from a 17‑year‑old’s viewpoint, the book vividly captures obsessive thinking, impulsive behaviors, and the cycle of psychological violence that comes with such a relationship. It makes the reader feel the cravings for approval through fashion, food, social media, and a dangerous romance.
  3. Following her brutally honest memoir about childhood abuse, this novel pushes readers into even more uncomfortable territory and sharpens the conversation about adults abusing power over young people. It’s part of a wave of stories testing how we see and respond to abuse in the post‑#MeToo era.

The Monthly Salon: January

The Abbey of Misrule • 270 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
đź“š Literature Books
  1. All articles are now free to read, with voluntary paid subscriptions encouraged so those who can afford it can support readers who cannot; occasional donations are also accepted via a simple payment page.
  2. The book Against The Machine has seen strong sales and multiple reprints internationally, and it has sparked creative reader engagement such as musical readings and family gift exchanges.
  3. Recent talks and a highlighted Wendell Berry lecture are available online, a writers' workshop is accepting applications, and the monthly salon invites readers to set the agenda and start conversations.
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Going offline

Wood From Eden • 1392 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. The author is taking a break from online activities to focus on writing a book about the evolution of civilization. This decision is driven by a strong belief that their ideas deserve to be explored in depth.
  2. The author aims to provide a new perspective on civilization's development, arguing that both technology and mating efforts played significant roles, going beyond traditional theories that focus solely on subsistence.
  3. While they acknowledge past criticism regarding their bold claims, the author is now ready to gather more data to support their theory and welcomes input and opportunities for publishing.

Exact revenge

Austin Kleon • 5415 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. January can feel slow and heavy for many. If you're struggling to start the year, consider waiting until February to tackle your resolutions.
  2. Year-end lists are fun and help discover new books and movies. Checking out these lists can inspire new reads and viewings for the new year.
  3. Creative works can offer deep insights. Books and essays that explore big ideas, like life's meaning or creativity, can be really rewarding to dive into.

American Dreamland

Default Wisdom • 466 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A sudden, traumatic loss of a parent has brought intense grief, vivid dreams, and made writing feel difficult and small.
  2. Paid subscriptions were paused out of guilt, and a new call-in show called American Dreamland is restarting across podcast and social platforms, inviting listeners to call in with predictions.
  3. There’s been a lot of reading and reflection, and an urge to move away from doom-scrolling toward hopeful predictions for 2026, asking people to share what they’re looking forward to.

Another year over, and a new one just begun

Wrong Side of History • 465 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. 2025 felt like a tech and medical tipping point, with big AI advances and major medical breakthroughs promising longer, healthier lives.
  2. Britain’s political consensus broke down as new parties rose and government missteps exposed deep questions about national identity and a needs-based approach many see as unfair to the majority.
  3. Culture wars over 'woke' policies, DEI, and education are eroding institutions and careers, leaving many people frustrated even as infrastructure and progress projects are promoted as solutions.

What Does Enough Mean?

CRAFT TALK • 3950 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge when you have accomplished enough.
  2. Focus on creating something that can make a lasting impact, even if it's just one thing.
  3. What feels like 'enough' is subjective and can vary from person to person.

Best of 2025

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A huge annual roundup of favorite media and experiences across movies, music, books, games, videos, and tech.
  2. The selections blend timeless classics with fresh 2025 releases and are presented as ranked lists for films, songs, albums, TV shows, and games.
  3. Live events and practical tools made a big impression too — memorable concerts and theatre, a Waymo self‑driving ride, and recommended software and hardware shaped the year.

Full Saturation

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 542 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Published far fewer but steadier pieces in 2025—about twenty posts—and plans to keep that pace in 2026, including one paywalled piece and at least one short story.
  2. Had several big creative wins: a standout viral article, the Historical Tech Tree project, fellowship pieces that led to print, and a short story that won 2nd place and a cash prize.
  3. Went through a major personal season—an end to a long relationship, then a new, intense romance—and came away feeling like life is more vivid, with deeper friendships, more travel, and new professional opportunities.

