The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

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.
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The character as a composite entity

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
📚 Literature Characterization Writing Fiction
  1. Characters in fiction are often a blend of real people and made-up elements, drawing inspiration from the world around us.
  2. When writing characters, it's crucial to visualize them, give them a distinct personality, and make them believable to yourself as the author.
  3. Even when creating fantastical characters in alien worlds, there should be some connection to reality to make them relatable and engaging.

Methane

Pavle Miha • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Short Story Fiction Future Society Meditation
  1. London faces challenges due to unusual warm weather, leading to disruptions and tensions among residents.
  2. Infrastructure work and power outages disrupt daily life, forcing individuals to adapt and navigate challenges.
  3. Story explores themes of community, meditation, and personal experiences in a changing, uncertain world.

Reviews for June 2023

Record Crash • 39 implied HN points • 09 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fanfiction Reviews Novels Short Stories Fiction
  1. The reviews for June 2023 cover fics from various fandoms like Homestuck, Worm, and Harry Potter.
  2. Some fics had negative reviews due to lack of narrative, character development, or coherence in time travel plots.
  3. One recommended fic was a well-written original character fic in the Worm fandom with an interesting power and character development.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 36 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Creativity
  1. Office Hours post involves a reader seeking advice on transitioning from writing non-fiction to fiction. The writer expresses feeling encumbered by old writing habits and seeks guidance on creating believable and interesting fictional worlds.
  2. The post highlights the challenge of shifting writing styles and provides insight into the process of capturing granular details to make fictional worlds realistic. The reader contemplates ways to make the leap to fiction despite feeling limited by habitual thinking patterns.
  3. Paid subscribers may access the full content of the Office Hours post by subscribing through the provided link.

Gentlemen Prefer Bitches

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Character development Relationships Narrative Techniques
  1. Some men are attracted to women who seem strong and assertive, but this can lead to unhealthy relationships where they overlook their own needs.
  2. Friendship and support can help people recognize their worth and encourage them to make positive changes in their lives.
  3. Being honest and having clear expectations in relationships is important to prevent one person from feeling like a burden or a freeloader.

Sugar and Mr. Bonbon

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Literature Fiction
  1. The post is about 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon' on a specific date. It seems to require a paid subscription to view in full
  2. There are related posts like 'Candy in Damascus' and 'Starch Gives Everything' by different authors, but 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon' seems to be behind a paywall
  3. To access the full story about 'Sugar and Monsieur Bonbon,' it appears that one must subscribe to the platform or be a paid member

karma feels | fiction

Tumbleweed Words • 120 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Karma can feel unfair at times, impacting people differently.
  2. Events that seem senseless can end up depicted as drama on media platforms.
  3. Therapy can help individuals understand that challenges are often out of their control.

[crosspost] the nameless sorrow at the bottom of your heart

Thicket Forte • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Fantasy Magic Reading
  1. The book 'So You Want to Be a Wizard' has great ideas about magic that can inspire readers. It's enjoyable when a book makes you think deeply about the world.
  2. One of the spooky ideas in the book is about what happens when you decide to give up magic. It can bring up feelings of loss or emptiness.
  3. Sharing favorite books can create connections with others who enjoy similar themes and ideas. It’s nice to find common ground over stories we love.

Writers lying online

The Leftovers • 59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
📚 Literature Writing Fiction
  1. Fiction writers often use lies in their work intentionally, so it's unfair to criticize them for it.
  2. Online writerly lying commonly revolves around extraordinary relatives or life events, but focusing on mundane affairs can make lies more believable.
  3. The challenge for writers is to expand the possibilities of storytelling by being creative with everyday elements, rather than relying on extraordinary events.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Mental health Cultural criticism
  1. Fernanda Melchor's book _Paradais_ uses long, run-on sentences to create a tense and dark atmosphere, showing characters trapped in their struggles and poor choices. It effectively highlights the theme of escalating darkness in the lives of its characters.
  2. Rachel Aviv’s _Strangers To Ourselves_ presents complex case studies in psychiatry, advocating for a more personal and empathetic approach. Aviv highlights that conventional medical paths can sometimes worsen a patient's situation rather than help.
  3. Both books emphasize the importance of understanding individual experiences in literature and mental health treatment. They remind us that there are no simple solutions and that each person's story is unique with its own set of challenges.

On not reading (in English)

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Translation Critique Language
  1. Taking a break from Anglophone literature and exploring works in different languages can introduce fresh themes and perspectives.
  2. Reading works by authors from various backgrounds, like Alberto Prunetti's, can provide unique and endearing storytelling experiences.
  3. Exploring literature in original languages, like Italian in the case of Prunetti's book, can offer a deeper understanding of the language nuances and cultural diversity.

