The hottest Books Substack posts right now

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Scenes from Warwick

The Lens • 825 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. Many students were inspired to study economics after reading 'The Deficit Myth' by Stephanie Kelton.
  2. Students at the Warwick Economics Summit showed interest in integrating MMT and ecological economics.
  3. Torrens University offers online postgraduate courses in Modern Monetary Theory and Ecological Economics.

The Week In Recommendations 2.7.24

Rich Text • 805 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The newsletter discusses a new Dolly Alderton novel and a TV remake of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'.
  2. The authors share their thoughts on books, TV shows, and podcasts they've been enjoying.
  3. Claire and Emma recommend products like chair cushions and jeans for short women.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 1631 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup 2.0 is a comforting, versatile dish
  2. Chia pudding can be a convenient, satisfying breakfast option
  3. Bee Wilson's new book offers insightful reflections on cooking and family dynamics

A terrific, paranoid Irish serial-killer noir set in Northern Ireland, a wild Hong Kong action-comedy classic, and some excellent Balearic jazz

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. There's a gripping Irish serial-killer story set in Belfast that fans of dark thrillers might enjoy. It's perfect for those who like intense and twisty plots.
  2. If you're up for some fun, there's a wild Hong Kong action-comedy from the 80s with amazing fight scenes that will keep you entertained.
  3. The music scene is buzzing with fantastic Balearic jazz this summer, so it's a great time to explore some relaxing and jazzy tunes.

The Audacious Round Up

The Audacity. • 766 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The Audacious Book Club has selected 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar, with an upcoming conversation event you can join on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay has launched an essay series called 'Roxane Gay Presents' with Everand and has upcoming events in NYC, including a book launch.
  3. Reading material highlights different topics like the situation in Gaza, job opportunities in various media outlets, and entertainment news like interviews and artist profiles.
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Why Boredom Can Be Good (At Least for Writers)

Counter Craft • 723 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Boredom can actually be good for creativity. Taking time to think without distractions helps ideas grow and develop better.
  2. Substack is helping fill the gap left by traditional media when it comes to book reviews and author interviews, providing a valuable space for deeper engagement with literature.
  3. To be more creative, it’s important to find moments of quiet where you can think freely, like during a walk or while waiting, instead of always being glued to screens.

So You Want to Write a Book?

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 1572 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Writing a book requires intense passion and commitment.
  2. If you can't stop thinking about your book idea, you may be ready to write a book.
  3. Writing a book is a daunting process with challenges beyond just completing the manuscript.

A library of words

Austin Kleon • 3497 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Roget's Thesaurus is more than a simple list of synonyms; it's organized by ideas. This unique layout helps you think about what you want to say instead of just finding a word.
  2. Roget's life was all about organizing information, which influenced how he created his thesaurus. He wanted it to be a tool that helps users explore language in a deeper way.
  3. Using Roget's Thesaurus can be really helpful before you write. It can inspire you and help you find the right words for your thoughts, rather than just swapping words around.

The Week In Recommendations 1.10.24

Rich Text • 923 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Claire and Emma share their recommendations for books, TV shows, and podcasts.
  2. They discuss their efforts to cut back on impulse buying and focus on special, quality purchases.
  3. Emma raves about a specific moisturizer she loves and Claire talks about her resolution to write daily in a five-year memory notebook.

What Are You Reading (in February)???

Culture Study • 1795 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. People often look for comfort in books during tough times, especially in February's cold and dark days.
  2. Readers are encouraged to share their current reads, which can lead to discovering new and interesting titles.
  3. Keeping discussions positive and respectful creates a welcoming environment for sharing book recommendations.

🏰Quality Investing 101

Compounding Quality • 825 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💰 Finance Books
  1. Quality investing focuses on investing in the best companies in the world.
  2. Investing is about delayed gratification and finding a few big winners.
  3. Having a few wonderful businesses in your investment career can lead to great wealth.

A Few Things | January 22

Design Mom • 825 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Oscar had a surprise American-style high school graduation ceremony in France.
  2. Recent news includes harassment of Uvalde parents, protests in Germany against the Far Right, and the decline of crime and inflation theories.
  3. Shopping recommendations include discounted fashion items and a new skincare product.

War and comradeship

Archedelia • 1356 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The films highlight the real experiences of war and the deep bonds formed among soldiers.
  2. Returning home from war can be challenging in a modern, distant society.
  3. War demands human qualities that may conflict with public principles in contemporary society.

An Israel-Palestine Reading List

Glenn Loury • 793 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The reading list on Israel-Palestine conflict includes diverse perspectives and historical accounts from authors like Norman Finkelstein, Rashid Khalidi, and Benny Morris.
  2. The list delves into topics such as the historical roots of conflict, political dimensions, peace efforts, and the impact on Palestinian society.
  3. Authors like Avi Shlaim and Michael Oren provide insights into strategies, regional context, and key personalities during significant events like the Six-Day War.

How To Write 25 Books

Agents and Books • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Writing different genres involves envisioning the reader.
  2. Detailed preproduction and outlines make writing more sustainable.
  3. Confidence in writing improves over time with small victories.