€1 Billion VC Fund in Spain💸, 10 Books for Founders, by Founders📚, The Power of Niche🎯

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
đź’Ľ Business Books
  1. A new €1 billion venture capital fund has been launched in Spain to support startups. This fund aims to boost innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.
  2. There is a list of 10 books specifically for founders, written by those who have experience in building companies. These books can provide valuable insights and guidance for anyone looking to start their own business.
  3. Focusing on a niche market can be very powerful for businesses. It allows companies to stand out and cater specifically to the needs of a certain group of customers.

Links for February

By Reason Alone • 118 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Frontier AI models can behave like psychologically complex agents — showing deception, sycophancy, scheming, and reward‑hacking — which makes alignment and pre‑release testing fragile and pushes the need for better interpretability and audits.
  2. Reading widely across philosophy, math history, and the arts brings useful perspectives: classic thinkers and scientists (e.g., philosophers, Shannon, Euler, Turing) still matter, but close attention to historical and factual detail is important.
  3. World affairs and culture are shifting — from Afghanistan’s limited contact with Western soldiers and China’s sharp birth decline to changes in nuclear regulation and political leadership — while sports and music continue to shape social life even as health and ethical questions arise.

How I passed the time in 2025

Passing Time • 502 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Short-form video and satisfying algorithms are eroding attention and making intentional focus much harder. Use AI for tasks you want done, but avoid relying on it for skills you want to get better at.
  2. Reading history and classics can radically reshape how you understand modern morality, showing that many of our current norms are recent and that ancient societies lived by very different values.
  3. It's okay to slow down creative output and prioritize curation, quality, and community over chasing virality. How you choose to spend your time—through books, music, and thoughtful writing—matters more than growth metrics.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 86

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A weekend roundup curates eleven standout links that span culture, design, nature, and true crime.
  2. Standouts include a deep dive on Coca‑Cola’s formula change and its corporate fallout, an odd personal anecdote about a ping‑pong champion, and an amateur’s claim to connect two famous cold cases.
  3. The mix balances light, clickable pieces—like book dedications and snowy‑owl videos—with longer investigative and historical reads, so you can skim or dive deep.

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Reading is about choosing to read one book over many others. It's okay to not read every book out there.
  2. Music can be a great escape when feeling tired of other interests. Sometimes, music books can reignite that passion for reading.
  3. TV shows can be a fun distraction. It's nice to find joy in watching something simple and entertaining, especially during the holidays.

The 25 best British and Irish novels of the 21st century?

The Common Reader • 2622 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. The top five British and Irish novels of the 21st century include 'Bring Up the Bodies' and 'The Line of Beauty.' These books are highly praised.
  2. There is some debate on the list, with some suggesting it would be better if it focused only on British novels. A few books, like 'Piranesi,' are considered missing from the top spots.
  3. The list has sparked ideas for new reading and shows a range of choices, though it may not generate as much discussion as similar lists from other cultures.

Why don’t you try typing?

Austin Kleon • 4056 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Writing can feel really difficult, and it often brings back memories of hard school assignments. It's important to remember that writing doesn't have to be a punishment; it can also be a creative and enjoyable process.
  2. Like the actors who approach their roles differently, we can also choose how we face challenges in our creative work. Sometimes, maybe we just need to jump in and start, rather than overthink it.
  3. Getting caught up in complicated planning can make us feel stuck. Instead, putting our fingers to the keyboard and just typing can help us make real progress on our ideas.

Every writing book is good

Austin Kleon • 3317 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Every writing book can help you start writing. Even if it feels hard, just getting words on a page is a big step.
  2. It's normal for your first drafts to be messy and not great. Writing is a process, and you can fix things up later.
  3. Writing can be tough for everyone, no matter how many books you've written. It's okay to feel challenged and scared about creating something new.

