The hottest Books Substack posts right now

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What a bawling and a tearing of hair there will be!

Letters of Note • 2790 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Lewis Carroll's father exhibited playful absurdity in his letters, which likely influenced his son's fantastical writing.
  2. Charles Sr. wrote a whimsical letter to his son, Charles Jr., showcasing imaginative and humorous storytelling.
  3. Through the letter, Charles Sr. creatively fulfilled his son's request for a file, screwdriver, and ring from Leeds with a vivid and whimsical tale.

On Literary Sidepieces

CRAFT TALK • 2338 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Having side projects can help keep momentum if feeling frustrated with the main project.
  2. Sometimes working on a lighter side project can provide a break from emotionally heavy writing.
  3. Sidepiece projects can evolve into something more significant and meaningful.

The Weekend Press: Meeting My Birth Family

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Discovering a birth family can be emotionally complicated and messy; reunions don’t always end in clear joy or heartbreak, even when records become accessible.
  2. The newsletter mixes sharp cultural commentary and personal advice, from roasting big movies and profiling public figures to debating whether someone is too young to marry.
  3. It also offers practical weekend ideas and warm tributes, with book and music picks, recipes, hosting tips, and memorial pieces.

What I'm reading and listening to this holiday season

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2835 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie shares her current reading and music choices for the holiday season, expressing gratitude for her subscribers.
  2. She highlights six books she plans to read, ranging from gothic novels to dystopian fiction, showing a diverse taste in literature.
  3. Blackie also lists six songs on her winter playlist, including nostalgic tracks and modern reworkings of traditional folk music.
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A Few Good Questions

CRAFT TALK • 2358 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Consider the value of your time and energy when starting a project.
  2. Ask yourself why you're working on a project and understand its importance.
  3. Embrace the process of creating art, even if it means facing failure before success.

List of things the book has outlasted

rachaelmeager • 575 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Books have a lasting power that outlasts many forms of technology and trends. They continue to be a significant part of our culture despite the rise of digital media.
  2. Loneliness is a shared experience across different genders and backgrounds. Books can provide comfort, but they don't fully replace the need for human connection.
  3. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's essential to dig deep into our experiences to find meaning. Our pasts shape us but can be complex and challenging to fully understand.

What Are My Favorite Max Lucado Books? (I've worked with him for 18 years)

DruGroup • 119 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books
  1. Max Lucado excels at story-telling, especially when he focuses on individual Bible characters. His books can help readers connect deeply with their lives and experiences.
  2. One of his standout books is about Joseph, showing how he faced many hardships but kept going. It teaches valuable lessons about resilience and faith.
  3. Max emphasizes grace and courage, particularly in his books about characters like Esther and Jacob. These stories highlight that everyone has flaws, yet they can still find hope and strength.

A gay man tries to buy a book

The Glinner Update • 3989 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A gay man tried to buy a book and faced difficulties at different Waterstones stores.
  2. The book in question, 'Time to Think,' is about a medical scandal at the Tavistock Clinic.
  3. There might be intentional suppression of sales of this book by Waterstones.

For the Strikers

CRAFT TALK • 3871 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Encouragement to continue writing for oneself, even in difficult times.
  2. Reflection on finding joy in writing through personal experiences and storytelling.
  3. Affirmation of the value in writing and importance of maintaining a love for the craft.

Let us toast to animal pleasures

Letters of Note • 2162 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Hunter S. Thompson toasts to animal pleasures, escapism, and the good life in a letter from 1958.
  2. Martha Gellhorn values friendship and stands against tyranny in a letter to Betsy Drake from 1983.
  3. E. B. White humorously suggests changing the date of Christmas to simplify American celebrations in a letter from 1984.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1965 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📰 News Books
  1. The Audacious Bookclub's February pick is _Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.
  2. Roxane Gay's debut title from Roxane Gay Books is a finalist in the NAACP Image Awards.
  3. Various news and events in the literary and social justice world are highlighted.

This is not a letter

Letters of Note • 1945 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The text presents quotes from Katherine Mansfield's letters to different recipients.
  2. Mansfield's messages often started by stating 'This is not a letter,' implying a more personal connection.
  3. Her letters were filled with genuine expressions of care, love, and unique observations.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 2260 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Try making 'fish presents' for a tasty and low-stress dinner option.
  2. Consider trying out 'oven-roasted chicken shawarma' for a flavorful meal when entertaining guests.
  3. Explore some great book recommendations for your holiday reading list.

AMA on *You Have No Right to Your Culture*

Bet On It • 115 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A text-based Ask Me Anything is open about the book "You Have No Right to Your Culture", inviting questions, challenges, or puzzles; the host will try to respond within the next 24 hours.
  2. There’s a meet-up tomorrow at Carmine’s Times Square at 3:15 PM, and attendees should RSVP in the comments so the host has a head count.
  3. All are welcome to join the meet-up, and the host confirmed they are arriving on time.

The Count and the Kamikaze

Archedelia • 2122 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The novel 'A Gentleman in Moscow' explores the life of a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a hotel after the Bolshevik revolution.
  2. The movie 'Godzilla Minus One' depicts the story of a kamikaze pilot choosing to live and love after rejecting his mission during WWII.
  3. Both the novel and the movie explore themes of moral choices and grace in challenging historical contexts.

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
  2. Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

The Arc of it All

CRAFT TALK • 3636 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey and the unexpected evolution of their career.
  2. Writing novels is challenging but familiar, while exploring self-help books presented a new set of difficulties.
  3. The upcoming book focuses on creativity and writing, drawing inspiration from various voices to guide aspiring writers.