Twenty Years Ago Today, My Life Began

Welcome to Garbagetown • 991 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Twenty years ago today, the author's first chapbook was published.
  2. The author expresses gratitude for the support and belief of key people in her life.
  3. Reflecting on 20 years in publishing, the author acknowledges the transformative power of books on readers and the tumultuous journey of personal growth.

Red fur and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1377 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books
  1. The newsletter discusses the joy of connecting with nature through observing red squirrels and highlights the importance of finding lightness in a heavy world.
  2. The newsletter shares information about a new oracle deck called 'The Rooted Woman Oracle' available for pre-order, which aims to deepen the connection with nature and spiritual nourishment.
  3. The newsletter promotes an online course and upcoming events focused on exploring fairy tales, mythology, and nature, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and connecting with the environment.

The AI Conversations That Shaped 2023

Gradient Flow • 878 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Books
  1. AI and machine learning advancements in 2023 sparked vibrant discussions among developers, focusing on topics like large language models, infrastructure, and business applications.
  2. Technology media shifted its focus to highlight rapid AI advancements, covering diverse AI applications across industries while also addressing concerns about deepfakes and biases in AI systems.
  3. The book 'Mixed Signals' by Uri Gneezy was named the 2023 Book of the Year, offering insights on how incentives shape behavior in AI, technology, and business, with a focus on aligning incentives with ethical values.

The Green-Eyed Monster in Yellowface

Lore Ferguson Wilbert • 766 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Artists benefit from telling and hearing the truth, as depicted in the movie 'You Hurt My Feelings'.
  2. Art can only improve when truth is incorporated into it, a principle exemplified by various artists like Asher Lev and Emily Dickinson.
  3. Rebecca Kuang, a young and accomplished author with multiple successful novels and academic achievements, serves as an inspiring example of early success.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 1297 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Make a delicious chocolate mousse with a twist by topping it with freeze-dried strawberries.
  2. Enjoy easy comfort food dinners like Chicken-Apple Sausage with Onions and Cabbage or Artichoke Dip Pizza.
  3. Invest in a set of fun, durable mixing bowls like the melamine set from MoMA.

Numlock News: January 8, 2024 • Robots, Ramen, Star Citizen

Numlock News • 786 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Books
  1. Star Citizen is a video game in alpha development raising massive funds through selling digital spaceships.
  2. Instant ramen sales are booming globally, with a spicy chicken-flavored soup gaining popularity in the US.
  3. Automation struggles as some tasks are easy for humans but difficult for robots, showcasing a low robot usage rate in US manufacturing plants.

"Oh, You're a Writer?"

Agents and Books • 1297 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. When asked to read someone's book, be kind but firm if it's not your genre
  2. If you have to read a book that's not your taste, be polite but honest in your feedback
  3. If you notice big issues in a book, provide constructive criticism tactfully

On Writing

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4886 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.

A strange, singular, funny American tale; an extremely cool gangster flick; and more

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. There's a funny and touching story that mixes passion and conflict, like something from famous authors Charles Portis and John Kennedy Toole.
  2. A new book explores language and L.L.M.s, alongside essays about A.I., labor, and changes in the literary world.
  3. There's a really cool Hong Kong gangster movie to check out, plus four great music tracks that I’ve been enjoying.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 1139 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Learn about being a good dinner guest from a post on Cup of Jo.
  2. Discover easy Halloween treats for the festive season.
  3. Try out a delicious Char Siu-style chicken recipe from Andrea Nguyen.

You Gotta Have Taste

The Biblioracle Recommends • 707 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Develop your own taste and don't be swayed by external opinions.
  2. Resist the influence of algorithms and prioritize trusting your own reactions.
  3. Exploring and articulating your taste is part of knowing yourself and resisting a culture of consumption.

What's got my attention this week #35

The Shift With Sam Baker • 619 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The newsletter highlights interesting links, recommendations, and topics worth exploring throughout the week.
  2. Readers can find valuable insights on determining personal value, relatable life questions, and thought-provoking articles.
  3. The post includes diverse content recommendations like books, podcasts, and TV shows for entertainment and personal growth.

The book that changed my life

Austin Kleon • 6074 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The book 'Steal Like an Artist' encourages creativity by showing that it's okay to borrow ideas from others. It teaches that creating something new often comes from remixing existing concepts.
  2. The author had a significant life change after writing this book, leading him to quit his job and pursue his passion full-time. This shows how following your creative journey can lead to unexpected opportunities.
  3. The book's unique style and design were influenced by personal limitations and a desire to create something that felt handmade and authentic. It reminds us that constraints can sometimes spark the most creativity.

Interview: Editor Sean deLone on How Modern Publishing Actually Works

Counter Craft • 681 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Editors juggle multiple books at different stages, which means they often have less time for in-depth editing. They focus more on larger structural edits instead of fine line editing.
  2. The idea of genres is changing; editors and readers are now more open to books that blend different styles, making it easier for unique stories to get published.
  3. Despite the challenges in publishing, there are positive trends like the rise of independent bookstores and book clubs, which help build community around reading.