The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

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An Overstuffed Summer Bouquet of Links & Recs

Culture Study • 1564 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Food Politics Literature
  1. Traveling can expose us to the beauty of different cultures and histories. It helps us appreciate the world while also reflecting on the struggles that exist within it.
  2. It's important to find joy and hope even in tough times. Balancing happy moments with the reality of current events can be challenging but necessary.
  3. Supporting public art and education is crucial. Many people are advocating for change and ways to help those in need, highlighting our ability to work together for good.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 442 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Social Trends Food Lifestyle
  1. Reading can take you on unexpected journeys, like one person's experience of trying to quit sugar. It's relatable and thought-provoking.
  2. Social media reactions, like those during a big event, can create a shared experience that feels special and memorable.
  3. Connecting with others through shared interests or stories, whether online or offline, can enhance your life in meaningful ways.

What I'm Reading

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Conservatism Literature Trumpism
  1. The book 'Furious Minds' explores the MAGA New Right and profiles various scholars who support Donald Trump. It highlights how these figures have gained influence in conservative circles.
  2. The author categorizes these scholars into three groups: Postliberals, Claremonters, and National Conservatives, each with unique reasons for supporting Trump. They have different views on markets and governance.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of prominent conservative voices in academia outside of specific institutions, which may make the conservative community appear more like a tight-knit group. This raises challenges for conservative thinkers.

‘I didn’t want to view my sight loss as a disability’

NN Journal • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Poetry Health Personal Development
  1. Carl Peach uses poetry as a way to express his personal experiences. Writing helps him process his feelings and move forward in life.
  2. After losing his eyesight, he has adapted his writing style to remember poetry better and uses technology to aid his memory.
  3. He is inspiring others by taking on challenges like walking 10 million steps to raise awareness for people with sight loss, and he aims to become a motivational speaker.

A terrific noir series perfect for summer reading; a warm, funny, wise, and lately overlooked family drama; and more

Read Max • 289 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Drama Family
  1. Check out a cool noir series that could be a great read for summer. It's smart and thrilling, perfect for fans of mystery.
  2. There's a French drama that people haven't talked about much but is really good and gives off summer vibes. It deserves more attention.
  3. The author is open to recommendations and loves hearing from readers about books or movies they enjoy.
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Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 257 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Fashion Media
  1. Check out the top reads of the week for interesting content. It's a great way to discover new ideas and topics.
  2. A 7-day free trial is available for accessing more posts and archives. You can explore a lot without any initial cost.
  3. You can subscribe to stay updated and keep reading more in-depth articles. Staying connected helps you learn new things.

halloween costumes & more

internet princess • 4446 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Fashion Music Literature
  1. Halloween costumes can be a fun way to express oneself and explore different aspects of personality. They allow you to play around with different identities and make art out of everyday life.
  2. Great costumes often come from a place of real desire or connection to something meaningful. The more you love your costume idea, the more it shines when you wear it.
  3. Being creative with costumes can lead to unexpected experiences and memories, much like life itself. Dressing up can be silly, but it can also hold deeper significance and foster connections.

Open Thread 385

Astral Codex Ten • 2408 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Philosophy Community Discussion
  1. This is an open thread where you can talk about anything and ask any questions. It's a space for free discussion and sharing ideas.
  2. There are unofficial groups like a subreddit and a Discord for more focused discussions. You can connect with others interested in similar topics there.
  3. Some reviews are highlighted for voting fairness. If you want to support a particular review, you can check them out and vote.

Tony Soprano and the Jungian Death Mother

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2462 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Television Psychology Literature Art Media
  1. Tony Soprano is a complex character who shows both deep flaws and a desire for change, but his life as a mafia boss makes real transformation difficult.
  2. The show portrays struggles with familial relationships, particularly the damaging influence of Tony's mother, which shapes his behavior and emotions significantly.
  3. Unlike other antiheroes in TV shows, Tony's actions often reveal a deeper horror, as he inflicts pain on loved ones not just for survival, but from a deep-seated need to manage his feelings of inadequacy.

dialectical damage

bookbear express • 1722 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Art Travel Philosophy Literature
  1. Relationships are essential in life, like clothes you can't avoid. The way we interact with others shapes our happiness.
  2. Different styles in relationships often clash. It's important to appreciate not just who someone is, but also how they handle situations.
  3. Love can be both beautiful and challenging. It brings change and growth, but also involves vulnerability and compromise.

