The hottest Essays Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

Ivan: the Good (?) Years

Story Club with George Saunders • 48 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Classic Analysis Essays Discussion
  1. The story goes back to the start of Ivan's life, not just the end. This shows a different side of his character development.
  2. Pyotr is not the main focus of the story after all. Instead, the story centers around Ivan, the one in the coffin.
  3. Readers might be surprised by the shifts in focus and the narrative structure, creating an unexpected reading experience.

Seashells

The Commonplace • 638 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Essays Writing
  1. Seashells are treasures found on the beach, reminding us of nature's beauty. They come in many shapes and forms, each with its own story.
  2. As children, we are curious and eager to learn about sea creatures like crabs and mollusks. This curiosity helps us connect with the world around us.
  3. Seashells symbolize the passage of time, being both temporary and eternal. They represent memories that change with the seasons but are always present in our lives.

Telling the Bees

The Abbey of Misrule • 280 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Mythology
  1. Domnoc, a sixth-century figure, had a special bond with bees, often feeling more connected to them than to people. This highlights a deep connection to nature.
  2. He was seen as a different kind of person, wandering and dreaming, suggesting that he didn’t feel entirely at home in the human world. This idea resonates with many who feel out of place in society.
  3. The notion that humans come from somewhere else and are on a journey back can inspire feelings of longing and purpose. It reminds us to reflect on our deeper connections and origins.

Casting a Wide Net

Story Club with George Saunders • 67 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Literary Criticism
  1. The story focuses on the theme of life and death, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives. It's about understanding what really matters as we face inevitable change.
  2. Through the character of Ivan Ilyich, readers are invited to explore the emptiness of a life lived solely for societal expectations. It shows the struggle between personal happiness and social pressures.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with our experiences. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from being authentic and valuing our own unique journeys.

How I passed the time in 2024

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Media Outdoor Essays
  1. Reading can be deeply enjoyable and offers a chance to dive into complex thoughts and stories. It brings unique insights and can inspire new ways of thinking.
  2. Music from unique artists like Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman can create memorable experiences with its catchy lyrics and emotional depth. There's a sense of connection through their creative expressions.
  3. Meeting new people, even online, can lead to meaningful friendships. These connections enhance our lives and help us feel less alone.
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Words of love

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Quotes Essays Love
  1. Love can be seen as an ongoing action, like making bread. It's something we need to keep nurturing and renewing over time.
  2. Our connections with others transform us. The people we love shape who we are and who we become.
  3. Each person's experience of love is unique. No two loves are the same, so comparing them doesn't really make sense.

Essays on writing, life, and my journey.

Neckar’s Notes • 6 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Personal Growth Self-reflection Creative Expression
  1. Writing can help us find meaning in difficult experiences. It lets us explore our emotions and transform our pain into something valuable.
  2. Being honest and writing from the heart is important. It helps us connect with ourselves and our readers genuinely.
  3. Life is about the journey, not just the end goal. We should focus on growing and appreciating where we are right now.

Roxane Gay Presents...

The Audacity. • 2594 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Authors Books
  1. Roxane Gay is launching a new project called 'Roxane Gay Presents' in partnership with Everand.
  2. The series features long essays by different writers, starting with Julia Turshen's essay on powerlifting.
  3. Upcoming essays will cover topics like single motherhood, psychedelics, and American gun culture.

does this happen to you, too? | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The poem reflects on the comfort and familiarity of home, highlighting quiet moments and soft spaces. It captures how simple things, like a warm blanket or a dog, bring solace after a long day.
  2. Themes of loneliness and the search for deeper connections are present. There is an emptiness felt during late hours, hinting at a desire for something more meaningful than just watching news.
  3. The use of imagery, like 'plum drunk on cheap wine', evokes a sense of relaxation but also highlights a yearning for greater fulfillment in life. It suggests that sometimes we seek comfort but still feel unfulfilled.

