The hottest Literature Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Art & Illustration Topics

Be Wary of Lingo

Things I Didn't Learn in School • 117 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🚌 Education Literature
  1. Be cautious of using complex language in modern life as it may obscure reality.
  2. George Orwell emphasized the importance of clear, precise language to grasp reality.
  3. To understand reality, challenge vague language and seek truth in concrete facts.

Eulogizing Editors

Regress Studies • 117 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Collecting obituaries of New Yorker editors can be a fascinating hobby for editors.
  2. Obituaries of editors often showcase exceptional writing and humor.
  3. Reading obituaries of editors can offer insights into editorial legacies and practices.

I’m still here

Austin Kleon • 719 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Stephen Sondheim was an influential composer, and many people are sharing his great works after his passing. Watching the documentary 'Six by Sondheim' is a good way to appreciate his talent.
  2. Using soft lead pencils, like the Blackwing, makes writing more fun because they need regular sharpening. Sondheim loved using them for this reason.
  3. Books like Louise Erdrich's 'The Sentence' are enjoyable and worth reading, along with new releases like 'The Art of Activism' that provide fresh perspectives.
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Fishing For Hope In The New Year

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 167 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Even when times feel tough, we can choose to be optimistic. It's important to keep hope alive, especially at the start of a new year.
  2. Reflecting on the past year helps us appreciate the people we've lost and the wisdom they've shared. Remembering them can offer comfort and perspective.
  3. Traditions, like quiet family gatherings instead of wild parties, can make New Year's more meaningful. Sometimes, a low-key start can feel much better.

Anyone can be Batman

Austin Kleon • 699 implied HN points • 17 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Anyone can embrace their inner superhero, just like Batman. It means believing in yourself and taking action.
  2. The writings of bell hooks deeply influenced many people. Her ideas on love and creativity inspire us to think differently.
  3. Joining a book club or a poetry newsletter is a great way to discover new literature and find what you enjoy. It can spark your creativity!

Vol. 2, Issue 5 - The Time I Almost Lost My Charizard

Johto Times • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Owning a Charizard card was a big deal, and the author really valued it as a kid. It was popular among friends, making it even more special.
  2. A childhood friend stole the Charizard card, showing how trust can be broken by those we least expect.
  3. Even after getting the card back, it was bent, leaving a lasting reminder of that betrayal and changing how the author views trust and possessions.

Li River 漓江

Cosmographia • 139 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Literature
  1. The post discusses the Li River (漓江) and is part of the Atlas' Notebook series on Cosmographia, featuring art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography centered on a specific place.
  2. It is for paid subscribers only, offering a deeper exploration of the Li River through various creative mediums.
  3. The content includes art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to the Li River, providing a rich and immersive experience for those interested in this location.

It’s raining websites!

Scott's Substack • 58 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post shares interesting links on a variety of topics like cats in prisons and AI firms.
  2. There is a discussion on using machine learning for real-time pricing and predicting new antibiotics.
  3. The author also mentions a workshop on causal inference and his passion for continuing to learn in the field.

There Once Was an Empire

thinkinghistorically • 93 HN points • 20 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Obsessions with decline and collapse are becoming more prominent in public discourse and literature.
  2. Memories of past empires and collapses can help us navigate uncertainty in the present and imagine different futures.
  3. Literature from the era of Austria-Hungary captures the nostalgia, chaos, and ephemerality of a world caught between permanence and collapse.

How I prepare for an interview

Austin Kleon • 599 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Making mind maps helps organize thoughts and ideas before an interview. It's a great way to see connections between different topics.
  2. Instead of preparing a strict list of questions, focus on topic areas. This way, you can listen better and have a more natural conversation.
  3. Listening is key in interviews. If you're busy thinking about your next question, you might miss what the person is saying.

Hidden Gems

Seven Senses • 319 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Shadow artists are people who love art but don't create their own. They surround themselves with artists instead of pursuing their own creative dreams.
  2. Working through 'The Artist's Way' can help anyone break free from feeling stuck or unworthy. It encourages daily practices like writing and exploring creativity.
  3. Embracing your creativity, even with its ups and downs, can help you connect with others. Sharing your work inspires both personal growth and helps others to express themselves too.

The Monthly Salon: October

The Abbey of Misrule • 199 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author recently gave a talk called 'Against Christian Civilisation', which is available as a recording. It's good to share ideas and thoughts with others.
  2. There's a monthly open house for readers to discuss any topics they like, encouraging free expression and friendly debate.
  3. The author emphasizes maintaining good manners and respect in discussions, similar to how people should act in real-life conversations.

