The hottest Literary Criticism Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

Read at Whim!

Austin Kleon • 979 implied HN points • 22 Mar 22
📚 Literature Reading Books Authors Literary Criticism Writing
  1. Reading should be fun and spontaneous, like following your mood. Don't feel pressured to read what others think is good.
  2. Don't feel guilty about your reading choices. Enjoy what makes you happy, even if it's considered a 'guilty pleasure.'
  3. It's important to reflect on your reading habits and think about how to improve them for the future. Make your reading life more enjoyable.

Essay Club: Fragments From an Education by Christopher Hitchens

Mind & Mythos • 99 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
📚 Literature Essays Authors Literary Criticism Personal reflections Cultural Commentary
  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.

Art Perpetually Imitating A Simulacrum Diminishes Art

Holodoxa • 99 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
📚 Literature Novels Authors Internet culture Literary Criticism
  1. The race to write the ultimate internet novel may not yield groundbreaking insights, as the questions it poses may already have answers.
  2. The surge in literature focused on technology and its impacts on society comes with a risk of becoming repetitive or overly on-the-nose with its political messages.
  3. Literary fiction should strive to maintain a focus on human experience and not get lost in the distractions of technology, ensuring that it continues to offer a space for genuine connection and exploration of complex emotions.
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On Literary Careerism

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Writing Biography Cultural Commentary Publishing
  1. Careerism in writing means that many authors focus more on their professional image than on genuine creativity. This leads to writing that feels bland and lacks boldness.
  2. To be a true writer, you need to express your honest self and not get caught up in how you are perceived. Writing should be an extension of who you are, not just a job.
  3. Many contemporary authors, influenced by a careerist mindset, often miss the chance to speak out on important issues, unlike past writers who felt compelled to share their truths actively.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Novels Authors Literary Criticism Narrative style
  1. Katie Kitamura's novel 'Intimacies' explores complex themes like identity and relationships but feels scattered. It presents interesting storylines but fails to fully engage with any of them.
  2. Tom O'Neill's book 'Chaos' dives into the Manson case and suggests ties to CIA projects like MKUltra. He raises questions about the real motives behind Manson's actions and the involvement of government agents.
  3. Both books illustrate how narratives can be constructed around events. They challenge readers to think critically about what is presented as truth and how different perspectives shape our understanding.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 29 Sep 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Author analysis Literary Criticism Cultural Commentary Historical context
  1. Sheila Heti's book 'Pure Colour' has received mixed reviews, with some finding it a clever commentary and others critiquing it for being confusing or poorly written. Critics debate whether it's serious art or just an attempt at being different.
  2. Thomas Ricks' 'First Principles' explores how the founding fathers were influenced by classical history, particularly Roman models, in shaping the United States. He argues that their belief in these examples shaped their political actions and ideals.
  3. Ricks highlights that the founders often acted as if they were living out a fiction based on their classical inspirations. Their idealism, while sometimes misguided, plays a crucial role in American civic life and governance.

Curator

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 27 Oct 22
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Political Philosophy Cultural Theory
  1. Some writers focus too much on making sentences sound beautiful, but this can distract from telling a real story or connecting with readers. Writing should feel authentic and meaningful rather than just being a writing contest.
  2. Carl Schmitt had a dangerous influence on political thought, promoting ideas that justify violence and dictatorship. His theories represent a bleak view of power that ignores more humane approaches to politics.
  3. Neoliberalism is often criticized but hard to define. There's a growing call to return to economic ideas that prioritize people's needs over strict market rules, similar to the New Deal, to better support communities and jobs.

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.

On Dostoevsky's Crocodile—Or Beginnings and Ends

Vremya • 239 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Short Stories Russian literature Social Commentary
  1. Dostoevsky's story 'The Crocodile' isn't widely known but has some interesting themes. It features a civil servant who gets stuck inside a crocodile and has to adapt to his strange situation.
  2. The tale satirizes social reformers and the media, highlighting how people often don't understand real life while claiming to know what is best for others. The protagonist even dreams up grand ideals from within the crocodile.
  3. There's a playful humor throughout the story, showing Dostoevsky's lighter side. This contrasts with his more serious works and reflects the influence of other writers like Gogol, who also used humor and absurdity in storytelling.

In Search of Artistic Integrity

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Theory Literary Criticism Cultural critique
  1. The book 'Foodie' seems to be intentionally obscure, and the author chose anonymity to focus on genuine artistic expression rather than popularity. This suggests that true art can exist without the need for a large audience.
  2. Guy Debord's idea of the 'society of the spectacle' highlights how society values appearances more than substance. This shift makes being an artist more about social media presence than the quality of work.
  3. Authentic art is not about making money or gaining fame; it's about connecting with others and expressing true emotions. Artists should focus on their work rather than trying to be famous.

