The hottest Essays Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

An Unusual Bonus Friday Post

Story Club with George Saunders • 253 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Keeping politics out of discussions is important, but sometimes it's necessary to address serious issues affecting governance and society.
  2. It's essential to remember the values of kindness and support for the less fortunate, especially during challenging times.
  3. Staying engaged and critical while maintaining a sense of humor can help us deal with difficult situations and keep hope alive for a better future.

why it's impossible to finish anything, especially the good things

Both Are True • 245 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Distractions often keep us from finishing our ideas. When we start something, everyday things like parenting or chores can pull us away.
  2. The closer we get to completing a project, the more we might doubt its worth. It's common to think an idea isn't good enough as we work on it.
  3. Acknowledging our fears about sharing finished work is tough, but creating and putting it out there is essential. We have to be brave and share our creations, no matter the fear.

Review: Michael Robbins on Wild Souls

Book Post • 196 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Humans have created challenges for other animals by not knowing how to live.
  2. Some popular books may offer simple solutions but lack depth in addressing complex issues.
  3. Marris's book 'Wild Souls' delves into ethical obligations towards nonhuman animals but falls short on exploration.

Essay Club: Fragments From an Education by Christopher Hitchens

Mind & Mythos • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Christopher Hitchens was a known writer and debater with strong opinions. He wasn't afraid to challenge the mainstream views of his time.
  2. In his essay, he shares personal reflections on education. He looks at how his life experiences shaped his understanding of learning.
  3. Hitchens combines humor and deep thoughts in his writing. His style makes even complex ideas easier for readers to grasp.

Telling the Bees

The Abbey of Misrule • 280 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Essays
  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.
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no. 67: a year or four

let them eat cake • 239 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The newsletter operates on a patronage model with paid subscribers receiving extra content.
  2. The author started the newsletter as a way to build an audience for a potential book.
  3. The original memoir written by the author has taken a backseat to the importance of the essays in the newsletter.

My Favorite Essay

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 97 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Writing can be a fun game, even if it's for a boring assignment. Making it playful, like sneaking in surprises, can make the experience enjoyable.
  2. Language has power and can shape our world, so it's important to choose words thoughtfully. Crafting sentences with care can be satisfying and fun.
  3. Even if you find a class boring, you can still absorb valuable lessons. Sometimes, what seems dull on the surface can hold deeper meanings that stick with you.

How I passed the time in 2024

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

(Not really) Start theb Week #107

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Loss and caregiving leave a lasting mark, and it can take years to feel normal again; the new year still offers a chance to start afresh.
  2. Teaching is driven by meticulous prep and a playful, practical approach to student homework, using humour and clear expectations to keep people accountable.
  3. Reading widely and juggling writing projects, from books on AI to short stories and a planned memoir, fuels creative work and recommendations for others.

26 books I picked up (and put down) this spring

Austin Kleon • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
📚 Literature Essays
  1. It's okay to start a book and not finish it; it's part of the reading journey. People often share books they've enjoyed, but sharing the ones they didn't finish can be just as valuable.
  2. Finding the right book at the right time can make all the difference. Sometimes a book resonates because of what's happening in life at that moment.
  3. Trying various books, even if they are put down, shows a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Each book read (or not finished) adds to the overall reading experience.

5000 Musical Terms

Dada Drummer Almanach • 4 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Memory and forgetting shape identity and meaning; gaps in the past force us to invent words, correct errors, and seek continuity.
  2. Careful observation, disciplined practice, and periods of solitude sustain intellectual and artistic work; simplifying attention and repeating tasks lead to clearer understanding and mastery.
  3. The natural world is vast and unstable—catastrophes, eclipses, and unseen forces remind us of our limited knowledge, and art and language try to represent those mysteries but often leave ambiguity.