Second Thoughts on Epstein; More on Aristotle and "the Tyrannical Soul"

Unpopular Front • 52 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Jeffrey Epstein's rise in elite circles reveals that many powerful people aren't as talented as they seem. They can be boring and untalented, just like Epstein himself.
  2. The view of Epstein as a mastermind is misleading; he was just another grifter trying to benefit from a corrupt system. There's no real meritocracy among the wealthy.
  3. Understanding Epstein's influence helps show how wealth and power can come from being useful to others, rather than from real intelligence or hard work.

Catch up with Nina Stibbe on The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 79 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Nina Stibbe discusses topics like running away from home at 60, learning to be alone, and the 'menopause movement' on The Shift Bookclub Live.
  2. The conversation in the bookclub ranged from personal experiences like taking a year out of marriage to broader discussions about fear of finances and the rise of the 'menopause movement'.
  3. You can catch up with the discussion with Nina Stibbe at any time by watching the recording on YouTube.

Start the Week #105

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 10 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The author is busy and has a lot of reading and writing to do for upcoming deadlines. This means the newsletter schedule might be a bit inconsistent for a while.
  2. The author reflects on male bonding, noting that hugs and emotional displays might not feel genuine and preferring a more traditional style of bonding like joking and shoulder taps.
  3. The author is excited about teaching a writing course soon and has more ideas for lessons than he has time for, which he considers a nice problem to have.

Dingus of the week: Nic Pizzolatto

Men Yell at Me • 419 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The 'Dingus of the Week' is Nic Pizzolatto for his reactions to the TV show True Detective's latest season, which featured indigenous women and received criticism from him.
  2. Some recent positive highlights include a strippers' bill of rights, a stingray in North Carolina who reproduced without a mate, and Beyonce becoming the first Black woman to top the country charts.
  3. Celebrating personal victories, like having a book published, can be surprisingly down-to-earth, even involving mundane tasks and moments with loved ones.

The Death of Calvin and Hobbes

Litverse • 299 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Commercialization can play a significant role in the legacy of artistic creations.
  2. The choice between commercial success and artistic integrity can impact the longevity of a work.
  3. Imagination and immersion in fantasy worlds provide comfort and escape, shaping our values and perspectives.

Lace and Libels

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The evolution of language and meanings can lead to shifts in how words are understood over time.
  2. The concept of proof of work, used in bitcoin, can be observed in various aspects of human culture, indicating value and effort.
  3. Protecting artists from theft and censorship can encourage more art creation in the intersection of accessibility and quality.

Plugpost and Updates

Resident Contrarian • 781 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Getting exposure as a new writer or for a new product is crucial for success.
  2. The internet often reacts negatively to self-promotion, so getting boosted by established figures or famous people can be key.
  3. It's important to be proactive in seeking opportunities and promoting your work, even in the face of challenges like internet backlash.

Scatterbrain: a spring letter

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. London Book Fair attracts writers who wander like wailing souls, seeking inspiration and connections in trade fair events.
  2. The writer reflects on the weather in London and news from Rosario, Argentina, contemplating the idea of staying in a grey island country.
  3. Cheltenham event signifies springtime, aligning the writer's narrative with seasonal changes and events.

Hidden Open Thread 352.5

Astral Codex Ten • 206 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. This is an open thread for subscribers, meaning only paid members can participate. It's a space for sharing thoughts and discussions.
  2. The post includes links for sharing on social media, showing that it encourages interaction and connection.
  3. The thread is part of a series, indicating a continuing conversation or topic that interests the community.

Best of The Ruffian 2024

The Ruffian • 159 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The Ruffian gained more subscribers this year, growing from 20,000 to 33,000. This shows that more people are interested in the content.
  2. There were 74 posts and 3 podcast episodes published, with several popular topics, including lists and questions about happiness and culture.
  3. The podcast is set to continue into 2025, featuring conversations with notable guests, and exclusive content for paid subscribers will also be available.

The Dreamer Who Wanted to Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
⚔ Fiction Literature
  1. The Dreamer represents a being who exists in a state of eternal perfection but longs for real experiences, like touching grass. He creates a universe to experience life through different characters in his dreams.
  2. The Divider keeps dream characters unaware that they are part of The Dreamer to sustain the dream. This part wants to prolong the dream so it can maintain control.
  3. Eventually, some characters awaken to their true nature, realizing they are connected to The Dreamer. This leads to a cycle of love and reunion, as they understand their shared existence and purpose.