The Mysterious Case of the Adverbs

CRAFT TALK • 1788 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Editing a novel involves multiple rounds of edits to catch mistakes and make improvements.
  2. Debating the use of adverbs in writing can be both challenging and enjoyable.
  3. Seeking feedback on writing choices can help ensure clarity and impact in the final piece.

The Weekend Press: Siblings Are a Gift

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Growing up with many siblings can be chaotic but also creates deep bonds and a rich, joyful life — siblings are a real gift.
  2. Small acts of gratitude, like handwritten thank-you notes, are meaningful and worth making time for even when life is busy.
  3. After the holidays, give yourself a break: cook something simple, binge an entertaining thriller about elite meltdowns, and read a short book or essay to reset.

A big number

Austin Kleon • 4196 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' has sold over a million copies, showing how much people love its message. It's amazing to see such a huge number.
  2. Reading short books after finishing a big one can feel refreshing. They can be powerful and enjoyable, even if they're under 200 pages.
  3. Sometimes, it's fun to explore different topics in books or articles that interest you. Whether it's science or art, there's always something new to learn about.

Giving it all away

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3215 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Growing up in a working-class family, Dr. Sharon Blackie defied societal expectations to become a writer.
  2. Writing formula fiction wasn't for Dr. Blackie, who found her authentic voice in crafting scenes with compelling imagery.
  3. Through mentorship, Dr. Sharon Blackie learned the importance of the craft of writing, emphasizing the beauty of language and evoked images.

the point of it all

bookbear express • 396 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The core of who you are often stays the same over time — the things you loved as a teenager can remain the most meaningful parts of your life.
  2. Small rituals and recurring motifs like food, clothes, and favorite places give comfort, shape your personal style, and help create a steady sense of identity.
  3. Love and care require letting someone in, which feels blissful and terrifying at once because it makes you vulnerable and reveals contradictory parts of yourself.

Free Friday: Fired Up

JoeBlogs • 1690 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Books
  1. Excitement for upcoming baseball Hall of Fame inductions and championship games.
  2. Overview of historical baseball figures and their challenges with Hall of Fame elections.
  3. Discussion on current baseball free agents and potential competitive team lineup.

The Children’s Books That Changed Our Lives

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 301 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Most adults can instantly name a childhood book that stuck with them and helped shape who they are.
  2. There’s concern that screens and other distractions mean today’s kids may not pick up books or develop strong reading habits.
  3. Giving children books can spark imagination and a lifelong love of reading. Some books also teach deeper themes and narrative complexity that stay with readers.

February Blues

The Contender • 1454 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. February can be a tough month for many people
  2. Self-improvement may sound good, but can be challenging in reality
  3. Taking time for personal reset and relaxation is important, especially during demanding times

The Weekend Press: My Spare Embryos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 287 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. IVF leaves many couples with hard choices about what to do with unused embryos, forcing them to grapple with when life begins and whether embryos are more than biological material.
  2. New technologies like polygenic risk scoring are encouraging people to treat embryos as predictors of future traits, which raises ethical and social concerns about designing or judging potential children.
  3. Those ethical questions are presented alongside a broad mix of cultural and practical content — interviews, advice, reviews, and weekend recommendations — aimed at informing and provoking reflection.

Soft Skills books for developers

Elevate • 1909 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🚌 Education Books
  1. Master the art of deep focus to boost productivity and reduce distractions.
  2. Optimize for high-leverage activities by prioritizing tasks that drive significant outcomes.
  3. Cultivate a growth mindset to view challenges as learning opportunities and embrace feedback.

20 books I didn’t read this year

Austin Kleon • 1958 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. There's no shortage of books to read, so it's okay not to finish them all. It's a reminder that reading is a journey, not a race.
  2. Having a list of books you didn't read can reflect your interests and ongoing projects. It can actually tell you a lot about what you want to explore next.
  3. Taking breaks from reading or not finishing certain books doesn't mean you're not engaged. Sometimes, other things in life take priority.

Tuesday Thread: Non-Fiction Concierge

Culture Study • 1167 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The post discusses non-fiction books and their recommendations.
  2. Listeners are encouraged to explore a newsletter called 'The Maris Review' for more book ideas.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of sharing and discussing non-fiction resources.

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 356 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. The list includes ten favorite books, showcasing a mix of three novels and seven non-fiction titles. This variety can help you discover new reading material.
  2. There's a brief note on all the other books read throughout the year, which gives deeper insights into the reading journey.
  3. A limited-time discount is offered for new subscriptions, allowing access to a full archive of posts and recommendations.

Links for January

By Reason Alone • 84 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A wide-ranging roundup recommends books, music, films, podcasts, and events, and points readers toward youth programs and speaking opportunities. It’s a mix of cultural picks and practical links for careers and learning.
  2. Public debate and policy often rest on sloppy language or bad reasoning — for example, ‘speculation’ in housing debates conflates opposite practices, and counting regulation-driven hiring as a net benefit confuses costs with benefits. Clearer terms and economic thinking are needed when discussing land, rents, and public investment.
  3. On AI and machine learning the emphasis is on technical clarity and history: be careful about what people mean by ‘reinforcement learning’, learn by implementing ideas, and pay attention to recent research on issues like capability forgetting and early AI milestones.

11 Best Things of 2025

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Deep, long-form storytelling — from multi-hour documentaries to investigative podcasts and narrative books — still cuts through and gives people context and payoff that short-form streaming often doesn’t.
  2. Scarcity and presence drive cultural and commercial value: phone-free live shows and limited-schedule events (like major sports) command attention, higher prices, and more memorable experiences.
  3. The online attention economy is split between AI-generated "slop" and nostalgia-driven viral moments, yet original films, breakout songs, and solid investigative work can still break through and shape culture.