The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Me and Mrs Jones

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Music Cultural analysis
  1. The song 'Me and Mrs Jones' is considered a classic because of its strong lyrics and emotional depth. People are still drawn to it many years later.
  2. Flash fiction, or very short stories, works well because it leaves room for listeners to imagine what happens between the characters. It asks them to read between the lines.
  3. The song hints at a complicated love story, suggesting the characters might have a deeper history. This ambiguity makes it interesting and relatable.

Happy New Year 2024

Carefree Sketches • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Stories Fiction Philosophy
  1. New Year offers a chance to re-enchant ourselves and embrace opportunities for growth.
  2. Consolidating efforts into one space can build momentum, enhance visibility, and reduce logistical inefficiencies.
  3. Creative projects can benefit from being housed together under different categories for increased focus and impact.

Sexcapade

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Contemporary Narrative Character Study
  1. Rachel and Jerianne have a complicated friendship where Jerianne often leads Rachel into more adventurous and risky situations. Rachel feels more cautious and less exciting when she is with Jerianne.
  2. Jerianne's life seems conventional on the outside, but she struggles with personal issues and often relies on Rachel for support. She also has a complicated relationship with a younger man named Anthony, which adds drama to her life.
  3. Rachel starts to question the value of her friendship with Jerianne. As she spends more time alone, she begins to focus on her own needs and entertains thoughts of Anthony, showing a shift in her priorities and desires.

House Sitting in Kiev—Or Why I Read

Vremya • 479 implied HN points • 02 Jul 21
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Classics Reading Culture
  1. House sitting in Kiev gave me a chance to explore the city and enjoy time alone. It was during this time that I rekindled my love for reading.
  2. I realized that reading is about personal freedom and self-discovery. The books we choose help shape who we are.
  3. It's important to choose what we read for ourselves rather than letting others dictate it. Everyone should have the freedom to explore different ideas and authors, even if they can be controversial.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Contemporary Fantasy Cultural Commentary
  1. Kelly Link's book blends fairy tales with modern life, creating enchanting stories that follow unique rules. Her writing shows how fantasy can express complex human emotions in a relatable way.
  2. Shehan Karunatilaka's novel explores the afterlife in a war-torn Sri Lanka, focusing on a man's struggle between seeking revenge or moving on. It highlights the chaos and disillusionment of life and death in a corrupt society.
  3. Both authors challenge traditional storytelling by exploring themes of human relationships, morality, and the struggle for meaning amid chaos. Their work encourages readers to think about how imagination and reality intertwine.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Narration Fiction Authors Literary Analysis
  1. The author embraces visual elements in writing by considering and emphasizing them as crucial to their own voice
  2. Visual effects in fiction can be achieved through elements like using the present tense in narration, maintaining a fast pace, and employing dialogues for character and plot-building
  3. The British author Philip Pullman criticized fiction in the present tense; however, the author believes that embracing stark opinions regarding tense in narration can limit literary creativity

Toniann Fernandez & Z. Xalmoa: Ubícate

Do Not Research • 59 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Narrative Character development
  1. Yoni seemed persistent in his questioning, which created tension and intrigue during the interaction with the sea urchin.
  2. The dynamics of the characters, like Oli, Yoni, and the narrator, added depth and complexity to the storytelling.
  3. The story conveyed a sense of mystery and surrealism, with elements like simulations, unexpected actions, and intense emotions.

The Sweet Spot

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author's love for baseball and the connection with his father shines through the memoir. Baseball became a bonding activity between them and a way for the author to feel close to his father.
  2. The author's experience in baseball and the pursuit of finding the 'sweet spot' on the bat is paralleled with his spiritual journey. The 'sweet spot' represents more than just a physical connection with the game, but also a sense of purpose and truth.
  3. Baseball serves as a metaphor for the author's internal struggles and search for validation and redemption. The game becomes a canvas where he grapples with guilt, faith, and the pursuit of meaning.

Story: Adaptation or Spandrel?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Fiction Evolution Psychology Sociology
  1. Humans rely on stories to make sense of the world, whether derived from reality or imagination, and storytelling may have played a vital role in human survival and development.
  2. Storytelling has a unique structure that simplifies the complexity of life and allows for the synchronization of countless minds, shaping societies, movements, and institutions.
  3. The debate on whether storytelling is an adaptation or a spandrel is significant in understanding human nature, with arguments for both sides pointing to storytelling's impact on cognitive functions, social cohesion, and group dynamics.