Grandiose Narcissism, Stamina, Claremont McKenna College

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Education Social Issues Personal Growth Literature
  1. Praising kids too much can actually lead to grandiose narcissism instead of healthy self-esteem. It's better to encourage them to develop confidence in a balanced way.
  2. Many young men are not working and rely on government help. Increased screen time, especially from video games and porn, is a big part of why they're working less.
  3. Surprisingly, getting intimate with a regulated sex worker in Nevada may be safer from STIs than being with an average young woman in San Antonio.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘Endurance Comes Only from Enduring’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1270 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art History Philosophy Poetry
  1. Czesław Miłosz was a famous Polish poet who moved to California, finding both beauty and alienation in his new home. His letters show how he felt amazed and conflicted about the landscape and culture around him.
  2. He lived in California longer than he did anywhere else, making it a special and significant place in his life. It became a refuge for him after experiencing two world wars and the Holocaust.
  3. Miłosz was recognized for his bravery during the Holocaust, as he helped save Jewish lives. This history deeply influenced his poetry and life as a whole.

Optimism, The Last Taboo

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7640 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Optimism Society Mental health Emotions Literature
  1. Toxic positivity is when people insist on being positive all the time, even when it's unhealthy. This can make others' real feelings feel ignored or invalidated.
  2. While being optimistic can have its benefits, too much emphasis on it can create pressure to always seem happy. This can cause people to feel more isolated or misunderstood.
  3. Society often rewards positive attitudes, but this can also lead to tension when genuine emotions are brushed aside. It's important to balance positivity with real empathy.

Ghost Routines

slow motion multitasking • 515 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Folklore Tradition Spirituality
  1. Some people believe that ghosts are not actual souls but imprints of past routines or strong emotions. For example, if someone cried a lot in one spot, that might leave a haunting behind.
  2. The theory states that certain places and objects can 'record' these memories, similar to how a tape recorder works. This idea is great for understanding why old castles might feel extra spooky.
  3. Interesting ghost stories can include everything from haunted toys to the history of numbers like 13. Exploring ghost culture can be fun and spooky, especially during Halloween!

I Hate 28 Days Later for Killing Off Supernatural Zombies

Freddie deBoer • 3743 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Media Literature Entertainment Critique
  1. The movie '28 Days Later' changed zombies from slow, traditional creatures to fast, scary ones. This shift makes the horror feel more immediate and intense.
  2. Most modern zombie stories now explain zombies as a result of a virus, moving away from the idea of supernatural resurrection. Many people miss the spooky appeal of classic, magic-based zombies.
  3. Fast zombie stories often focus on finding cures and dealing with infections, which can make the plot feel less about true zombie horror and more like a medical crisis. Fans of classic zombies argue that supernatural elements add depth and charm.

Reading Homer After October 7

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2990 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Education Art History Politics
  1. Teaching classic texts like the 'Iliad' can take on new meaning when the students are soldiers. They relate deeply to the themes of war and sacrifice in the stories.
  2. Personal connections to war can be profound, as seen when students like Amir transition from studying literature to facing real-life battles.
  3. The contrast between a warrior's public role and their private life is significant. Characters like Hector highlight the dual nature of being committed to duty while also longing for family and peace.

The devil comes at night

Disaffected Newsletter • 1718 implied HN points • 28 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Faith Fear Identity Supernatural Literature
  1. Fear can linger long after experiencing scary stories. A movie or book may heighten existing fears that you have had since childhood.
  2. Some fears, like those of the devil or ghosts, can be powerful even if you don't believe they exist. It's interesting how our minds can create beliefs that clash with our logic.
  3. Nighttime can bring out these fears, leading to feelings of dread. It's common to wonder if these fears are linked to ourselves or our past choices.

The Oversimplification of Ta-Nehisi Coates

Glenn Loury • 1329 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Debate Humanities Writing Identity
  1. Ta-Nehisi Coates' writing explores deep human experiences and how our backgrounds shape us. This shows that our nurturing environments impact our moral choices and understanding of suffering.
  2. There's a need to examine different perspectives on sensitive topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Understanding these viewpoints helps us grasp the complexity of people's actions and beliefs.
  3. Coates emphasizes the importance of recognizing human connections and the struggle against dehumanization, yet some critics feel he oversimplifies complex issues, making it harder to have deeper discussions.

