The hottest Fiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Experiments in Style Special Edition

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Criticism Reviews Writing Fiction Essays
  1. Literary criticism plays an important role in understanding and discussing literature. It helps us explore the complexities of writing and its impact.
  2. The book 'The Secret Miracle' features a character who can read letters without opening them. It uses a unique story structure, which fits into larger literary themes.
  3. The debate over what makes a good writer is complex and subjective. Comparing authors can lead to misunderstandings about literary merit and creativity.

"In the Basement"

Story Club with George Saunders • 28 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story 'In the Basement' by George Saunders explores the breaking point of a character named Borgman and the differences between him and the narrator.
  2. Borgman reaches his breaking point when he sees a specific image that triggers his decision to flee.
  3. To access the full post and more content, readers need to be paid subscribers on George Saunders' Substack.

Day After

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jul 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Relationships
  1. After a wild night, the main character feels a mix of joy and anxiety in the morning. Despite moments of connection, worries about life and relationships start to creep in.
  2. There is a struggle between wanting intimacy and dealing with personal issues. The interactions show a disconnect where one partner's needs clash with the other's feelings of aversion.
  3. The character reflects on the complexity of love and the pain of potential loss. It's about accepting that life is messy and relationships are made up of different parts of oneself, which can't always be unified.

CATHEDRAL | Chapter One - Four Years Out

Castles in the Sky • 24 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Family Space Emotions Relationships
  1. The protagonist and their family face a life-changing decision of joining an interstellar mission aboard the Ark spaceship.
  2. The family's emotional journey showcases love, gratitude, and tough choices as they prepare to leave Earth behind.
  3. The story highlights themes of sacrifice, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of monumental change.
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Girl Talk

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Contemporary Character development
  1. Relationships can be complicated, especially when it comes to comparing partners and feeling imbalanced. Both partners need to feel valued and respected for the relationship to work.
  2. Moving on from a tough relationship can feel freeing and open up new opportunities. It's possible to enjoy independence and even find success after a breakup.
  3. It's natural to wonder about past relationships, but sometimes transparency doesn't lead to understanding. Open dialogue is important, but not always easy.

Experiments in style: a play

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Drama Style Creativity
  1. Trying different writing styles can help improve your skills. It lets you see how style changes the mood of a story.
  2. Turning a piece of text into a play is a creative experiment. It can show the story in a fresh and engaging way.
  3. Writing and reading both help you grow as a person. They can also provide comfort during tough times.

Brothers in Arms

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 15 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Writing Style
  1. The story shows the challenges of young people trying to make a difference through political campaigns. It highlights the hard work and dedication involved, often mixed with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty.
  2. Music plays a huge role in the character's life, providing comfort and connection during stressful times. The main character finds solace in songs that evoke deep emotions and memories.
  3. Friendship evolves in unexpected ways, blurring lines between closeness and romance. The relationship between the main character and Pak highlights the complexities of connection in a chaotic environment.

Dystopian visions: The Snowball Effect

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Ethics Dystopia Social theory
  1. New inventions can have surprising negative effects, even if they seem harmless at first. Sometimes, people focus on good intentions and overlook possible problems.
  2. A story called 'The Snowball Effect' shows how an idea about social mathematics leads to a small group growing into something massive and uncontrollable. This raises questions about how quickly things can change.
  3. Using techniques from psychology to influence people's behavior can be ethically tricky. When trying to do good, it's important to think about whether the ends justify the means.

how to appear | fiction

Tumbleweed Words • 56 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The post is about a fiction novella titled 'how to appear.'
  2. The writer shares a personal experience related to visiting a therapist.
  3. There is an option for a 7-day free trial to access more content on Tumbleweed Words.

Experiments in style: A merry dance

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Style Narrative Expression
  1. Experimenting with different writing styles can help improve your writing skills. Trying out new genres and formats can change the tone and perspective of a story.
  2. A humorous take on a misadventure can add a light-hearted dimension to storytelling. Using funny situations, like a character bumping into walls while sleepwalking, makes the narrative more engaging.
  3. Involving readers through competitions or challenges can create interaction. Asking them to identify elements in a story, like types of dances, adds fun and engagement to the reading experience.

Dystopian visions: Flowers for Algernon

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Ethics Writing Dystopia
  1. The story shows that even good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. The character tries a drug that improves intelligence but faces serious consequences later.
  2. It raises questions about the ethics of scientific breakthroughs. We need to think about who checks these new developments and if anyone really understands them fully.
  3. Modern technology, like artificial intelligence, can be confusing and hidden. People often don't know how it works, making it hard to trust decisions it makes.