Resolutions

Soaring Twenties • 208 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Essays
  1. Enjoy the process of learning and creating. Taking your time and being organized can make the experience much more fulfilling.
  2. It's important to set personal resolutions that truly matter to you, instead of following trends or what others expect.
  3. Reading can be a meaningful activity, especially when done mindfully, allowing you to savor each piece and reflect on it.

Notes on Being Licked

The Lifeboat • 252 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📚 Literature Essays
  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.

Fridge poems

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Fridge poems are special poems that we feel connected to and want to display in our homes. They represent what matters to us and can remind us of important thoughts or feelings.
  2. The refrigerator holds a unique place in our homes as a space to celebrate memories and creativity, often decorated with personal items like drawings and photos. It’s like a public gallery for our family's stories.
  3. Steel refrigerators that aren’t magnetic can take away this personal touch, making it harder to showcase meaningful things. Choosing a magnetic fridge allows us to keep that tradition alive and foster connections through art and words.

Why do I Write?

Theory Matters • 3 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Writing is driven by mixed motives: a private need to understand yourself and enjoy the craft, plus a desire for external validation and sometimes income.
  2. Rejection and the fear of banality make writing emotionally risky, so readers, subscribers, and feedback feel like personal validation.
  3. Market pressures and AI push people toward formulaic, pitch-driven work that can hollow out a unique voice, but genuine writing still requires struggle and can’t be fully shortcut.

On building cathedrals of thought

storyvoyager • 10 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Our shared beliefs shape the world, so changing them is necessary to create a better future. This work must be collective and long-term, built by many people over generations like a cathedral of thought.
  2. Individual reflection and unique worldviews matter because a clear mind can challenge collective reality and imagine new possibilities. Expressing ideas as concise, poetic insights and stories helps synthesize facts into human meaning.
  3. Storytelling and archives preserve human memory and help future generations grieve, learn, and imagine alternatives after loss. Fiction can both document a broken world and hold hope that inspires reflection and change.

"You are just bitter"

Men Yell at Me • 555 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Essays
  1. Bitterness is often used to dismiss messages of pain or betrayal, shifting focus from blame-worthy behavior to the person expressing the pain.
  2. Bitterness, like anger, is a morally neutral emotion, and how it is used can determine its impact - as a cudgel to brush off ideas or as a force for uniting people.
  3. Swallowing bitterness can give clarity and power, enabling one to keep writing and speaking out against injustice.

A Lesson on Grace

Story Club with George Saunders • 79 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Being in the presence of talented people can inspire us to notice their greatness in action. It's interesting to see how their personal qualities connect to their creative work.
  2. Writing is often a reflection of the writer's character and experiences, showing how they perceive the world.
  3. Meeting influential writers can leave a lasting impression, helping us appreciate their contributions to literature and the insights they share.

Paid content: November folly

Wood From Eden • 240 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature Essays
  1. This is a paid post, meaning only subscribers can access the full content.
  2. It seems to focus on a theme called 'November folly', likely exploring ideas relevant to that time of year.
  3. The post encourages sharing and engagement among readers, indicating a community aspect.

Good Luck / episode three

Nice Try • 99 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The narrator identifies as a 'turkey baby', a term of endearment from their mother. This connection to their childhood highlights a sense of nostalgia and identity.
  2. During a snowstorm, the narrator faces traffic and decides to walk to a nearby bar for a drink. This decision shows their desire for warmth and comfort amidst the chaos of life.
  3. While at the bar, the narrator reflects on their past experiences of proving their age with a birth certificate. This brings up themes of identity and the humorous challenges faced while growing up.

Word Homicide

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 72 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Cutting out words in writing is often necessary, even if it feels sad. It helps create a smoother piece, like making sure all parts fit together.
  2. Sometimes writings feel like lost thoughts or orphans, waiting for a place they belong. These words may have value, but not every idea finds a home in the final draft.
  3. Feeling empty after achieving goals can be common. It's sometimes better to fail because at least you have a reason for that emptiness.