The Monday Media Diet with Naomi Zeichner

Why is this interesting? • 1085 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Media Art Travel Literature Food
  1. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay informed and entertained throughout the day, especially during morning routines or before sleep.
  2. Finding new music can be fun; using charts and social media to discover songs is a good strategy.
  3. Reading print books and engaging with well-designed articles in magazines offers a unique experience that digital formats can't fully replicate.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 546 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Lifestyle Personal Reflection
  1. The weather is nice, especially now that it's summer solstice for the northern hemisphere. It's a great time to enjoy the longer days and warm weather.
  2. There’s an interesting essay about Joan Didion that dives into her life and relationships, highlighting both her ambition and the complexities of being a writer.
  3. This content is meant for paid subscribers, indicating that it's exclusive and may contain more in-depth personal insights and recommendations.

Back to Work

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 535 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Arts Media Identity Education
  1. The Hinternet is introducing a new column called 'Housekeeping' to share important news without sticking to traditional gender roles in writing tasks.
  2. They are holding their first Essay Prize Contest with three esteemed judges and aim to publish work that can inspire significant change.
  3. The publication is raising funds for a member's son's medical expenses and is considering creating a 'Charitable Giving Corner' to encourage ongoing support for those in need.

The quiet circle

Silentium • 359 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Philosophy Fashion
  1. Supporting quiet and meaningful work is important. It helps create space for reflection and creativity.
  2. You can try a 7-day free trial to access more content. This lets you explore and see if it interests you.
  3. Engaging with calm and thoughtful communities can lead to personal growth. It encourages deeper connections and understanding.

Sunday Strip: The Original Big Beautiful Bill

Who is Robert Malone • 36 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Comics Humor Storytelling Art Literature
  1. It's important to share information and stories with others. This helps build community and keeps everyone informed.
  2. Humor can make serious topics more relatable and enjoyable. A little laughter can lighten the mood.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue doing what they love. Consider helping out in any way you can.

The humanities help us find the people we want to know.

The Common Reader • 3614 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Humanities Literature Education Philosophy Arts
  1. The humanities help us connect with like-minded people. Discussing books is a great way to make friends and enhance our lives.
  2. Sorting, selecting, and signaling are important benefits of studying the humanities. They help us find the right group and show others our interests.
  3. Reading great literature, like works from Jonathan Swift, can improve our understanding of each other and create a sense of community.

The silent warrior

Silentium • 299 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Philosophy Literature Faith Wellness
  1. Silence can be powerful and offer clarity in our noisy lives. Taking time for quiet reflection can help us focus and understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing the role of a 'silent warrior' means finding strength in quietness rather than loud actions. It's okay to be strong and resilient without always being in the spotlight.
  3. Sometimes, we need to step back and listen more than we speak. Being a good listener can lead to deeper connections and better understanding of others.

Happy Lupercalia

Res Obscura • 2021 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Traditions History Festivals Rituals Literature
  1. There's a special discount of 33% for subscriptions to support the publication, which is a great time to sign up.
  2. Lupercalia is a historical Roman festival linked to purification and fertility, celebrated from February 13 to 15.
  3. The writer highlights that there is no direct connection between Lupercalia and Valentine's Day, though some suggest links to other February celebrations.

Tolstoy On Disagreement

The Ruffian • 264 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Argumentation Political theory Literature Philosophy
  1. People often argue about politics without realizing they value different things. Understanding what others care about can help resolve disagreements.
  2. When discussing, it's helpful to express what you truly love or believe. This can lead to surprising agreement and reduce pointless arguments.
  3. Tolstoy highlights that many arguments are similar to digging up the same truth. Acknowledging shared values can make discussions more productive.

The refuge of silence

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Art Faith Wellness
  1. Silence can be a calming and restorative space for people. It helps clear the mind and recharge energy.
  2. Finding time for silence is important for mental health. It allows us to step back from our busy lives and reflect.
  3. Embracing silence can lead to personal insights and creativity. It offers a chance to listen to our thoughts and feelings more deeply.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1899 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Policy Media Literature
  1. There's a livestream called ATW happening today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT. It's a great way to catch up on recent events.
  2. Walter and Matt will host the show and discuss their book club choice, Orwell's _1984_. It's a chance to dive deeper into that classic book.
  3. You can watch the livestream on the Substack app, Rumble, or YouTube. Don't miss it if you're interested!

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

Austin Kleon • 7873 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Parenting
  1. It's back to school time, which can make parents reflect on how fast their kids are growing up. Keeping busy with projects like writing or crafting can help with those feelings.
  2. Many famous artists and writers use simple supplies like scissors, glue, or index cards to create their work. It shows that you don't need fancy tools to be creative.
  3. A mixtape can be a fun way to connect different themes or moments in life. It's also interesting how the term 'blue moon' can mean two different things depending on how it’s used.

