The hottest Books Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A Small Press Conundrum

Lit Mag News Roundup • 491 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Dilemma of dealing with publishers exploiting writers while also publishing quality work.
  2. Questioning how to balance calling out unethical practices of publishers with supporting good literature.
  3. Uncertainty on how to address publishers that mistreat writers yet produce valuable content.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Big Serious Books Can Really Be Your Intellectual Friends

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Books can be seen as friends that engage with you if you learn to read them actively. They respond to your thoughts and questions, making your reading experience lively.
  2. It's important to treat your books with respect and see them as conversations with the authors. This mindset can transform your understanding and enjoyment of reading.
  3. Instead of focusing solely on academic achievements, let your genuine interests in the topics guide your writing. This way, your accomplishments will be a natural result of engaging deeply with the material.

I'm giving away 100 notebooks + all my digital versions with the hardcover

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 63 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. Free physical notebooks are being given away for Black Friday — you just pay US shipping and a discount is applied at checkout.
  2. Buying the premium hardcover bundle includes all digital editions (PDF, EPUB, Kindle), audiobook codes or links, and other freebies if purchased before Christmas; email your receipt to get the files.
  3. This approach mixes price-tiered bundles and gift-giving as experiments in generosity and audience-building, and it comes with a curated list of recommended reads.

On Drugs: Our First Interview

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 27 May 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. JSR's new book talks about the nature of reality and the impact of psychedelics on our perception. It suggests that everyone is 'on drugs' in some way every day through the chemicals our bodies produce.
  2. In a light-hearted interview, JSR discusses his own experience with various medications and how they influence his life. He makes a joke about wanting to avoid weight gain while managing his mental health.
  3. The conversation touches on the complexities of recreational drug use, leaving readers curious about JSR's opinion on psychedelics and encouraging them to subscribe for more detailed insights.
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A great new sci-fi novel for Iain M. Banks fans, a masterpiece French crime epic, and a great new jangly power-pop album

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. There's a new sci-fi novel that fans of Iain M. Banks will likely enjoy. It's about space travel and alien intelligence.
  2. A thrilling French crime story set in prison is now available on Netflix. It’s a gripping watch if you like intense dramas.
  3. A fresh album inspired by bands like Hüsker Dü and Big Star has been released. It's catchy and worth a listen.

How to Get Kids Reading More Books

The Analog Family • 319 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. Kids are reading less because of distractions like smartphones and a focus on analytical approaches in school. It's important for them to enjoy reading whole books to gain emotional connections and confidence.
  2. Setting up an environment full of books helps encourage reading. Having books available everywhere can make reading more appealing to kids.
  3. Parents should model reading habits. When kids see their parents reading, they may be more inclined to pick up a book themselves and find enjoyment in it.

Disappearing media

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📰 News Books
  1. Authors write books to be part of a bigger conversation and gain media coverage for visibility and sales.
  2. Traditional media outlets are struggling, with many layoffs and declining trust from the public.
  3. Emerging digital media has not yet reached the employment levels of traditional journalism, and news trust among the American public is low and declining.

Unexpected possibilities

Meaningness • 239 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Books
  1. The author is exploring new ways to interact with readers, seeking feedback to be more useful and considering the balance between writing and engaging with the community.
  2. Using a platform's features like 'Notes' to share quarter-baked ideas and encourage reader interaction, but facing challenges like visibility for subscribers.
  3. The author is contemplating the frequency of informal multi-topic update posts, seeking feedback on whether readers find them interesting or view them as clutter.

A great, fun, strange translation of Homer; a rich, poignant 2000s time-travel thriller; and some new songs I love

Read Max • 737 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books
  1. There is a unique and enjoyable translation of Homer's work that stands out from typical versions. It's worth checking out if you're interested in classic literature.
  2. A time-travel thriller from the 2000s combines romance, humor, and deep feelings in a fun story. It's a great pick if you enjoy thrilling adventures with emotional depth.
  3. Four new songs have caught the author's attention and are highly recommended. Music lovers should give these tracks a listen for something fresh.