Thirty-One: Week Three

lettersonbeing • 137 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The author reflects on the cyclical nature of life and the comfort of routines.
  2. Taking breaks and finding peace in small moments is important for mental well-being.
  3. Acknowledging feelings of exhaustion and the need for rest and self-care.

Writing the personal as political

Men Yell at Me • 181 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
📚 Literature Essays
  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.

Audio Versions Are Back

The Convivial Society • 443 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Essays
  1. Audio versions of recent essays are available on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for those who prefer listening over reading.
  2. Consider supporting the author's work through patronage options, including standard rates, student discounts, and permanent 20% off. This support helps sustain the newsletter.
  3. The author shares personal insights, such as literary references and nature photos, alongside updates, creating a more engaging and diverse reading experience for subscribers.

Audio version of Reality is Breaking

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
📚 Literature Essays
  1. An audio version is provided to make the piece accessible to blind readers and to serve people who prefer listening.
  2. Reading is recommended because some paragraphs need time to digest and reading lets you pause and follow your own pace, while audio forces the narrator's timing.
  3. Subscribers are thanked and invited to consider switching to a paid subscription, and there's a brief personal note about having a bad cold.

All Things Great and Small

Wild Information • 117 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The universe is vast and mysterious, with connections between the infinitesimal and the infinite.
  2. Miniatures hold a special fascination as they allow us to explore the vastness in a small scale.
  3. Exploring literature and stories can open our minds to the depth of time and the vastness of the world.

Martin Amis was overrated

The Common Reader • 744 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Martin Amis was considered overrated and his literary reputation may wane.
  2. Instead of Amis, consider exploring works by his female contemporaries like Fitzgerald, Bainbridge, Gardam.
  3. Amis may be remembered more for his memoir and essays rather than his novels.

Good Luck / Episode Ten

Nice Try • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Essays
  1. The writer talks about how their cacti need support, showing how sometimes we all need a little help in life.
  2. There are quirky decorations in their living space, suggesting that personal items can make a place feel more like home.
  3. A funny moment at a red light highlights how everyday experiences can bring laughter and joy.

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

The Lifeboat • 195 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Essays
  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.

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Repetition of "3 2 1" creates a countdown-like rhythm and a minimalist beat.
  2. Images and an avatar give the piece a visual focus, making appearance as important as the words.
  3. Subscribe, share, and comment prompts make interaction and distribution part of the experience, not just the writing.

From Chautauqua

Story Club with George Saunders • 56 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Visiting the Chautauqua Institute was a wonderful experience. The atmosphere was inspiring and uplifting.
  2. I attended a workshop on the opera adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo'. It was fascinating to see how literature can transform into performance.
  3. I have some insights and photos from my visit that I want to share with others. It's always nice to connect and reflect on creative experiences.

Some Theories of Awakening

The Lifeboat • 172 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📚 Literature 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.

Individual Lies

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 133 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Small lies might seem harmless, but they can build up and lead to bigger problems later. It's better to confront uncomfortable truths today than to delay them.
  2. George Orwell's work teaches us the importance of honesty in writing and in life. Fighting for truth, even in small details, is crucial for true understanding.
  3. Choosing to go along with popular opinions or easy paths can harm your values. It's important to know your own beliefs before facing pressure from others.

Writing Wrapped

Working Theorys • 148 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Essays
  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.

/

Nice Try • 239 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Sharing and connecting with people through writing can be a great experience. It allows for creativity and community building.
  2. Joining a subscription plan might offer extra benefits and exclusive content. This can enhance your reading and engagement with the content.
  3. Starting your own publication can be easy and rewarding. It gives you a platform to express yourself and share your thoughts with others.

Everything I'm writing this quarter

The Novelleist • 640 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Essays
  1. Elle Griffin is sharing updates on her writing projects and community engagement.
  2. She is offering a discount for readers to support her work and join exclusive discussions.
  3. Upcoming content includes series on Capitalism, Government, and various studies on new economies and equality.