Can Any Woman Resist a Rich Husband?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1159 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Gender Society Romance
  1. The film 'Materialists' explores the tension between love and financial stability. It shows how a woman might struggle between marrying for love or for wealth.
  2. The movie compares modern dating dilemmas to classic romantic literature, like Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'. It highlights how societal pressures still influence personal choices today.
  3. Despite a contemporary setting, 'Materialists' aims to bring back the feel-good vibe of romantic comedies, but it doesn't quite succeed in achieving that goal.

Hector Saves His Dad

Postcards From Barsoom • 1863 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
⚔ Fiction Creative Writing Literature Storytelling Narrative
  1. A boy named Hector goes on a journey to help his dad, showing the strong bond between family members. This story highlights the importance of love and support in difficult times.
  2. The author feels guilty for not doing more for his supporters and wants to offer something special by putting his fiction behind a paywall. This decision is meant to reward those who truly value his work.
  3. Fiction often struggles to get attention and engagement compared to other topics like politics. The author hopes that by offering fiction for paid subscribers, he can encourage more people to appreciate this art form.

Recently returned

Austin Kleon • 5215 implied HN points • 30 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Documentaries Personal reflections
  1. The 'recently returned' shelf in libraries offers a unique escape from mainstream choices. It allows readers to discover books that aren't marketed or buzzing online.
  2. Embracing antilibraries can inspire creativity and learning. Looking at what you haven't read can be just as valuable as focusing on what you have.
  3. Returning to places where you feel at home can be fulfilling. It's important to appreciate where you are now, even if the journey to get there was winding.

Places you have no reason to be

The Elif Life • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Literature Creativity Education
  1. It's okay to explore places without a specific reason; your curiosity itself is a reason to go. Sometimes, just following your feelings can lead to valuable experiences.
  2. Setting aside time for yourself, like an 'artist date,' is important for creativity. It helps you connect with your inner artist and can inspire new ideas.
  3. Taking detours in life can lead to unexpected insights and connections. Embracing spontaneity might open doors to experiences you never planned for.

Rolling Stone etc

The Carousel • 10 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Music Literature Media Entertainment
  1. A writer from Rolling Stone made a fair article about the LA scene, featuring some local artists. It shows that even mainstream media can highlight diverse voices.
  2. There are new videos that celebrate America, including creative projects and AI experiments. These videos add a modern twist to traditional celebrations.
  3. There are links to articles and media discussing reasons to appreciate America, especially around the Fourth of July. It encourages people to reflect on national pride.

Quantum Crush

The Lifeboat • 344 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Short Stories Narrative Science fiction Romance
  1. Felix believes in the idea of quantum entanglement, which means that two people can be connected on a deep level, even if they are far apart. He uses this science concept to look for meaningful relationships.
  2. Felix is shy and struggles to approach women he finds interesting, worrying about how they'll react to his quirky conversation starters. He thinks a lot about the perfect moment to connect with someone.
  3. In a chance encounter on a train, Felix finally takes the leap and asks a girl about quantum entanglement, and to his surprise, she knows about it. This moment represents the possibility of connection he has been seeking.

What I'm reading about Iran, a great new 'Heat'-like heist thriller, and more

Read Max • 658 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Media Art
  1. There's a collection of articles that help explain the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. It’s good material for anyone wanting to understand the situation better.
  2. A new heist thriller movie has been released that feels similar to the classic film 'Heat.' It's a must-see for fans of action and suspense.
  3. The post also shares some great music recommendations. If you're looking for fresh tracks to listen to, there are four new ones highlighted.

My "Perplexing" Response to Ta-Nehisi Coates's New Book

Glenn Loury • 2023 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Race Politics Identity
  1. It's okay to criticize someone's past views while still recognizing their current work as valuable. You can appreciate a good piece of writing even if you don't always agree with the author.
  2. Ta-Nehisi Coates expresses deep feelings about injustices he sees, which can be important in understanding his perspective. Understanding emotions in discussions about complex issues can lead to more meaningful conversations.
  3. Writing can be powerful, and even if you disagree with the message, you might admire the craft and skill of the writer. It's worth giving credit where it's due, regardless of personal beliefs.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Literature Philosophy Society Arts
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

Our Father Used To Sing Songs In The Summer

Soaring Twenties • 77 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Music Traditions Family
  1. Change is happening, and there are plans to alter formats and strategies. But the main project will still continue as usual.
  2. The author reminisces about their father's past joy in singing, highlighting how life changes can silence such joy.
  3. There's a longing for past memories and simple pleasures, wishing for a return to those carefree days of childhood and shared laughter.