The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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On Gloss

From the Desk of Alicia Kennedy • 923 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Travel magazines often provide a glossy, superficial view of a destination.
  2. The language used in travel media can influence readers' perceptions and desires.
  3. Magazines may not always tell the full, complex story of a destination, leaving out important socio-economic realities.

Beware of Lords and Princes?

Reactionary Feminist • 14 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. A small group of wealthy financiers and high-profile cultural figures often form informal patronage networks, which recreate old aristocratic dynamics and create temptations and power imbalances.
  2. Historical patronage sometimes funded great art and science and wasn’t automatically corrupt; whether it’s defensible depends on who the patron is and what they demand.
  3. Modern publishing and the internet have gutted traditional writer incomes, forcing many cultural figures to become multi-platform influencers or rely on patrons, which brings real ethical and reputational risks.

Riding or writing

Austin Kleon • 2537 implied HN points • 02 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Reflecting on the past year is important, like making a list of 100 things that made it special. It's a good way to remember goals and accomplishments.
  2. We lost several influential artists recently, reminding us of their impact on culture and art. Their work continues to inspire many people.
  3. It’s a good season for reading, with many 'best of' book lists coming out. People share their favorites, which is a great way to find new reads.
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Culture Study Goes Full ACOTAR

Culture Study • 3308 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. These books have explicit sex scenes that focus on female pleasure, offering multiple builds and payoffs, with a perspective that centers around women's desires.
  2. The hotness in the books is rooted in monogamous fantasies, exploring the idea of soulmates and eternal monogamy as very sexy concepts.
  3. The series grapples with the complexity of first loves and the trauma of realizing someone may not be your perfect match, providing a rare depiction of challenging romantic realities.

2024

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1382 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The newsletter has grown significantly, from 7,000 subscribers in the first year to over 67,000 now. This shows that consistent effort in writing can really pay off.
  2. The book 'Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class' performed well, receiving recognition and even being turned into a potential movie. This highlights how personal stories can resonate with readers.
  3. The author now lives in New York City, which symbolizes a new chapter in their life. It reminds us that change is often part of personal growth.

What I'm Reading

In My Tribe • 531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Literature
  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.

Our lady of perpetual stew

LOL (lots of links) • 904 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Annie started cooking a perpetual stew which made her life more exciting.
  2. Her inspiration came from 'A Month Without a Fork' blog by Darius Kazemi.
  3. Annie is excited about upcoming Wikipedia-themed comedy shows and shares updates on her current activities.

Back to Work

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 535 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  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.

Green Seduction

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Plants are amazing and can be found everywhere, even in unexpected places. They are essential for life and create environments where other creatures can thrive.
  2. Experiencing and enjoying plants can really connect us to nature, especially in cities. Whether it's in our backyards or parks, plants can bring us joy and comfort.
  3. It's important to keep the language around nature alive. Losing words related to plants and nature can dull our connection and understanding of the world around us.

A creepy sci-fi horror series with a great conceptual hook, a strangely gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy, and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a really creepy sci-fi horror series that has a cool concept. It sounds like it could be a great watch for horror fans.
  2. A gripping movie about Nazi bureaucracy is highlighted. It might be particularly interesting if you enjoy shows like Andor.
  3. The roundup includes new music and essays discussing big ideas like AI's impact on jobs. These topics are worth exploring for those interested in the future.

Top Links 811 Dali and the dollar. Making the most of the “longevity dividend”. The fall of the Roman Republic and how a Baywatch star became a Berlin hero.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The phrase 'Avida Dollars' was used to mock Salvador Dali, but he took it as a compliment. It shows how creative minds can turn criticism into praise.
  2. German car exports to China are dropping, which is making things tough for Europe. This could have big effects on their economy and job market.
  3. The newsletter shares various insightful links, encouraging readers to explore different topics. This helps keep readers informed about various global issues.

The plan for meta-rationality

Meaningness • 359 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🚌 Education Literature
  1. The book being written focuses on meta-rationality, with previous parts discussing rationalism and reasonableness.
  2. The author plans to release the book in separate paperbacks/Kindle editions before putting it online for free.
  3. The concept of meta-rationality emphasizes caring for the situation more than abstractions, questioning what the situation needs, and understanding when rationality is relevant.