A Sound of Thunder

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Science fiction Literary Analysis Storytelling
  1. Small changes can lead to big consequences, like in the butterfly effect. Even a tiny mistake can have a huge impact.
  2. In work, accuracy matters. Small errors in calculations, like rounding, can cause serious issues down the line.
  3. It's important to recognize that every part, small or large, plays a vital role in a project. Everything matters!

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Writing 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.

Back To Black

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character Study Creative Writing
  1. Jared originally planned to be a doctor but changed his mind to pursue a career in music. He felt happier exploring his passion rather than sticking with a path that didn't excite him.
  2. Jared and Aline had a close bond, but their lives started to go in different directions as he focused on music and she concentrated on her academic success. This showed how relationships can change when people grow and follow their own paths.
  3. Despite trying hard in the music industry, Jared felt out of place and unsure about his future. He recognized the struggle and hunger needed to succeed, especially after observing the intense drive of others like Amy Winehouse.

Self Storage

Dada Drummer Almanach • 57 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The story focuses on a situation of cruelty and vulnerability.
  2. The protagonist, K., experiences confusion and pain amidst this display of cruelty.
  3. The presence of specific characters adds depth and mystery to the narrative.

Weak Man

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Personal essays Creative Writing Narrative
  1. The story explores the conflict between desire and reality in a man's relationships. He indulges in casual flings but ultimately feels empty and unsatisfied.
  2. Desi, the woman he becomes involved with, challenges his views on love and intimacy. She wants deeper connections and lives without limits, which contrasts his more superficial experiences.
  3. The protagonist struggles with his own weakness and cowardice. His inability to fully engage with Desi and his past choices lead to a sense of isolation and self-awareness.

expat in Paris | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 63 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Fiction Author Book review Themes Writing Style
  1. Discovering new authors in unexpected places, like bookstores, can lead to transformative reading experiences.
  2. James Baldwin's work in 'Giovanni's Room' delves into themes of love, despair, and societal expectations, providing a deep and impactful exploration of the human condition.
  3. Baldwin's writing style combines poetry, sharp observations, and social commentary to create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers across generations.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Author analysis Literary Criticism Fiction Literary Trends
  1. Ottessa Moshfegh's new book, _Lapvona_, has been criticized harshly for being gruesome and poorly executed. Readers feel it doesn't live up to her previous work, leaving them disappointed.
  2. Patrick Chamoiseau's _Slave Old Man_ is praised for its powerful storytelling and deeper themes of freedom and class struggle. It combines rich language and emotional depth, making it a standout novel.
  3. The discussion points to a shift in how readers perceive art and literature, questioning if art should be purely for expression or if it carries a moral responsibility. This shows a tension between different artistic visions.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jun 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Authors Literary Criticism Contemporary Fiction
  1. Rumaan Alam's _Leave The World Behind_ mixes pretty descriptions of a family's vacation with a looming sense of danger. It tells a haunting story about how characters react when the world goes wrong, but some think it doesn't fully develop its ideas.
  2. Edward St Aubyn's _Double Blind_ feels like a collection of witty conversations rather than a strong story. While it has clever lines and humor, it often misses exploring deeper issues and just skims the surface of important topics.
  3. Both books showcase talented writing, but they leave readers wanting more depth. Readers may feel that the authors hold back, choosing style over deeper exploration of human experience.

The Getting To Know You Phase

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Relationships Narrative Character development
  1. Eric struggles with being single after a series of relationships, feeling lonely and stuck in a routine. He finds excitement in dating again but worries about his future.
  2. His relationship with Elizabeth starts strong, filled with charm and deep conversations, but as they get closer, they uncover difficult pasts that challenge their bond.
  3. The dynamic shifts when Elizabeth reveals her mental health struggles, which Eric tries to understand, but ultimately leads to their breakup and Eric facing the reality of being alone again.

The X-Files - S01E06 - "Shadows"

Never Done • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration TV Show Review Analysis Entertainment Fiction
  1. The episode of X-Files, S01E06 - "Shadows", was created due to the network's request for more episodes where Mulder and Scully help people.
  2. The balance between main and side characters in the episode could be improved, with an emphasis on a possessive ghost storyline and figuring out who is pulling the strings.
  3. The FBI raid on the company and the resolution involving a floppy disk felt a bit hokey, making it the least favorite episode for the author.

Small Circles

Cathedral Effect • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📚 Literature Fiction Family Relationships Life Reflection
  1. Yano's relationship with his daughter Dette is complicated and he struggles to connect with her.
  2. Yano reminisces about his past, particularly his marriage and life before the divorce.
  3. Yano forms a new bond with a fellow gambler, Chen, learning about his tragic past and finding connection through shared experiences.

