The hottest Criticism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Hard Truths of Writing

Trantor Publishing • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Writing is hard work that requires consistency and dedication over time to improve and complete projects.
  2. It's important to finish your work and put it out to an audience for feedback and building a fanbase.
  3. World building is essential but should not overshadow the storytelling aspect; focus on story first and use world building to enhance it.

A word on incubators

Sam’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
💼 Business Criticism
  1. Incubators combine ideas, people, and money to create new companies.
  2. Different models of incubators have clear trade-offs to consider.
  3. Common criticisms of incubators include ownership stakes, founder loyalty, and the track record of big successes.

A sneak peek at Chinese fast fashion giant Shein's DC lobbying efforts

Wenhao’s news blog • 58 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criticism
  1. Shein has hired powerful lobbying firms and influential individuals to lobby Congress amid criticism of its practices.
  2. The company faces scrutiny over labor and business practices, especially regarding allegations of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
  3. Shein's lobbying efforts show the company's proactive approach to navigating challenges and protecting its interests in the US market.

Ways of Seeing—On Bernhard's Old Masters

Vremya • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Everything in art, as in life, has flaws. When we look closely, we’ll often find faults, even in the greatest masterpieces.
  2. Our personal experiences shape how we see the world. Sometimes, our pain or feelings can color our view of things, making us more critical or negative.
  3. Losing someone we love changes everything. It can make us see things differently, and sometimes, we may feel that nothing else holds the same meaning or value.

Night Raids and Gimmick Episodes

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Book 10 of the Iliad, also known as the 'Doloneia', explores the themes of politics, heroism, and narrative traditions through a nighttime raid by Diomedes and Odysseus.
  2. There is debate among scholars about the inclusion of Book 10 in Homer's Iliad, with some suggesting it was a later addition by Peisistratos.
  3. Gimmick episodes like the Doloneia in the Iliad serve as side quests, allowing for experimentation and expansion of the narrative world, providing a break from the main plot while still contributing to the overall story.
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A Closer Look

Story Club with George Saunders • 24 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Bunin's story 'Light Breathing' explores deep emotions and difficult themes. It's a powerful reminder of how fiction can impact readers.
  2. The reactions to the story highlight its ability to provoke thought and feelings. People connect strongly with the characters and their struggles.
  3. This discussion shows that literature can have a significant effect on us. It's amazing how stories can resonate and spark conversation.

Why the Right Wing Needs to Abandon the Term "Mary Sue"

Trantor Publishing • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The concept of a 'Mary Sue' in storytelling is complex and can't be defined solely by a list of traits.
  2. The focus should be on evaluating the overall narrative and meaning of a story, rather than nitpicking character traits.
  3. Trying to label characters as 'Mary Sues' can sometimes overlook the importance of understanding the author's beliefs and intentions behind the story.

Updated: Use A Spreadsheet For Literary Criticism

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Using numbers and graphs in literary criticism can make it clearer and more precise. Instead of vague feelings, showing data gives a snapshot of the story's style.
  2. A data-driven approach helps you understand a book's elements at a glance, like humor and pathos. You might even get a better idea of a book without having to read it all.
  3. Making visual summaries like graphs could replace traditional book reviews and blurbs. It’s like giving readers a quick guide or 'nutrition label' of what to expect.

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The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Subscribers are invited to nominate essays published on Substack in 2025 (not paywalled and not by the Cosmopolitan Globalist) across many categories; nominations close Dec 30 and winners are announced Dec 31 after a Dec 30 Zoom judging session.
  2. The newsletter is running an extended 48‑hour sale offering 50% off a one‑year subscription, with gift and group discounts and access to archives, podcasts, events, and community features.
  3. Winners will be named Cosmopolitan Globalist Laureates and receive a permanent listing, a badge, publicity, invitations to a podcast or salon, and a citation, and volunteers are welcome to join the judging panel.

On the Spectator Urge

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The concept of mimetic desire in reading involves imitating the desire itself, not just external representations.
  2. In literature, the mimetic interpretive lens involves subjecting characters to social criticism and evaluating them based on our own experiences.
  3. The mimetic urge in reading can be a way of seeking out desire, constantly evaluating and comparing, possibly as a protective mechanism in the current media-saturated world.

A. R. Ammons Goes For a Walk

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Poetry is about the line, which contains thoughts spilling beyond; the breaks and movements are perceived differently by the eye than by the ear.
  2. A.R. Ammons was a prolific American poet who had a unique background outside of the typical academic path, with origins in rural North Carolina.
  3. In Ammons' poem 'Hymn,' he explores themes of seeking unity with something beyond oneself, incorporating precise scientific language into his work.

The Polemicist's Dilemma

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Polemics are rampant in modern discourse and have a long history, but it's essential to navigate them carefully and focus on high-quality arguments rather than defaulting to base instincts.
  2. Current narratives of political grievance in America have roots in the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and have led to a deep polarization, making it crucial to understand these origins to navigate discourse effectively.
  3. Polemics have lost persuasiveness in modern times due to technological influences and societal changes, urging a shift towards promoting complex ideas, embracing humility, and addressing real-world issues.