My Year in Books - 2024

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Biographies Science fiction Literary Criticism
  1. Reading can bring new ideas and perspectives. It’s fun to dive into different stories and learn from various authors.
  2. Science fiction is becoming more relevant as technology advances. Many readers are excited to explore how these ideas might relate to our future.
  3. It's great to share book recommendations with friends. Asking others about their favorite reads can lead to discovering new and interesting books.

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.

Hamlet's Acedic Disposition

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📚 Literature Poetry Drama Analysis Literary Criticism
  1. Poetry can convey multiple meanings and dimensions, leading to different interpretations and nuances.
  2. In Hamlet, perfect knowledge can lead to hesitation and inaction, showcasing the struggle of decision-making.
  3. The soliloquies in Hamlet capture a mix of torment, humor, and contemplation, reflecting the theme of hesitation versus impulsive action.

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.

Problematic readers

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 06 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literary Criticism Cancel Culture
  1. Author discusses the idea of categorizing "problematic" readers as opposed to authors, reflecting on the nature of online discourse and cancel culture.
  2. The author expresses discomfort with the practice of creating blacklists, even for individuals deserving of criticism, highlighting a broader concern around the impact of such actions.
  3. The post explores the concept of classifying readers based on problematic behavior, suggesting a shift in focus towards understanding reader behavior in online literary circles.

Notes on 'Allende'

As Ever • 5 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Historical Cultural Studies Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. You can't take someone else's love for their culture as your own. Real love for a place comes from a personal connection, not just admiration for its art or history.
  2. Exploring other cultures can be exciting, but it's easy to get lost and think you belong when you don't. True belonging can't be borrowed from someone else's experience.
  3. Writing about history and culture should be more than just using them to reflect on yourself; it should create a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

10 good books I read this summer

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Writing Literary Criticism
  1. Reading good books can really inspire and help us through tough times. It's great to find a list of books that resonate with you.
  2. Creating and sharing your own projects, like a zine, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, making it available for others to enjoy is special.
  3. Success can come with advice, like not being afraid to take breaks or 'disappear' for a while. It's important to prioritize your well-being.

Dystopian visions: Disappearing Act

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Literary Criticism Science fiction Creative Writing Cultural Commentary
  1. There is a strong push for computer programming skills, but being digitally literate is just as important for most jobs. Companies could benefit more from employees who understand technology than just from programmers alone.
  2. Creative subjects like art, music, and literature are often undervalued in education, even though they can enhance skills in math and critical thinking. We should appreciate the value of creativity alongside technical skills.
  3. Good science fiction can highlight important social issues by presenting them in unique settings. Stories like 'Disappearing Act' can help us think about the balance between expert knowledge and the creativity needed to solve real-world problems.

Books that suck you in and spin you out

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Literary Criticism Storytelling
  1. Some books pull you in and make you feel deeply connected, while others push you out to explore new ideas or authors. It's a fun way to think about how stories can affect us.
  2. Maps in storytelling can really enhance your reading experience. They help you visualize imaginary worlds and can inspire you in your own writing.
  3. Art can be a way to express gratitude and create meaningful souvenirs. It reminds us of experiences or people that matter to us.

Letter to Rebecca #24-04

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Letters Literary Criticism
  1. The author shares a letter to Rebecca discussing the casual and informal nature of modern communication, especially in comparison to classic literature like 'Sense and Sensibility'.
  2. The author reflects on gender dynamics in literature and creative writing classes, noting the predominance of women participants, which sparks humorous interactions and discussions.
  3. The text delves into the concept of unsent letters and the cathartic purpose they serve, highlighted through an AI-generated 'Letter to Rebecca That Is Not a Letter'.

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

Arjun’s Newsletter • 3 HN points • 16 Aug 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Novel Analysis Literary Criticism Historical Fiction
  1. Graham Greene, the author of The Quiet American, led a fascinating life with experiences that influenced his writing.
  2. The novel accurately predicted the US invasion of Vietnam and explored complex themes of American involvement.
  3. Through its impartial portrayal of characters and themes, The Quiet American challenges readers to think critically about real-world complexities.

Translation: Addendum

Logos • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jul 20
📚 Literature Poetry Translation Analysis Literary Criticism Classics
  1. Feedback is very helpful when translating poetry. It can highlight mistakes and suggest better wording.
  2. Choosing the right words in translation is important for keeping the original meaning and feeling. Small changes, like using 'melodies' instead of 'music', can make a difference.
  3. Each translation can be unique, and comparing different versions gives new insights. It's good to learn from others to improve your work.