The hottest Books Substack posts right now

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100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 2917 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Reflecting on the year can highlight significant moments and experiences that brought joy or growth. It's important to take time to acknowledge what made the year special.
  2. Books, movies, music, and other forms of entertainment can shape our experiences and provide comfort or inspiration throughout the year. Curating favorites can help in remembering those moments.
  3. Sharing recommendations and engaging with a community can enhance our enjoyment of various media and foster connections with others who have similar interests.

J.R.R. Tolkien the poet in search of lost time.

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien's poetry often explores the theme of lost time, reflecting on beauty and grief during the First World War.
  2. Despite being a poet with unique style, Tolkien's work shows connections to his contemporaries and the literary trends of his time.
  3. The recent collection of his poems is a valuable insight into his development as a writer and offers interesting historical context.

How the luxury beliefs of an educated elite erode society

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4261 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Luxury beliefs confer status at low cost to the upper class, but can be damaging to lower classes.
  2. Affluent individuals often promote harmful lifestyles to others while distancing themselves from the consequences.
  3. The concept of white privilege can be embraced by wealthy white individuals to elevate social status, while those who actually face the repercussions are usually less privileged.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 1139 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Books
  1. Jenny Rosenstrach shares an easy salmon dinner recipe using gochujang paste for a flavorful glaze.
  2. Nigel Slater's new book 'A Cook's Book' is a blend of memoir and appealing recipes that inspire creativity in the kitchen.
  3. A roundup of well-loved kitchen gear and gadgets to make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
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Shine Bright Like a Diamond

the process • 805 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. It's important to be proud of your work and accomplishments.
  2. Cultural perspectives on pride can vary, influencing how people perceive it.
  3. Being proud of your writing is essential to navigate the challenges and setbacks in a writing career.

Thinking Books

The Biblioracle Recommends • 1041 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Thinking about thinking and the value of engaging in purposeful thought is important for personal growth and creativity.
  2. Writing a book proposal can help to clarify thoughts and ideas, even if the book may not come to fruition.
  3. Reading books that make you think and reflect, such as those exploring spirituality, education, and creativity, can be a valuable way to enhance your thinking process.

ChinAI #250: LLMs summarize China's 2023 in one word

ChinAI Newsletter • 589 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Books
  1. One of the biggest storylines in 2023 was the grim employment outlook for China’s 11.5 million college graduates.
  2. There was interesting variation between Chinese and international large language models when summing up China’s 2023.
  3. Different large language models had varied perspectives on the hot internet events of 2023 in China.

The Week In Recommendations 3.8.23

Rich Text • 1022 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The newsletter discusses fun spring basics, a Netflix show scandal, and a trendy fashion item.
  2. The hosts share their current reads and podcast recommendations, including controversial topics.
  3. They also talk about their recent purchases, like denim skirts and children's clothing.

The art of imperfection

Austin Kleon • 2717 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Embracing imperfection in art can lead to unique and heartfelt expressions. It's okay to be a little rough around the edges.
  2. Reading can be a refreshing escape, and trying different books can bring new inspiration to your life. It's fun to explore different genres.
  3. Starting and ending your day with books can create a nice routine. It helps frame your day in a thoughtful way.

Twenty Years Ago, Everyone Thought My Gay Teen Novel Would Flop. They Were Wrong.

Brent and Michael are Going Places • 1002 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The author's gay teen novel, Geography Club, was initially rejected by many but went on to become a success, selling over 100,000 copies and being adapted into a feature film.
  2. The publication of Geography Club contributed to a rise in LGBTQ YA literature, leading to more diverse representation in the genre.
  3. The author reflects on the changing landscape of LGBTQ rights since the release of Geography Club, highlighting progress made while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Listening to audiobooks

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Audiobooks are easy to access through apps like Libby and Hoopla, making it simple to enjoy books while doing other activities like walking or cleaning.
  2. Finding the right audiobook can be tricky because you need to enjoy both the story and the narrator's voice, which can really affect your experience.
  3. Recording audiobooks can help you connect more deeply with the text, just like reading out loud can give you a different perspective on a story.

Full of... Favorites

Wild Holy & Free • 579 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The post shares the author's current favorite things, from TV shows to books.
  2. The author discusses the joy of discovering new items like makeup and clothing.
  3. The author also reflects on significant experiences, such as attending a conference and engaging in public speaking.

Books Gave Me the World

The Biblioracle Recommends • 511 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. The author recounts their experience of reading all Newbery Medal winning books in sixth grade.
  2. Reading books as a child provided adventurous and insightful stories that shaped the author's love for literature.
  3. The author reflects on the impact of books on their life and the importance of reading for personal growth.

A Celebration (And Map!) Of London: The Biography

Londonist: Time Machine • 499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The Biography' is a captivating book that deeply explores London's history through themed chapters.
  2. Mapping the geobibliome of 'London: The Biography' reveals Ackroyd's thorough coverage of central London with fewer mentions of areas south of the river.
  3. Reading 'London: The Biography' can inspire a deeper connection with the city and spark a lifelong interest in its history and exploration.

Imagining A Harry Potter Rewrite

Design Mom • 963 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Imagining a Harry Potter rewrite with updated content and plot holes to address criticisms and stereotypes.
  2. Authors like JK Rowling who have achieved immense success may have a rare opportunity to rewrite their work and reflect personal growth.
  3. Consider the potential impact and financial success of publishing new editions of popular book series like Harry Potter.