My Top `X` 2024 Recommendations

Olshansky's Newsletter • 45 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books Podcasts Movies Experiences Essays
  1. Sharing favorite recommendations can help others discover new books, podcasts, and shows. It's fun to look back and see what you've enjoyed over the years.
  2. Experiences, like traveling and special events, create memorable moments in life. They serve as key highlights that stand out among daily routines.
  3. Staying updated with newsletters and blogs can offer valuable insights and tips for personal growth. Curating a list of favorites keeps you informed and inspired.

a message of hope | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Commentary Reviews Creative Writing
  1. Reading can offer hope and inspiration. It's important to explore and find new perspectives through literature.
  2. Helping others, like poets and writers, can create a supportive community. Everyone can contribute to lifting each other up.
  3. A free trial can give you a taste of great content. It's a good way to see if you'd like to continue reading more.

overheard conversation at the back of a bus | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 28 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Drama Prose Essays
  1. People often talk about their relationships with friends, sharing updates and gossip. It's common to wonder if friends will get back together after a breakup.
  2. Friendship plans, like going out on Fridays, show how social gatherings are important in people's lives. Excitement about food deals can be a fun part of these outings.
  3. Everyday conversations can be noticed in public spaces, like buses, giving a glimpse into people's lives. Listening to others can reveal the little moments that matter.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Essays Philosophy Creativity Expression
  1. Writing regularly can help you find your voice and improve your skills over time. Even when life gets busy, making writing a priority can yield great results.
  2. Experimenting with different forms of expression and creativity is important. It's good to refresh your approach and try new things to keep your work interesting.
  3. Sharing personal reflections and insights can connect you with others. Writing about your journey and experiences makes your work relatable and engaging.

Do our stories matter?

Men Yell at Me • 1024 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
📚 Literature Essays Writing Memory Identity Storytelling
  1. Our personal stories and memories are really important. They help us remember who we are, especially when we feel lost.
  2. Writing can be a powerful way to express ourselves and connect with others. It gives us a voice in difficult times.
  3. Even when things feel hopeless, sharing our experiences through words can create hope and understanding among people.

Notes on Being Licked

The Lifeboat • 252 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Prose Essays Narrative
  1. People often communicate in ways that lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Just like in Chekhov's plays, everyone has their own thoughts that don't always connect with others.
  2. Language consists of more than just words; it includes different interpretations and personal meanings. This can lead to a disconnect where everyone sees the world differently.
  3. In society, agreeing on common rules or understanding can help create trust. Without this, people may feel isolated and misunderstood, even among friends and family.

2nd Annual Fiction Issue

Soaring Twenties • 139 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Creative Writing Art
  1. The annual fiction issue is a special tradition that celebrates creative writing during the holiday season. It aims to offer readers an escape from negative online trends.
  2. Readers are encouraged to appreciate quality art and storytelling, moving away from the low-quality content often found on the internet.
  3. There is a sense of freedom in choosing what to engage with, and the importance of supporting meaningful creative work is emphasized.

Quick Advice on Writing Essays

Niko McCarty • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Teaching Essays Literacy
  1. Start your essay with a focused idea. Make sure it's specific enough to explore and not too broad.
  2. Outline your essay and list the questions you want to answer. This helps you stay organized and focused on what you need to research.
  3. Research answers to your questions one at a time, then compile your findings into a structured essay. This makes writing easier and clearer.

Some Theories of Awakening

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Imagery Themes Essays
  1. Awakening represents a struggle against time and the pressure to conform to life's expectations. It's like trying to escape an alarm clock that won't stop ringing.
  2. Life often feels fast and overwhelming, contrasting with the dreamy experience of childhood where time seems to stretch. We remember those moments fondly but can lose track of them as we grow older.
  3. The push and pull of existence reflect a deeper resistance within us. We want to live freely and make our own choices, but we are constantly reminded of the time and responsibilities we cannot ignore.

"DIY"

Nice Try • 319 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Essays Memoir Cultural critique Writing
  1. The essay discusses the myths about doing things on your own, known as 'DIY'.
  2. It emphasizes that being self-taught or an 'autodidact' isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
  3. A key point is knowing how to find information is more important than memorizing everything.