Stories from the Yules of My Life

The False Consensus Effect • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Art & Illustration Health & Wellness Philosophy History
  1. The author shares fictional Christmas card messages and stories, reflecting on past memories and personal experiences.
  2. The author delves into genealogy and discusses the Scottish Earls, emphasizing the complexity and potential of family histories.
  3. The author shares a detailed, introspective piece on self-reflection, writing, and the pursuit of creativity despite challenges and societal norms.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Authors Novels Book Reviews
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto Bolaño offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

Genre Grapevine for June 1, 2023

Genre Grapevine • 58 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authors Awards Opportunities
  1. Professional organizations in the science fiction and fantasy genre need to take a stand against the use of copyrighted works by large language models like ChatGPT without authors' permission or notification.
  2. Genre magazines are facing challenges with a surge in AI-generated submissions, prompting some magazines to ban AI works and artists who submit them.
  3. Genre magazines are also facing a potential crisis with the impending end of magazine subscriptions through the Kindle Newsstand platform, leading to a need for increased support from subscribers.

AI anthropomorphism; Marshall Brain's "Manna"; further reading

Paola Writes • 58 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Artificial Intelligence Ethics Fiction Research
  1. Researchers are discussing the risks of AI anthropomorphism and the importance for designers and developers to take responsibility.
  2. The novel 'Manna' by Marshall Brain explores two contrasting views of humanity's future with AI.
  3. Various perspectives from writers and researchers highlight the intersection of AI with society and capitalism, urging policymakers to take action.

a personal note of truthful expression | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 70 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📚 Literature Non-fiction Biography Poetry Fiction Bookstores
  1. The author reflects on their three years on Substack and the preference for minimal self-sharing on social media.
  2. Reading 'On the Road' at sixteen inspired the author's love for writing and reading, shaping their literary journey.
  3. The author's travels to different places like Paris and America introduced them to various literary figures, fueling their passion for words.

A Return to the World—On Dovlatov's Peter the Great and Dostoevsky's Christ

Vremya • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
📚 Literature Fiction Russian literature Literary Analysis Cultural criticism Historical context
  1. Dovlatov's writing reflects his experience of exile and nostalgia, using a suitcase as a symbol of memories left behind. The suitcase not only holds belongings but also stories that reveal his past and identity.
  2. Bringing historical figures back into stories allows for humor and critique of current realities. Dovlatov’s Tsar Peter the Great humorously reacts to the changes in St. Petersburg, revealing deeper social and political comments.
  3. Dostoevsky's Christ in 'The Grand Inquisitor' offers a complex look at faith and freedom. The return of such a significant figure raises questions about belief and the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow him.

How sugaring feeds my soul

The Recovering Academic • 59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry History Culture
  1. Maple sugaring is not just a culinary tradition but a cultural practice that connects people to nature and history.
  2. The process of syruping serves as a way to mark the changing of seasons and fosters community through shared experiences like tapping trees with friends.
  3. Syruping holds the potential to create lasting memories and connections to a sense of place, offering a way to anchor personal identity in a rapidly changing world.

Ways of Seeing—On Bernhard's Old Masters

Vremya • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Philosophy Art Criticism Psychology
  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.

Trapped in the Experience Machine with David Foster Wallace

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Cultural analysis Postmodernism Fiction
  1. David Foster Wallace's essay 'E Unibus Pluram' highlights the influence of postmodernism and television on literature, cautioning against an over-reliance on irony and detachment.
  2. The concept of the Experience Machine, as discussed by Robert Nozick, questions our preference between artificial happiness and real, challenging experiences, reflecting on our modern fascination with technology.
  3. Fiction, particularly novels, can serve as a balanced experience machine that enhances psychological well-being, fosters meaningful connections, and offers a training ground for the mind.

Afterlife

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Character development Artistic expression
  1. Exploring the past can reveal hidden treasures, like old photographs that tell stories of people and moments forgotten. It's like finding pieces of history in your own home.
  2. Photography can capture emotions and experiences in ways that may not always be recognized until much later. A casual snapshot can hold deeper significance than we realize.
  3. Navigating relationships with family, especially when it comes to memories and possessions, can be complicated. It's essential to communicate openly and make decisions together about what matters most.

Acts of Service

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Cultural criticism Contemporary Issues
  1. The main character, Eve, struggles with her identity and values, particularly her views on sexuality and relationships. She goes from a strong queer identity to questioning her choices about attraction and desire.
  2. Eve's journey exposes the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting themes like polyamory and power dynamics. She realizes that sex can complicate ethical ideas about love and intimacy.
  3. The novel challenges traditional feminist ideas by showing how desire and submission can intertwine. Eve experiences a conflict between her feminist beliefs and her personal desires, prompting deep reflections on sexuality and autonomy.

Beach reading.