Evading categorization

Erifili • 339 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Evading easy categorization can allow for a richer, more engaging life experience, going beyond limiting definitions and boxes.
  2. Being multi-passionate and defying easy categorization, like Feynman did, can bring fulfillment and excitement to life.
  3. Embracing complexity and resisting simplification can lead to a more beautiful and meaningful existence.

An Atmospheric River of Links and Recs

Culture Study • 2051 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The author shares about fulfilling Trans Santa gifts with donations and the impact it had, showcasing the power of community support.
  2. The post discusses upcoming content on resistance to the Airbnb Space decorating style and invites readers to share their experiences with alternative rental aesthetics.
  3. The author mentions enjoying reading a fantasy series and gathering various links and recommendations to share with paid subscribers.

SHAP Is Not All You Need

Mindful Modeler • 898 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Books
  1. It's important to avoid assuming one method is always the best for all interpretation contexts when working with machine learning interpretability tools like SHAP.
  2. Different interpretability methods like SHAP and permutation feature importance (PFI) have unique goals and can provide different insights, so it's crucial to choose the method that aligns with the specific question you want to answer.
  3. Research on interpretability should be more driven by questions rather than methods, to ensure that the tools used provide meaningful insights based on the context.

⬜ Waiting for books

One Thing • 336 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. Waiting for books from the library can be a slow and unpredictable process, but it adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to reading.
  2. Having multiple books on hold at a time allows for a diverse selection and prevents the pressure of reading one book quickly.
  3. The time it takes for a book to arrive from the library creates a low-stakes adventure and allows the reader to engage with the content without external influences.

When poor people occupy land without paying, it’s squatting. When the rich do it, it’s parking

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 491 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. When poor people occupy land without paying, it's called squatting. When the rich do it, it's labeled as parking.
  2. The growth of cars and road infrastructure in cities like Mumbai mirrors past mistakes made in the West.
  3. Car ownership, particularly in developing countries, poses environmental and economic challenges that need addressing.

Fighting Franco; Stormin' Norman Podhoretz; Italy's Red Cities

Unpopular Front • 34 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. A live conversation with Max Read and Jay Caspian Kang drew thousands of viewers, and related interviews and book promotions show the newsletter’s active reach and audience engagement.
  2. Norman Podhoretz, a prominent neoconservative, has died; his memoir and career reveal a cynical, competitive worldview and he ultimately came to welcome Donald Trump’s combative politics.
  3. New research shows Franco’s regime relied on virulent antisemitic conspiracy theories (the contubernio judeo-masónico-bolchevique) and continued publishing antisemitic propaganda after the Holocaust, making praise for Franco especially troubling.

The Little House Down the Street

Restoring Truth • 275 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. In a neighborhood of luxurious homes, one old 1950's ranch stood still in time, becoming a silent icon of simplicity.
  2. The elderly woman who lived in the old house spent her days tending to her garden, symbolizing patience and dedication amidst a changing landscape.
  3. Despite progress and modernization, the timeless wisdom found in old books and artifacts can outlive the trends of the day.

The Monday Media Diet with Philip Stockton

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Philip Stockton follows a chaotic and headline-driven media diet.
  2. He recommends reading 'Art of War' by Sun Tzu for competition and Edward Tuftes series on Data Visualization for designers.
  3. Stockton suggests spending time underwater in the ocean and recommends everyone visit a place with good underwater visibility.

News & Views

The Abbey of Misrule • 295 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Taking a break is sometimes necessary for our health. It's okay to slow down, especially when you feel unwell.
  2. A new book is coming out soon, and there are plans for a North American tour. This is an exciting time with many activities to promote the book.
  3. Plans for a podcast mini-series are underway to explore the book's themes in conversation with others. Engaging with different perspectives can bring deeper insights.

Pleasure lists

Vague Blue • 299 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The post discusses pleasure lists and opening lines that hold significance.
  2. It includes a curated list of opening lines from various literary works.
  3. The author references past reading reviews and offers a 7-day free trial to continue reading their content.

Why Should I?