Deleted scenes, essays, updates, and plans, or a lack thereof

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Essays Publishing Reviews Artistic expression
  1. The author has written several essays addressing themes like Truth, Freedom, and the impacts of authoritarianism, influenced by their experiences in Russia. These essays aim to engage readers and connect with their book.
  2. Cultural commentary includes a notion of finding humor in others' reactions to opinions that challenge their beliefs, emphasizing a sense of detached amusement rather than vindictiveness.
  3. Positive reviews for the author's work from unfamiliar readers suggest that the book resonates widely, even beyond its original context, which boosts the author's confidence in their storytelling.

a defender of people | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Prose Essays Drama
  1. The poem reflects on the bond between friends, showing how shared experiences are important in friendship. It captures moments of connection, like watching each other and being present in tough times.
  2. There's a sense of nostalgia and growth as the speaker mentions their friend changing over time, from youth to maturity. This highlights how friendships evolve as we age and experience life together.
  3. The imagery used in the poem illustrates the beauty of observation and deep insight into another person’s life. It shows that just witnessing someone can create a powerful impact and foster understanding.

thanksgiving subscription sale + classifieds + reflections on my favorite book

bookbear express • 159 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📚 Literature Books Essays Fiction Reviews Culture
  1. There's a Thanksgiving sale for a subscription that offers a discount for annual sign-ups. This is a great chance to access exclusive content and community activities.
  2. The community classifieds are available for subscribers to share personal or professional listings. It's a way to connect with others and find support or services.
  3. The author reflects on their favorite book, 'I Love Dick,' which is about complex emotions and relationships. The book's unique style might not appeal to everyone, but it has a special charm for those who connect with it.

Surprised by Joy?

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Biographies
  1. Unexpected joy can come from being curious and open to the world around us. Sometimes, simply noticing something ordinary, like a tree, can lead to a wonderful experience.
  2. Reading can spark new insights and help us think differently. Engaging deeply with books allows us to connect with ideas and experiences we might not have considered before.
  3. We can prime ourselves for joyful discoveries by maintaining an open mindset and exploring different perspectives. Making space for new ideas can lead to surprising moments of delight.

Castles in the Sky's Seven Most Underrated Essays

Castles in the Sky • 10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays Parenting Writing Review Creativity
  1. Reflecting on past essays can be a valuable exercise for writers and bloggers. It helps them see how their style has changed and what topics resonate with their audience.
  2. Understanding fatherhood often teaches important lessons about self-care and responsibility. Writers can convey deep emotions through relatable experiences with family.
  3. Exploring complex ideas in a simple way can lead to misunderstandings, so it's essential to keep an open mind. Just because something is hard to explain doesn't mean it's wrong or unworthy.

#169: Goodbye for a little!

Maybe Baby • 1930 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🎙 Podcasts Episodes Essays Questions Recommendations
  1. The author is taking a break from the newsletter due to pregnancy and plans to return after maternity leave
  2. During the break, subscription payments will continue, and the newsletter archive will still be accessible
  3. The author provided a roundup of all content published in 2023 and encouraged readers to check out any missed content

What's ahead for 2024 with some free essays.

Changing The Channel • 817 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📰 News Essays
  1. The author shares essays about moving to Italy and changing life paths, resonating with readers' dissatisfaction towards America's state.
  2. The newsletter was paused in April, but relaunched in September as 'Changing the Channel' after the author left a career in political media.
  3. The post is available for paid subscribers and focuses on insights for the year 2024.