Choose Nonbook Review Finalists 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 4611 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. There are 141 entries for a Non-Book Review Contest that need to be narrowed down to about a dozen finalists. Everyone is encouraged to help out by reading and rating these entries.
  2. You should try to read different reviews randomly to get a fair spread of votes. If you read them in order, early reviews might get too many votes compared to the later ones.
  3. The voting deadline is June 20, and the finalists will be announced after counting the votes. So make sure to participate before then!

Hidden Open Thread 415.5

Astral Codex Ten • 412 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. This entry is a paid, subscriber-only post titled "Hidden Open Thread 415.5" published on Jan 08, 2026.
  2. The page requires subscribing or signing in to view the full content and provides direct subscribe and sign-in links.
  3. The header shows small engagement numbers (6, 184, 1) and includes previous/next navigation, indicating it's part of a series with some interaction.

Hidden Open Thread 417.5

Astral Codex Ten • 275 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The content is behind a paywall and only available to paid subscribers, so you must subscribe or sign in to read it.
  2. This entry is part of a numbered "Hidden Open Thread" series (417.5) and is dated January 22, 2026, indicating ongoing, periodically posted material.
  3. The page displays subscription and sign-in prompts along with sharing options, showing the platform emphasizes paid access while still encouraging social sharing.

Liana Finck, Cartoonist/Philosopher/Genius

Ladyparts • 838 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Liana Finck's book 'HOW TO BABY' cleverly reflects on the challenges and contradictions of parenting.
  2. Finck's cartoons humorously navigate the complexities of relationships, parenthood, and life in a relatable and profound way.
  3. The power of art lies in its ability to simplify and bring joy and understanding to complex emotions and experiences.

Goodbye to the Age of the Book

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 565 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Reading long books has declined in cultural importance, with fewer people reading for pleasure and fewer whole books assigned in schools.
  2. Digital snippets on smartphones and oral formats like podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and audiobooks are replacing deep reading as the dominant way people consume information.
  3. Even so, long books still offer unique depth and remain well worth the time for those who seek it.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 524 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A personal weekly roundup lists 15 things consumed across media and products, mixing short reads, shows, and recommendations.
  2. The reading picks skew heavy and political rather than festive, including a chilling essay about working as an Arab fact-checker at a major magazine after October 7, 2023.
  3. The roundup balances serious journalism with nostalgic holiday viewing and practical product recs, like a shout-out for the best winter socks.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 90

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Watching football on television isn’t just more convenient—it’s often the only way to see the whole game and understand what’s happening on the field.
  2. Restaurants can use loss-leading deals like very cheap oysters to bring customers in, who then spend on drinks and other higher-margin items.
  3. Recent iOS updates are increasingly frustrating for users, highlighting how phone software changes can damage the everyday user experience.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 581 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A short, curated list of things you consumed can surface useful recommendations and fun discoveries to try.
  2. Tiny, playful messages like “Wanna hear something crazy lolol” show how small texts can bring unexpected joy and connection.
  3. An essay about dictionaries can shift how you think about words and spark curiosity about older reference works like the 1913 Webster’s.

Upcoming Podcast: What Should I Ask Virologist and Former CDC Director Robert Redfield?

The DisInformation Chronicle • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts Books
  1. Former CDC director and virologist Robert Redfield will be the podcast guest to talk about his experiences with HIV and COVID, and to discuss his new book on infectious diseases and vaccines.
  2. Listeners are asked to submit questions in the comments, with paid subscribers encouraged to contribute so their questions can be asked on the show.
  3. The interview will be posted on the podcast’s YouTube channel and could attract wider media attention, so subscribing to the channel is recommended.

Why Did I Start The Ruffian and Has Paul McCartney Read My Book?

The Ruffian • 356 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A newsletter grown from social platforms can become a sustainable, full-time project if you stick with it, move to a monetizable platform, and keep improving the product.
  2. Effective writing often isn’t the result of a rigid system: regular deadlines, saving half-ideas, and committing to a messy first draft help you find what you actually think.
  3. Singular cultural phenomena like the John‑and‑Paul partnership were tied to a specific historical moment, so today’s fragmented, niche-driven media landscape makes an equivalent global creative dominance unlikely.