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Book Reviews Reading Culture Literary Analysis
  1. Quality Trash books have great writing and fun topics that aren't too serious, making them perfect for relaxing reading, especially at the beach.
  2. Cozy mysteries often fit into the Quality Trash category because they mix interesting characters and amusing plots, which can lead to enjoyable series.
  3. Quality Trash might seem silly but often touches on deeper ideas, letting readers enjoy them in different ways depending on their mood.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Cultural criticism Historical Analysis
  1. Andrew Martin's book 'Cool For America' explores millennials feeling lost and their struggles with identity in urban and rural settings. The stories highlight the challenges of relationships and the nostalgic, sometimes trivial concerns of a generation.
  2. Marie Favereau's 'The Horde' presents the Mongols as effective empire builders rather than just violent conquerors. It shows how their administrative skills led to a unique and lasting influence on trade and governance in the regions they ruled.
  3. Both books reflect on generational issues, whether through the lens of modern millennials or the historical Mongols. They encourage readers to think about how identity and culture evolve over time and the complexities of societal change.

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

Trantor Publishing • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Criticism Narrative Fiction Politics Art
  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.

Training Memory

The Lifeboat • 160 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Qvyd feels nostalgic and saddened by leaving his home and family behind on a train journey.
  2. Qvyd reflects on the impact of technology, like phones, on human connections and the loss of genuine interaction.
  3. Qvyd experiences a mix of emotions, including unease and a sense of detachment, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.

Experiments in style: New Journalism

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Writing Genres Styles Nonfiction Fiction
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. Experimenting with how you write can change how your story feels.
  2. New Journalism blends storytelling techniques with real-life events. This style makes nonfiction more engaging and narrative-driven.
  3. Using personal experiences as inspiration can lead to creative writing. Your own life events can turn into interesting stories when reimagined.

Pool Boy

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Contemporary Urban
  1. The story explores complicated relationships among young adults. It shows how confusion and manipulation can exist in love and friendship.
  2. Stevie, one of the characters, has a unique perspective on life and doesn't care what others think. His laid-back attitude helps him navigate adult situations without losing himself.
  3. Arianna, another character, struggles with her desires and expectations in relationships, showcasing how people's wants can lead to disappointment and a sense of emptiness.

Daniel and Julieta

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Relationships Mental health Personal Growth
  1. Daniel and Julieta met at a party, and their relationship slowly evolved from casual fun to a deeper, more complex connection. Daniel found himself intrigued by Julieta's struggles, even as he grappled with his own issues.
  2. As their relationship progressed, Daniel became more involved in caring for Julieta during her tough times, shifting from a carefree young man to someone who took on a more supportive role. Their dynamic changed, as they both revealed more of their struggles and vulnerabilities.
  3. Eventually, Daniel faced his own challenges and lost his job, which affected his mental state. Julieta became a source of stability for him, and they set ground rules to support each other, illustrating how their relationship had grown from a light bond to a deeper partnership.

On the Spectator Urge

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Analysis Criticism Writing
  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.

Alice in Wonderland

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Character Study Narrative structure Relationship Dynamics
  1. Partnerships can evolve from friendship; sometimes, deep familiarity lays the groundwork for romantic relationships. The connection can feel strong, like you’ve known each other your whole lives.
  2. Trust is essential in relationships, but it can be hard to maintain. Doubts and suspicions can lead someone to invade their partner's privacy, which can either confirm their fears or provide relief.
  3. Life can take unexpected turns, and sometimes people find themselves in situations that don’t align with their values. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to walk away and reclaim personal happiness.

Me Gustas Tu

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Creative Writing
  1. Friendships can be deep and meaningful, even when they start in surprising places like a hostel. The connection shared between friends can make life feel rich and exciting.
  2. Romantic feelings can be messy and confusing, especially when they involve friends. It's common to navigate awkward moments and unspoken feelings during relationships.
  3. Life paths can change unexpectedly, and it's okay to feel lost at times. Relationships and experiences can lead to personal growth, even when things don't go as planned.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 06 Nov 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Authors Cultural critique
  1. In 'The Family Chao', the story explores the complexities of immigrant life in America through quirky characters, but struggles to fully connect their experiences and motivations. It uses a blend of humor and drama to highlight the challenges of cultural assimilation.
  2. Raymond Geuss's 'Not Thinking Like A Liberal' offers a unique perspective on education and community, contrasting Catholic and Protestant viewpoints. He emphasizes how being raised in a different cultural environment can provide valuable insights that challenge mainstream liberal ideas.
  3. Both books share a theme of questioning societal narratives. While 'The Family Chao' delves into personal identity against a cultural backdrop, Geuss critiques liberalism's shortcomings, suggesting that our understanding of society is more complex than commonly accepted beliefs.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Literary Analysis Author studies Fiction Nonfiction
  1. Colson Whitehead's novel _Harlem Shuffle_ starts strong but loses its way later on. The excitement of the early chapters doesn't hold up as the story shifts without clear direction.
  2. Malcolm Gladwell's _The Bomber Mafia_ tackles WWII bombing strategies but ends up highlighting the flaws in their approach. The original idea of precise bombing didn't work well, leading to a more brutal strategy instead.
  3. Both authors show how initial promising ideas can crumble under pressure. Whitehead struggles to maintain the richness of his story, while Gladwell illustrates how theory can quickly become a vicious reality in wartime.