One year of my work, printed

The Novelleist • 510 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Publishing Writing Books Collectibles
  1. A yearly collection of writing is printed to show the progress and creativity of the author. It's exciting to see your work in a real book format.
  2. The 2024 volume has a unique design inspired by the idea of creating connected communities. It reflects deep themes about society and its future.
  3. The author offers subscriptions for collectors to receive this printed work, along with other benefits at a lower cost this year.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 32 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Drama Essays
  1. Stave Four of 'A Christmas Carol' presents a haunting image of death, making us confront our own mortality. It's a powerful reminder of the impact our choices have on our lives.
  2. The depiction of Scrooge's grave in this section evokes a sense of dread and reflection. Looking at one's own grave can be a terrifying but necessary experience to reevaluate our lives.
  3. The story encourages us to think about how we want to be remembered and the legacy we leave behind. It pushes us to consider our actions and their effects on others.

Essays the size of cathedrals

Escaping Flatland • 1002 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
📚 Literature Essays Software
  1. Essays and code can intersect, blurring the lines between them.
  2. Projects like interactive visualizations and spaced repetition software show this intersection.
  3. The borderland between essays and code is an underexplored space that offers intriguing possibilities.

Vague Blue

gen yeet • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Films Fashion Essays
  1. The newsletter has a new name and will feature weekly reviews for subscribers.
  2. The author reflects on a poem by Frank O'Hara and its relevance to their life in New York.
  3. The author discusses influences and mentions relevant reporters and writers in internet culture.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 43 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Reading
  1. Reading can lead to powerful experiences that inspire and motivate us for the future. It's great to share suggestions with others as we plan our reading lists.
  2. Reflecting on what we've read helps us connect with the stories and their meanings. It's important to engage with good literature to enrich our lives.
  3. Sharing good books with friends and community can create a sense of bonding and support. Recommendations can help others discover wonderful new reads.

Writing the personal as political

Men Yell at Me • 181 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
📚 Literature Essays Feminism Creative Writing Education
  1. Writing about personal experiences can expose and critique bigger political issues. It's about connecting your life to the systems that affect everyone.
  2. It's important to remember that the 'political' includes various topics like racism, healthcare, and immigration, not just party politics. Your story can shine a light on these issues.
  3. Sharing our stories helps create understanding and change. Your words can make a difference by including all voices and challenging oppressive systems.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 34 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Essays Classic
  1. Structure in storytelling helps to present arguments clearly and logically. It's like the backbone that holds the whole story together.
  2. Exploring significant questions through a structured approach can deepen our understanding of the narrative and its characters.
  3. Understanding how to use structure can make writing more effective and engaging for readers. It guides them through the story smoothly.

From Zero to $1,300 Writing on Medium — Interview with Michelle Teheux

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 799 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
📚 Literature Writing Memoir Essays Personal Stories Online Publishing
  1. You can start writing on Medium without any experience and still earn money, like Michelle who made $1,300.
  2. Sharing personal stories and opinions can help connect with readers and increase your chances of success.
  3. Engaging with your audience through comments and emails can inspire new ideas and keep you motivated.

more recs than an old school camera store

Both Are True • 118 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Art Literature Inspiration Recommendations
  1. It's important to have a starting point when exploring an author's work, like Joan Didion's essays. They can really help you get to know her style and themes.
  2. Setting rates for your work can be tricky, especially when friends are involved. It's good to find a balance so you feel valued but also maintain your relationships.
  3. Sharing interesting cultural recommendations can help you connect with others and stand out in social situations. Plus, it makes gatherings way more fun!

Interesting reads, March 2024 edition

Brain Pizza • 794 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Essays Fiction Fantasy Psychology Book Reviews
  1. Maximising happiness is not the only goal in life, different societies value different aspects of well-being.
  2. Current thinking on happiness is evolving to include the concept of psychological richness as a facet of a fulfilling life.
  3. Exploring the idea of benign masochism reveals that some activities initially seen as unpleasant can bring joy and pleasure.

a lifelong partnership | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Essays Criticism Prose
  1. Long-term relationships often carry a sense of stability and permanence. It's nice to grow old together and reflect on life's journey.
  2. As couples age, they start to ponder deeper questions about their lives. They might think more about what really matters to them.
  3. Even after many years, love can feel fresh and impactful. The bond formed can leave lasting impressions, like a swan gliding gracefully on water.