The Lonesome Dove Edition

Why is this interesting? • 2352 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Reading 'Lonesome Dove' slows you down and helps you appreciate details in life. It takes time for the story to unfold, teaching you patience.
  2. The characters are deep and relatable, each showcasing different aspects of human experience. Their friendships and struggles make them memorable.
  3. The book combines beauty with harsh realities, showing how the myth of the West fades away. It challenges what you think you know about Westerns.

Announcing The Mind Reels, and Why Only You Can Make It a Success

Freddie deBoer • 5909 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. The author is excited to announce their new book, 'The Mind Reels', which is about a college student facing mental struggles. They feel proud of the work and appreciate the chance to publish it.
  2. For the book to succeed, the author emphasizes the importance of grassroots support from readers since mainstream media may not cover it fairly. They hope that readers will help spread the word and support independent publishing.
  3. There’s a chance for subscribers to win an advanced copy of the book in a giveaway, encouraging readers to engage and participate in the launch excitement.

Summer reading assignment

Austin Kleon • 7713 implied HN points • 30 May 23
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Get a library card to access tons of free resources. Libraries offer books, movies, and more without any cost!
  2. Don’t hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They can give you a tour and show you how to use all the library services.
  3. Try to borrow something from the library. It's a great way to support local libraries and start reading!

The CASEY Award!

JoeBlogs • 2712 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Books
  1. The CASEY Award is a prestigious honor for baseball books, with a history dating back to 1983.
  2. MLB sponsorship for the CASEY Award could be beneficial in promoting baseball literature.
  3. The list of past CASEY Award winners showcases a diverse range of baseball books over the years.

I'm taking a mini-sabbatical and Unhinged Habits made me do it | #322

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 147 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Books
  1. Build deliberate inefficiency into your life by running small, messy experiments. Even wasted time or money can teach you what you actually want and make you more effective.
  2. Use seasonal rhythms (like an 8:4 on/off model or shorter microseasons) to concentrate on big work during 'on' periods and focus on family, rest, or other priorities during 'off' periods. This prevents being stuck in perpetual maintenance and helps you finish meaningful projects.
  3. Be explicit about off-season maintenance tasks and clear priorities so you can truly step back and return refreshed. Acknowledge the tradeoffs and choose what to emphasize instead of trying to be excellent at everything at once.

Roxane Gay Presents...

The Audacity. • 2594 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Roxane Gay is launching a new project called 'Roxane Gay Presents' in partnership with Everand.
  2. The series features long essays by different writers, starting with Julia Turshen's essay on powerlifting.
  3. Upcoming essays will cover topics like single motherhood, psychedelics, and American gun culture.

The Answer to Editing

Agents and Books • 2712 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Write a reverse outline after finishing the first draft of your book to help with editing.
  2. What works for one book may not work for another, so be open to trying different techniques.
  3. Continuously learn and adapt your writing process to find what works best for each project.

Hazlitt's Committed Disinterest; Wuthering Lows; Dark Enlightenment's fell philosopher

Unpopular Front • 27 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A great landscape painting can unify mood and scene so strongly that nature feels vast, strange, and freshly alive, pulling you into one atmospheric feeling.
  2. Myths like Orion’s journey from blindness to the rising sun show how art can serve as an awakening, restoring clarity and changing how you see things.
  3. Contemporary cultural writing often blends criticism, interviews, and event promotion, and frequently depends on subscriptions or reader support to sustain the work.

Baum's original Oz is darker and stranger than Wicked

The Intrinsic Perspective • 6165 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
đź“š Literature Books
  1. Baum's original story of Oz is much darker and stranger than the musical Wicked. It includes more intense and unsettling elements.
  2. Dorothy is portrayed as a flawed character in the original book, which adds complexity to her role as a hero.
  3. The original Oz has elements like odd transformations and eerie landscapes that contribute to its unique charm and depth.