Review: Bell Hooks' "Communion"

Bright Morning Stars • 20 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Men often face conflicting expectations from society. They are pressured to be strong but also need to be sensitive, which can be hard to balance.
  2. bell hooks shows vulnerability in her writing, sharing her own struggles and the complexities of love. This openness is something many people find admirable.
  3. It's important to allow room for growth and change in relationships. Misunderstandings or harsh judgments can hurt both partners and hinder communication.

True Transhumanism Part 2

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Criticism
  1. In transhumanism, the focus is on continual improvement, not on reaching perfection or paradise.
  2. The concept of perfection as a static state goes against the principles of transhumanism, which emphasizes perpetual progress.
  3. Critics often misinterpret transhumanism as seeking a utopia or ideal state, but in reality, transhumanists aim for continuous advancement towards 'extropia'.

Review: The 95th Academy Awards

Obvious Bicycle • 263 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Certain winners at the 95th Academy Awards had their mic cut off during acceptance speeches, raising questions of disrespect.
  2. The movie 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' dominated the Oscars, winning in major categories despite divisive opinions on its quality.
  3. The success of 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' reflects a shift in awarding more original and risky films, indicating a positive direction for the future of cinema.

Curator

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Literary criticism helps reflect the health of a society through its culture. Critics believe that poor artistic standards can lead to societal decay and a decline in political morals.
  2. Longtermism, a philosophical idea focused on the importance of the future, can oversimplify ethics by assuming we can predict and control outcomes for future generations. It's more complicated than that.
  3. The debate over sex positivity versus prudishness highlights how different views on sexuality impact women. It's important for women to have the freedom to define their own experiences without societal pressure or shame.

Another Gripe

Unpopular Front • 55 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Responding to negative reviews can seem petty, but sometimes it's necessary to clear up misunderstandings. It's important to address when someone's critique misses the point of your work.
  2. Understanding the tone and context of writing is crucial for meaningful critiques. Misinterpreting jokes or irony can lead to completely off-base reviews.
  3. Critics should be careful when making claims about an author's political views or arguments. Misreading can reveal more about the critic's biases than the author's actual stance.

Writing What You Can't Say

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 60 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Listening to how you speak can help improve your writing. Pay attention to moments when you hesitate or struggle to find the right words; this is where your best ideas can emerge.
  2. The search for the right word can be difficult, but it's a valuable process for a writer. Those tricky moments highlight what you really want to express and push you to find better ways to describe it.
  3. Saying what you feel but can't easily put into words is a key part of writing. Embracing confusion and uncertainty can actually lead to more compelling stories and ideas.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Tommy Orange's book 'There There' is praised by many, but it also has critics who find its writing bad. There’s a debate over whether the acclaim it received is deserved.
  2. Jaron Lanier's 'You Are Not A Gadget' critiques how the internet has changed society for the worse. He argues that the tech industry's ideals often hurt real human connections.
  3. Both authors highlight serious issues—Orange with Native American narratives and Lanier with digital culture. They suggests that being truthful isn't enough; good writing and meaningful expression matter too.

a brief history of poetry | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 38 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Poetry has a long and complicated history with many famous poets facing struggles in their lives. They often dealt with personal issues, fame, or political problems that affected their work.
  2. Some poets achieve great recognition and success, while others remain unknown but still create meaningful art. The value of poetry isn't always tied to fame.
  3. The experiences of poets can help connect with deeper feelings in people. Those who feel abandoned or outcast often have powerful insights that shine through in their writing.

Orwell on Kipling

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Orwell viewed Rudyard Kipling as a talented writer, despite being despised by many in his time.
  2. Orwell criticized Kipling's realism as 'sadism,' but believed Kipling's writing reflected a different perspective on handling life's unfairness.
  3. Orwell underestimated Kipling's skill as a poet and short story writer, failing to recognize the depth of his work beyond popular pieces.

On Selective Pressure

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Selective pressure plays a crucial role in writing, balancing brevity with the desire to convey substantial thoughts worth sharing.
  2. Contemporary fiction faces the challenge of seamlessly integrating data and information into the narrative without interrupting the flow.
  3. The evolution of modern fiction and writing styles is influenced by various factors, such as trends, educational programs, and cultural contexts.

We should all be Luddites now

The Future, Now and Then • 154 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. The Luddite rebellion was about labor power and resistance to technology that would harm workers.
  2. Legitimate pathways for voicing resistance being limited can lead people to embrace illegitimate tactics for change.
  3. Being a modern-day Luddite means advocating for fair distribution of wealth and power in the digital future.