Wild Holy & Free • 739 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Books
  1. The author finds joy and inspiration in writing and crafting every sentence.
  2. The author sold a new book project and is excited about the creative process.
  3. Updates on a Patreon meeting, Jay Z's Anti Book Ban Initiative, and Illinois abolishing cash bail.

Bullshit Links - August 2023

Everything Is Bullshit • 452 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Boosting desire for status can lead to less desire for reproduction and fewer children
  2. Frequent bullshitters are more likely to believe others' bullshit
  3. Talking about feel-good bullshit can make people perceive you as kind and generous

MY CATALOGUE OF MUSIC BOOKS

The Nelson George Mixtape • 452 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
🎶 Music Books
  1. The author is promoting their catalog of music books on their birthday.
  2. The latest project is The Nelson George Mixtape Volume 2, a 40 page zine of hip hop articles and memories.
  3. The books are being independently published and are available for $18.

On fait quoi pour les 4 ans de l'Atelier ?

L'Atelier Galita • 299 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. The Atelier is celebrating its 4th anniversary with ideas for themed celebrations and offer promotions to subscribers
  2. Sharing a reader's recommendation on a book about housekeeping and decluttering
  3. Considering various themes like favorite videos, influential books, preferred press, impactful emails, and life changes from 4 years of the Atelier

One of the best 'true-crime' books I've read in years, a gorgeous movie about sketchy archeologists, and four songs I like

Read Max • 658 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. There is a remarkable true-crime book that explores the history of Los Angeles. It's not just a story; it dives deep into the culture and background of the city.
  2. A stunning movie featuring archeologists is recommended, highlighting their complex and sometimes shady lives. It has a beautiful and reflective style.
  3. Four songs have been highlighted that the writer enjoys. These songs are worth a listen for those looking for new music to explore.

Open Thread 1

Nooceleration • 216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🚌 Education Books
  1. The blog Nooceleration will be the primary venue for the author's work.
  2. The author plans to cover topics like Biosingularity, 2024 predictions, and network states.
  3. Personal goals for 2024 include developing a concept around The Biosingularity and traveling to Argentina.

Apologies for Nihar Malaviya

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 216 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💼 Business Books
  1. Penguin Random House introduced a new CEO, Nihar Malaviya, following a detailed PR strategy.
  2. CEO transitions in big companies involve carefully managed public introductions and media appearances.
  3. Nihar Malaviya's atypical appearance and background challenged typical CEO stereotypes within Penguin Random House.

How (and Why) to Avoid Death by Notification

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Notifications are distractions that can lead to memory issues and reduced focus. It's essential to limit them to save time and mental energy.
  2. Our social media presence can drown out our real selves. It's vital to express thoughts without seeking validation to understand our true identity.
  3. Creating art and finding stillness are crucial for self-discovery. By disconnecting from devices, we can focus on meaningful activities and tap into our inspirations.

Going back to the well...

Development Hell • 414 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
📚 Literature Books
  1. The post discusses mental refueling and the importance of libraries.
  2. There are multiple book recommendations provided in the post.
  3. The author's brain feels starved of energy and inspiration but has now become voracious for more.

Rob Henderson's Reading List

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1609 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books
  1. Rob Henderson has put together a free reading list with 31 impactful books.
  2. The topics in the reading list cover human nature, psychology, and social class, among others.
  3. To get the free reading list, pre-order Rob Henderson's book 'Troubled' and email proof of purchase.

Migrants are constantly haunted by "the life not lived"

Read, Watch, Binge • 196 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Living in another country can make migrants wonder about the life they could have been living back home.
  2. Movies and books can explore the feeling of being divided between where you live and where you came from.
  3. Relationships and experiences can represent the life that could have been lived, sparking reflections on choices made.

All your gift giving problems solved

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books
  1. Consider gifting a meaty detective novel or a thrilling read to the granddad or dad in your life who loves sport and action movies.
  2. For the busy reader who struggles to find time for books, opt for short stories, essays, or poetry collections that can be easily read in short bursts.
  3. Short stories and poetry are becoming popular choices as gifts due to time constraints and attention span challenges.