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6821 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series taught millions of children about virtues like loyalty and love.
  2. Rowling's controversial statements on gender led to intense backlash and calls for boycotts.
  3. The story of J.K. Rowling reflects the polarization of public opinion and challenges in public conversation.

All good things must begin (again)

Austin Kleon • 2178 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Starting fresh can be tough, but it's okay to take your time. Sometimes it helps to focus on the little things that motivate you every day.
  2. Writing isn’t always about creating new ideas; it's also about rediscovering old ones and sharing them again. What you say can still be valuable even if others have said it before.
  3. Using notebook affirmations can uplift your spirit and give you the push you need to create. Remind yourself of your goals and why you love writing to stay inspired.

WILD, WILD WOMEN

Secretum Secretorum • 1212 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Women have unique qualities that make them strong and wild. Embracing those qualities can lead to empowerment.
  2. Celebrating women's individuality is important. Each woman's story adds to the rich diversity of experiences.
  3. Creativity and expression through art are key ways to showcase and appreciate women's strength.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 589 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The importance of sticking with things even when they seem slow or dull can lead to valuable insights. Don't rush through; take your time to absorb it all.
  2. Getting enough sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When sleep is lacking, life can feel tougher and more challenging.
  3. Reading essays and deep articles can help us connect with our emotions and experiences. They often reveal deeper truths about being human.

How much of the planet should we harm for our comfort?

The Novelleist • 434 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to think about how much harm we cause to nature for our comfort. Finding a balance is key for both humans and the environment.
  2. Humans often prioritize their comforts, but this can sometimes harm ecosystems. We must consider the impact of our choices on nature and other species.
  3. Technology can improve our lives, but we should aim to use it sustainably. The future should focus on a balance that benefits everyone, including the planet.

🚀 Beyond 'The Jetsons': A new vision of a fantastic future that never was

Faster, Please! • 1096 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Stories about the future are really important. They can inspire people to be more creative and push for new technologies.
  2. Dystopian tales have been popular for a long time, which makes the need for positive and hopeful stories about the future even greater.
  3. With technology changing fast, like AI and space travel, we need more stories that remind us to dream big and embrace progress.

The Wit’s Guide to Shower Thoughts

Get Wit Quick • 491 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Shower thoughts are tiny revelations that highlight oddities in familiar things.
  2. To be a good shower thought, it must change how you see the world and follow specific guidelines.
  3. Shower thoughts can't be jokes, puns, or anything directly related to showers.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

☞ The Conspiratorial Mindset and AI's Latent Spaces

Cabinet of Wonders • 369 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Literature
  1. Stories can connect ideas in surprising ways, but sometimes people can see these connections where none really exist. Our brains like to create meaning out of random facts.
  2. Artificial intelligence might be making it easier for people to fall into paranoid thinking. By blending information in strange ways, AI can lead us to feel like there's more going on than there actually is.
  3. Finding a balance between seeing connections and understanding randomness is important. We can't rely on AI to help us with this balance, as it might push us too far into conspiracy thinking.

And then what?

Austin Kleon • 2278 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. It's important to think about what comes next after finishing a big task. Asking 'And then what?' can help guide your next steps.
  2. We often shape ourselves to fit what machines can do. It's surprising how much we adapt to be like technology.
  3. Kids today are pushing back against social media culture. They care less about likes and more about real connections.

You Want to Hate AI Slop But You Absolutely Love It

The Algorithmic Bridge • 509 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. People often prefer AI-generated content over human-made, even if they think they dislike it. This shows how our preferences can be influenced by our biases.
  2. The brain seeks to create a coherent story and will rationalize its choices, even if it means rewriting how we feel about something. This happens when faced with conflicting ideas.
  3. Experiences matter more than the source of the content. If something moves you or makes you think, the origin may not be as important as we believe.

Araminta Hall on living post-MeToo

The Shift With Sam Baker • 399 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Araminta Hall questions if the MeToo movement has lost momentum or needs a fresh perspective, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
  2. Growing up in a time of evolving views on women, the author reflects on the societal changes she has witnessed, highlighting the challenges and contradictions faced by women over the years.
  3. The post emphasizes the ongoing importance of discussions around gender equality and the complexities of navigating societal expectations.

Friday Thread: Can you become stronger at your broken places?