Maggie’s Farm

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Bob Dylan's song 'Maggie's Farm' speaks about the struggle against unfair management. It really highlights how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in a job with bad management.
  2. The songwriter encourages people to view themselves as partners, not just workers. It's important to feel valued and not treated like a servant.
  3. The song warns against peer pressure at work. Just like in a group, it's essential to stay true to yourself, even when others try to pull you in the same direction.

Humanities and Social Change: There is No Final Revolution

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Society often focuses on the mechanics of achieving objectives, but sustaining social change requires creativity, empathy, perseverance, and purpose, which the humanities can provide.
  2. Feelings of frustration and despair are common in social justice activism, but acknowledging these emotions and turning to the humanities can offer spiritual and ethical sustenance.
  3. Victories in social-political movements are impermanent, emphasizing the need to replace the pursuit of 'victory' with a more human and sustainable approach, reflected in the idea that there is no final revolution. Revolutions are infinite and ongoing.

The Monday Media Diet with Geoff Rickly

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature
  1. Geoff Rickly reads voraciously, including magazines, newsletters, and novels, with a preference for publications with a strong physical presence.
  2. Rickly recommends John Fosse's 'Septology' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on him as an artist, blending modern and eternal spirituality.
  3. Rickly fell into a deep rabbit hole exploring perfumes, starting from wanting to smell good to seeking unique and even repulsive scents, mentioning various indie perfume brands and his personal favorite, MeM by Antonio Gardoni.

matchmaking is open + what I've been reading

bookbear express • 137 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. There's a matchmaking event happening soon, and it's a chance to meet new people. You can sign up for just $5, and they promise to refund if it doesn't work out for you.
  2. The author is enjoying traveling with friends and believes that spending time with loved ones is important. They want to focus more on fun and light experiences in life.
  3. The author is reading some interesting books and articles that explore themes of art, motherhood, and personal experiences. They find these topics gripping and reflective.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 40

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Casual parties can be fun! In the past, people would invite friends over last minute and not worry about getting dressed up.
  2. Beavers can also be great helpers. Their dams saved a Czech government a lot of money because they help manage water flow.
  3. Reading to kids is more than just fun. It can improve breathing and create special moments between parents and children.

A little 'paradise' beside Hell

Wrong Side of History • 370 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Visiting Auschwitz can be a haunting and unforgettable experience, leaving a profound impact on individuals.
  2. The portrayal of evil and the Holocaust in history can be overwhelming and psychologically challenging.
  3. The movie _The Zone of Interest_ offers a different perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the mundane lives of individuals involved in immense atrocities.

Occupation: Jean Cocteau

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 362 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Artistic creations, like album covers or movie stills, can evoke a desire to create a fantasy world in one's private space, resembling collages or shrines.
  2. The article delves into a film from 1943, 'L’Éternel retour', set in occupied France and explores its subtleties and layers of interpretation regarding blonde versus brunette characters.
  3. The concept of 'Bohemian' culture, drawing connections between the characters in the film and a broader sensibility that defines a certain spiritual aristocracy.

Virginia Notes

The Common Reader • 708 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Experience the unique American breakfast culture at Bob and Edith's Diner
  2. Discover the classic American suburban scenery of the 1990s
  3. Appreciate the diverse and vibrant birdsong in America

The Most Nuanced Take You Will Ever Read About Sparta (and North Korea)

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 390 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Sparta and North Korea were both reactionary societies that lacked free flow of ideas, causing harm to their people.
  2. Nuanced narratives like _Three_ and _Crash Landing on You_ provide valuable insights into life in closed-off societies like Sparta and North Korea.
  3. Striving for nuance rather than strong opinions is important when discussing societies that are unable to respond, like Sparta or North Korea.

Stealth Mode Diaries: Walter Ong and Nick Fuentes

Reactionary Feminist • 11 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Taking uninterrupted blocks of time to work can greatly improve focus and creativity. It helps to keep ideas fresh in your mind without losing track of them.
  2. Writing a book requires navigating many complex ideas at once. Spending continuous time on the project allows for deeper connections between concepts.
  3. Sustained focus can lead to unexpected discoveries in your work. These surprises can enrich the overall narrative and themes you are working on.

The strange case of the writer who returned from the dead

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. Susan Meachen, a writer believed to be dead, returned to the book world two and a half years after faking her suicide. This caused a stir in the book Twitter community.
  2. The situation around Susan Meachen showcased the chaos that can come from social media uproar and public scrutiny.
  3. The story of Susan Meachen highlights the impact and complexities of online personas and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the digital age.