Lena Hackley

The Ha'penny Papers • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. A young man's life changed after a conversation about science gave him purpose
  2. Science was seen as a way to alleviate suffering and bring about a better world
  3. The power of science to cure illness and reduce suffering was highlighted in a personal story

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Poetry Authors Narrative analysis
  1. Brandon Taylor's book 'Filthy Animals' explores complex themes of innocence and agency in relationships, highlighting the mix of playful exploration and underlying trauma present in human interactions.
  2. Justin E. H. Smith's 'The Internet Is Not What You Think It Is' falls short as it lacks a clear thesis and fails to effectively connect historical ideas to the complexities of the modern Internet.
  3. Both books address important topics—personal relationships and the impact of technology—but they do so with varying levels of success and depth, leaving readers searching for more clarity.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Non-fiction Fiction Political Analysis Author studies
  1. Michela Wrong's book argues that Rwanda's history, especially around the genocide, is more complex than commonly accepted. She suggests that both sides, Hutus and Tutsis, committed atrocities, which challenges traditional narratives.
  2. The book by Greg Berman and Aubrey Fox makes a strong case for incremental change in politics. They argue that small, gradual improvements by bureaucrats often lead to better outcomes than sudden, radical changes.
  3. Wrong's analysis of Rwanda highlights the harsh realities of power and violence, suggesting that leaders often prioritize control and security over democratic ideals, making it hard to see true change in such systems.

Diary #8

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📚 Literature Poetry Prose Fiction Essays Diary
  1. The text explores vivid descriptions of colors and cityscapes, evoking a sense of beauty and wonder.
  2. It delves into the complexities of human interactions and the unveiling of character through moments of panic and interaction.
  3. There is contemplation on deep emotional experiences, the weight of pain, and the transient nature of existence.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
📚 Literature Book review Fiction Non-fiction Narrative Theory Literary Criticism
  1. Jason Mott's book _Hell of a Book_ mixes humor and deep themes but gets stuck on the author's problems instead of tackling bigger issues. It reflects a current trend in literature but may not be as profound as it seems.
  2. Peter Brooks argues in _Seduced by Story_ that stories are everywhere in our culture, often leading to shallow narratives without real meaning. He believes we need to question the power of storytelling and seek more depth in our narratives.
  3. The relationship between storytelling and reality is complicated; Brooks suggests that modern politics often gets lost in myth instead of focusing on actual governance. We need to find ways to balance stories with reality to make better connections.

A dialogue

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Creative Writing Dialogue Writing Techniques
  1. It's important to express your feelings openly in conversations. Letting someone know when you're overwhelmed can lead to a better understanding.
  2. Humor can help lighten the mood during tough discussions. A little laughter can make it easier to find solutions to problems.
  3. Collaboration is key when facing challenges. Sometimes working together on a task can lead to better results than handling it alone.

Reviews for December 2023

Record Crash • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reviews Fiction Author analysis
  1. The reviews cover a variety of media from TV shows to video games to fan fiction.
  2. The writer is critical of several works, pointing out flaws in storytelling and character development.
  3. There is an emphasis on unique and obscure content, with a mix of humor and detailed analysis.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Author studies Reading Culture
  1. Percival Everett's book 'Dr. No' blends fantasy with social commentary, showcasing a unique writing style that mixes humor and critique of society. It captures the chaotic experience of its characters while exploring deeper themes of race and identity.
  2. Richard Reeves' 'Of Boys and Men' tackles a concerning trend where boys are falling behind in education and facing a crisis of purpose. He argues that it's okay to care about issues regarding both men and women's rights simultaneously.
  3. Both authors highlight the importance of understanding underlying social dynamics. Everett uses humor and absurdity to address serious themes, while Reeves emphasizes the need for compassion towards men struggling with societal changes.

On Selective Pressure

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Novels Creativity 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.

Teenager

Nice Try • 139 implied HN points • 07 May 22
📚 Literature Fiction Books Authors Novels Creative Writing
  1. The new novel 'Teenager' will be released on May 10th and has a fun release party on May 8th in NYC. There will be free copies available at the party!
  2. The book features illustrations that add a unique touch, with sketches showing various quirky themes. There are 70 drawings to enjoy throughout the novel.
  3. The story follows two teens in love who go on a cross-country adventure, blending humor and deep emotions. It's described as a wild journey that touches on American culture.

The Getting To Know You Phase

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Relationships Emotion Character development
  1. Relationships can start off exciting and full of charm but might later face challenges. It's important to keep the connection alive and not let things get stuck in a routine.
  2. Getting to know someone deeply takes time and can reveal difficult histories. Sharing personal stories helps build understanding, but it can also change the tone of the relationship.
  3. Mental health issues can impact relationships in complex ways. It's essential to be open, supportive, and honest about how these challenges affect each other.

This is an example post

CB • 239 implied HN points • 07 Jan 21
📚 Literature Philosophy Fiction Art & Illustration Design Comics
  1. The post discusses sed in suscipit nunc and includes Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  2. It mentions Nam hendrerit nisl nec malesuada vulputate, showcasing various types of content.
  3. The post also discusses Aliquam interdum ut dolor ut mattis and Morbi maximus fermentum ultricies, providing insight on different topics.