Back to Ye Olde Grindhouse

Am I Doing This Right? • 511 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The author is working on a new picture book with a bear as the main character.
  2. The author is making an effort to avoid overworking by setting timers for breaks.
  3. The new book has only four characters, a significant change from the previous book with many pigs.

The Week In Recommendations 3.29.23

Rich Text • 923 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Consider living closer to friends for a stronger sense of community
  2. Explore books and podcasts for engaging narratives and learning experiences
  3. Watch Prime originals like 'Class Of '07' and the return of 'Succession'

"The Reader in Mind Is Me"

The Biblioracle Recommends • 904 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Cormac McCarthy and Elizabeth Gilbert were late bloomers in their writing careers.
  2. McCarthy's distinctive style focused on themes of evil and hope in his novels.
  3. Gilbert's relationship with her audience reflects a balance between social and parasocial connections.

Transcript: Katherine Brodsky

Lean Out with Tara Henley • 432 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Guest Katherine Brodsky shares insights on speaking out against orthodoxies in the age of outrage.
  2. Brodsky's personal experience of being mobbed online led her to write her book, 'No Apologies'.
  3. Growing up in a household that talked about self-silencing under communism shaped Brodsky's perspective on censorship and free speech.

I am righting a book

LOL (lots of links) • 884 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Books
  1. The author is writing a book about Wikipedia's cultural history with goofy content.
  2. The author shares cool things they like, such as trademarked exclamation points, Zoom hangouts, and Jeopardy audio as a podcast.
  3. The author also talks about fake reviews in history, events at libraries, and their experience of feeling like they're getting away with writing a book.

The Week In Recommendations 1.24.24

Rich Text • 471 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger" on Hulu is a classic whodunnit worth checking out
  2. Stay informed by reading sources like Jessica Valenti's Abortion, Every Day newsletter
  3. Explore new shows like "Death and Other Details" on Hulu for a mystery fix

A fun, gripping fantasy epic for summer reading; an overlooked '00s European thriller; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. There's a great new fantasy book out that's perfect for summer. It's similar to popular titles like 'The Goblin Emperor' and 'Gideon the Ninth'.
  2. You can find essays on various topics like Trump and Musk, and even sports gambling. These might be interesting if you like discussions on current events.
  3. There's an underrated thriller from the 2000s with an amazing central performance. It could be a hidden gem you haven't seen yet.

What Fran Lebowitz taught me about my need for vengeance

Changing The Channel • 857 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Fran Lebowitz doesn't forgive and is a strong grudge holder, admitting it's not a pleasant trait but a truthful one.
  2. Fran Lebowitz contrasts forgiveness in Christianity with her stance of holding onto grudges, highlighting her belief that not everyone seeks forgiveness.
  3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast features Fran Lebowitz discussing her affinity for smoking cigarettes and holding onto revenge as important needs.

Following in Lester’s footsteps

A Lawyer Writes • 471 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC left a legacy that inspired young lawyers to use law for social change.
  2. Established fellowships at Bard College to support early-career lawyers in pursuing projects abroad.
  3. Fellowships provide $25,000 stipend for projects lasting at least three months outside the applicant's country.

The Profile Dossier: Stephen King, the Master of Suspense

The Profile • 1308 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Stephen King's success story is a testament to perseverance and the support of loved ones.
  2. King's writing tips emphasize simplicity, perseverance, and the importance of enriching readers' lives.
  3. Key lessons from King include focusing on active idea generation, avoiding adverbs, and taking care of personal well-being.

The Week in Recommendations 5.3.2023

Rich Text • 845 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The newsletter features a book of essays uncovering the dark histories behind beautiful objects.
  2. The creators discuss their latest cultural recommendations, from TV shows to music.
  3. Recommendations include Youswim one-pieces for maternity wear and luxurious body wash.

What I'm reading (April 2024 edition)

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 199 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Statistics and probability have a complex history that affects many sciences today. It's important to understand that probability is more about uncertainty than just measuring how often something happens.
  2. Books like 'Normality' explore how the idea of normal has been used to marginalize certain groups of people. The meanings of normal have changed over time and can be harmful.
  3. The connection between different thinkers and ideas can help us understand reality better. Books like 'The Rigor of Angels' look at these links and ask important questions about what we truly know.

A Few Things — Friday Link List

Design Mom • 825 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📰 News Books
  1. Threads is a new social media platform launched by Instagram aiming to compete with Twitter and has gained 55 million users in a short span of time.
  2. There are concerns about platforms trying to replace Twitter, like Mastodon and Bluesky, lacking a large user base for quality content.
  3. The author shares interesting shopping links, like a popular $35 polka dot dress at Target and a $40 boilersuit, that resonated with readers.

New Feature Announcement!

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. New feature announcement of a growing short story library for paid subscribers only. First story release is free for all.
  2. Stories will be delivered every two weeks in e-book format with new covers designed by the author, offering value for subscribers.
  3. If there is enough interest in the initial series of short stories, a second series may follow, encouraging engagement and growth.

The Week In Recommendations 5.24.23

Rich Text • 825 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Recommended Netflix show: XO, Kitty, a sweet series with heart, teen angst, and viable love interests.
  2. Engaging podcast: Betrayal, season 1 follows Jennifer Faison's healing journey, season 2 delves into Ashley Lytton's story.
  3. Shopping recommendations: Resortwear like versatile cover-ups and textured swimwear, hair clips for styling growing out hair.