Adverbs Are Good

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 20 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Style Advice Fiction
  1. Adverbs and adjectives enrich writing by adding meaning, specificity, and style. They make language vivid and compelling.
  2. Writing advice advocating for cutting adverbs to achieve brevity may not always hold true in the digital age. Lengthier, in-depth pieces can actually perform well and engage readers.
  3. Finding your own writing style is crucial. Not all writers need to adhere to a strict minimalist approach; embracing your unique voice and style can set you apart in a crowded marketplace.

Suffering wives

Kvetch • 55 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History Literature Fiction News Politics
  1. Lady Bird Johnson subordinated herself to her ambitious husband, enduring his public humiliation and supporting his career with grace and dignity.
  2. Both LBJ and JFK had mistresses who were exceptional in beauty, talent, and glamour, paralleling the extraordinary qualities of their wives.
  3. Skyler White from Breaking Bad represents a different portrayal of a suffering wife, illustrating a contrasting dynamic where role reversal and descent into criminality occur in the relationship.

Weirdo Watch

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Creative Writing Contemporary
  1. Steven, the main character, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness after a difficult breakup, showing how even seemingly successful people can face deep emotional challenges.
  2. His friends try to support him by taking turns spending time with him, but he feels more like a charity case, which complicates their interactions and deepens his sense of isolation.
  3. Despite his struggles, Steven finds fleeting moments of joy and connection through music, highlighting how something as simple as a song can evoke strong emotions and feelings of value.

Dystopian Visions: The Machine That Won The War

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Analysis Science fiction Dystopia Literary Criticism
  1. The story highlights concerns about reliance on computers, especially in life-or-death situations like war. It makes us think about how much we should trust technology.
  2. The twist in the plot shows that human judgment can sometimes be more important than computer calculations. Sometimes, taking a chance with basic decision-making can be necessary.
  3. Even with all the advancements in AI, we still need to use common sense and personal input when making decisions. Computers have limits, and we shouldn’t forget our own instincts.

Most Dismal Swamp: MUSH

Do Not Research • 39 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Speculation Fiction Performance
  1. The term MUSH (Multi-User Shared Hallucination) originated in online text-based role-playing games. It reflects communal investment and social codes that create an immersive virtual space distinct from the real world.
  2. Most Dismal Swamp explores community-building in online and offline spaces, delving into encrypted cultures and the challenges of maintaining communities in digitally mediated environments.
  3. Most Dismal Swamp is a diverse art project operating as a model for collaborative speculation. It uses the concept of swamps to navigate the complexities and blurred boundaries of our mixed reality paradigm.

38

Castalia • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Narrative Fiction Character Study Literary Analysis
  1. Friendships often have a mix of personal connection and mutual benefits. Andrea and Sasha support each other in navigating social and career challenges.
  2. People can go through different phases in life, like career successes or personal struggles, affecting their relationships. Sasha's journey shows the ups and downs of finding her identity.
  3. Life can take surprising turns, like starting a family when least expected. Sasha's decision to have a baby changes her life path and relationships.

Dystopian Visions: The Cold Equations

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Science fiction Storytelling
  1. The story 'The Cold Equations' shows how strict efficiency can lead to serious problems. It highlights the need to consider what might happen in unexpected situations.
  2. In the story, a pilot must make a tough choice when a stowaway threatens the mission. It raises questions about morality and the consequences of our decisions.
  3. The narrative serves as a reminder that always striving for efficiency without planning for the unexpected can have dangerous outcomes in real life, like during emergencies.

We're Celebrating the YA-ification of Literary Fiction. So It Goes...

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
📚 Literature Fiction Critique Analysis
  1. The novel 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt won critical acclaim and commercial success, raising questions about its place as Literature.
  2. The success of 'The Goldfinch' may be attributed to its unique blend of themes and genres, drawing readers in with familiar yet compelling storytelling.
  3. 'The Goldfinch' can be seen as a competent Bildungsroman celebrating and critiquing American culture, despite some criticisms of its depth and originality.

Jane Austen and Cognitive Bias—Or on Persuasion

Vremya • 139 implied HN points • 01 Jun 21
📚 Literature Fiction Psychology Gender Studies Cognitive Science Narrative analysis
  1. Jane Austen explores the idea of love and how men and women experience it differently. She suggests that women may find it harder to move on from love than men do.
  2. Motivated reasoning is a key concept, where people look for evidence that supports what they already believe. This means we often see our own experiences as proof for our opinions.
  3. Austen also hints at cognitive biases like the availability heuristic, which is when we overestimate how common something is based on how easily we can recall examples from our life. This can lead to skewed perceptions of reality.

Book Release — The Factory: Revolution's Call

antoniomelonio • 19 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. The book _The Factory: Revolution's Call_ explores the plight of the working class and a violent revolution.
  2. The author revised the book to improve readability and overall quality, releasing _The Definitive Edition_.
  3. Supporting the author by buying the book is a great way to show appreciation and get something in return.