The End of Solitude?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. William Deresiewicz's collection of essays 'The End of Solitude' covers various themes like technology's impact on culture, higher education issues, and reflections on Jewish identity.
  2. Deresiewicz questions the effects of technology on solitude, argues about the problems with higher education focusing on academic elites, and suggests a reevaluation of cultural and intellectual practices.
  3. The book delves into topics often missing from mainstream discourse, highlighting the importance of the humanities and showcasing a blend of influences through essays that challenge readers.

NO APOLOGIES

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 112 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Criticism
  1. Katherine Brodsky has a new book titled 'No Apologies' focusing on freedom of speech in today's society.
  2. The book highlights the importance of open discourse in various fields like science, art, and academia.
  3. Brodsky's book aims to empower individuals to speak up against enforced silence and radical ideas.

Unpacking My Digital Library

What Is Called Thinking? • 45 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. Curating and sharing links can connect different ideas and inspire thought. It's a fun way to mix academic work with popular culture.
  2. Communicating the truth requires care; it's not just about saying what you think, but also about making sure others understand you. This highlights the importance of good rhetoric.
  3. Having strong convictions can guide important decisions in life, like investing. Knowing when to be passionate and when to be calm is a valuable skill.

Channeling Gore Vidal in a James Bond Book

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 40 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The book 'Forever and a Day' has exciting scenes that build tension and keep the reader engaged, including moments where the characters share their backstories.
  2. The story provides a unique perspective on World War II, suggesting a critical view of American involvement and its consequences.
  3. The author, Anthony Horowitz, weaves in political commentary, showing how fictional characters can reflect real-world issues and beliefs.

"Theft"

Story Club with George Saunders • 45 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The story 'Theft' by Katherine Anne Porter explores themes of loss and value. It makes you think about what things really mean to us.
  2. The discussion led by George Saunders encourages readers to engage deeply with the story. Thinking about the characters and their experiences helps enrich the reading.
  3. Turning off the comments allows for a more thoughtful reading process. It gives everyone time to reflect on their thoughts before sharing.

The Story of Rockism

The Seat of Loss • 8 implied HN points • 05 Sep 25
🎶 Music Criticism
  1. Music critics don't really influence what becomes popular; they react to trends rather than create them. This means that artists and their connection with fans matter more than what critics say.
  2. The term 'rockism' describes a resistance to change in music, often associated with critics and traditional views of rock. It shows how artists feel pressured by outdated expectations in their creative expressions.
  3. Digital production changed the music scene drastically, prioritizing marketable hits over traditional live band formats. This shift means authenticity in music is less about live performances and more about what sells.

As Lovely as a Tree

Crow & Colophon • 3 HN points • 15 Jun 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The question of whether algorithms can be considered beautiful, like poetry, sparks thoughtful considerations about the nature of code and its impact on our world.
  2. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness between literature, programming, and the human condition, prompting reflections on the beauty and artistry inherent in code.
  3. Various perspectives from programmers and computing experts showcase the idea of code as poetry and how programming can be seen as a form of art, invoking creativity, skill, and ingenuity.

Trust the Critic?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. There is less honest criticism of books because many critics are now freelancers and also writers. This makes them less likely to be negative about new books that could affect their own careers.
  2. Critics used to challenge well-known authors more freely and offer varied opinions, but now they often just give praise without saying what's really bad about a book. This makes it hard for readers to know which novels are really worth their time.
  3. New platforms like Substack are giving space to honest voices in criticism. This shift could bring back more genuine discussions about literature instead of the bland, safe reviews we often see now.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The book 'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer explores themes of aging, love, and living in the moment. It shows how life can be rich and meaningful even if it's not traditional or perfect.
  2. In 'Bad Sex,' Nona Willis Aronowitz shares her personal experiences but often comes off as judgmental and hypocritical. Her attempts to connect sex and feminism reveal the challenges of aligning personal desires with political beliefs.
  3. Both books offer different insights into life and relationships, with 'Less' being more uplifting and 'Bad Sex' being more critical. They both reflect on how personal experiences shape broader conversations about identity and society.

American Made: Or, What I'm working On

Notes from a Small Press • 8 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. AI is becoming a big topic in the publishing world, and it's important to understand its impact on writing and authorship.
  2. Many people have different opinions about how AI should be used in publishing, making it a complicated issue.
  3. Staying informed and discussing these issues can help authors navigate the changing landscape of publishing.

A Bone to Pick (With Me)

Story Club with George Saunders • 37 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📚 Literature Criticism
  1. The importance of intention in writing is significant. It's about understanding what you want to communicate and why it matters.
  2. Engaging with feedback can enhance the writing process. Listening to others can provide new perspectives and improve your work.
  3. Creative exercises can be beneficial. They can stimulate ideas and help writers think outside the box.

Art Doesn't Lie About Chthonic Human Nature

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Criticism
  1. Art reflects the dark truths of human nature, as argued by Camille Paglia in her work Sexual Personae
  2. Paglia's thesis explores the conflict between reason and chaos in Western culture through art
  3. Paglia's provocative approach challenges traditional literary criticism and encourages a more engaging exploration of art and literature