The Recovering Academic • 435 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The path from academia to entrepreneurship can be filled with contradictions and tension, but owning and navigating them honestly can lead to growth and survival.
  2. Navigating modernity and its challenges may require reevaluating one's relationship with delight and joy, and finding ways to adapt and thrive amidst brokenness.
  3. Building bonds of reciprocal obligation with others might be a way to combat individualism, even in virtual spaces like LinkedIn and Zoom.

What's got my attention this week #24

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post provides a roundup of links, books, programs, and podcasts every Friday for The Shift subscribers.
  2. Thought-provoking pieces following Matthew Perry's death were highlighted, discussing addiction, identity, and significance.
  3. The post touches on various topics including the impacts of men's wars on women and children, consumerist self-care, and capitalism's involvement in menopause.

Does The Past Exist?

Castalia • 579 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Literature
  1. Some people believe that the past doesn't matter as much because they think progress leads to better results today. They argue that everything improves over time, like athletes breaking records.
  2. However, the author argues that past achievements in areas like literature and chess have their own unique value and should not be dismissed. The past has lessons and beauty that are still relevant today.
  3. It's important to respect the past and recognize its significance. It shouldn't just be seen as a stepping stone for the present.

The Romance Novel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Romance novels offer escapism and predictable happy endings that many readers enjoy during tough times. They have become popular among diverse groups of women, from stay-at-home moms to college students.
  2. The romance genre focuses on female pleasure and sexuality while challenging societal views about women's desires. It mixes fun storytelling with important cultural discussions.
  3. Romance novels are a big business, outselling even the Bible. Many readers are not just fans—they are part of a community that engages with the genre through discussions, fan fiction, and events.

Time held me green and dying

Secretum Secretorum • 580 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Time changes everything, and it can make the past seem more beautiful than the present. We often remember past moments fondly, even if they weren't perfect.
  2. Memories can be clearer and more vibrant than reality. Sometimes, looking back helps us see the good things that were overshadowed at the time.
  3. We should appreciate the present more and not just rely on nostalgia to feel happy. Finding joy in today can help us avoid getting lost in the past.

Arianna Caserta: Artificial Deaths

Do Not Research • 479 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. In the digital age, the concept of being forgotten has become as important as being remembered, raising questions about digital legacy and the right to be forgotten.
  2. The presence of deceased individuals online is increasing, posing ethical dilemmas about digital immortality, control over online data after death, and the merging of real life and digital afterlife.
  3. Navigating social media after the death of a friend raises complex emotions about unfollowing profiles, online grieving, and the moral implications of interacting with deceased individuals' digital presence.

Love Loves to Love Love.

Range Widely • 825 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The show 'Ted Lasso' is about love and vulnerability.
  2. James Joyce's 'Ulysses' had many errors in its first publication.
  3. Herbert Simon highlighted the importance of finding warm relations and working on common tasks in human experience.

The rise of Manchester’s urban gardens

The Mill • 432 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The rise of urban gardens in Manchester is transforming disused land into green spaces for the community.
  2. Partnerships between organizations like the National Trust and Sow the City are helping create urban gardening projects across the city.
  3. Efforts to develop more urban gardens are supported by initiatives like the GMCA's green space fund and are essential for improving access to green spaces in Manchester.

The uncanny power of victimhood

quite useless • 746 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Perpetrator and victim roles should not be permanently assigned to individuals or groups to avoid dehumanization.
  2. Victimhood is not a marker of moral superiority, and it is a role tied to action.
  3. Distinguishing between role and identity can reveal power dynamics and motivations behind behaviors.

The Week In Recommendations 5.24.23

Rich Text • 825 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Recommended Netflix show: XO, Kitty, a sweet series with heart, teen angst, and viable love interests.
  2. Engaging podcast: Betrayal, season 1 follows Jennifer Faison's healing journey, season 2 delves into Ashley Lytton's story.
  3. Shopping recommendations: Resortwear like versatile cover-ups and textured swimwear, hair clips for styling growing out hair.

Spooky season! 👻

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Spooky season is a time for fun and cozy activities like watching scary movies. It's a great way to enjoy the change in the air and get into the spirit of fall.
  2. Reading is highlighted as a wonderful pastime, with recommendations for both fiction and non-fiction books. This can inspire others to dive into new stories or learn something new.
  3. Sharing experiences like interesting events or personal reflections can connect people and spark conversations. It’s a reminder of the joy of community through shared interests.