The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

Substack Reads: The double exposure effect, a mustard obsession, and the color of Neptune

read • 4894 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Design Coaching Science Memoir
  1. Nominees with great performances in multiple roles can lead to extra praise, known as the double exposure effect.
  2. Mustard packaging has a rich history dating back centuries, with brands like Grey Poupon and Maille showcasing timeless design.
  3. Neptune's true color is not actually blue as previously thought, but a milky, unmemorable interstellar cataract, challenging our perceptions.

We've Come a Long Way

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Publishing Book Sales Writing
  1. The author shares their journey from financial struggle to success, highlighting how generosity from readers helped him transition to writing full-time.
  2. Pre-ordering a book can significantly impact its success by influencing bookstore orders, placement, and potential to become a bestseller.
  3. The book "Troubled" contains personal narratives about foster care, social class, and challenging societal norms, aiming to promote important conversations in the culture.

Remembering Mimi

Bad News • 6309 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Family Life
  1. Mimi was an exceptional individual with a rich and varied life story.
  2. Her relationship with her best friend, Bill, led her on adventures around the world.
  3. Mimi's impact on her family, especially her grandson and great-grandchildren, was profound.
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Manjula Martin Tells Us

Cheryl Strayed • 6368 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Personal Growth Advice
  1. Manjula Martin shares about the importance of taking advice, whether it turns out to be good or bad.
  2. Her book, 'The Last Fire Season,' explores the wildfire crisis in the American West and personal experiences.
  3. Manjula talks about personal transformation and the joy of roller skating, pointing out the value of trying slow and rounding up when it comes to pain.

My Year in Reading

The Audacity. • 5188 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry Novel
  1. Favorite book: _All the Sinners Bleed_ by S.A. Cosby - a gripping Southern noir.
  2. Second favorite: _Family Meal_ by Bryan Washington - a poignant story of grief and finding love.
  3. Not every book is great - it's okay to have differing opinions on what you read.

Rob Henderson: The Three Adults Who Abandoned Me

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2147 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Social Issues
  1. Rob Henderson's life story, from abandonment to academic success, has deeply influenced his insights on social issues like class and culture.
  2. Luxury beliefs are ideas that confer status on the upper class and can negatively impact the lower classes, according to Henderson's observations.
  3. Henderson's journey from a troubled childhood to academic achievement sheds light on the challenges faced by those in foster care and the importance of education in breaking such cycles.

Frost Flowers

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5231 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature History Memoir
  1. Visiting Mooner's Hollow in Missouri offers a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty.
  2. The complexity of the situation in Gaza highlights the importance of distinguishing between people and governments.
  3. The symbolism of frost flowers in Mooner's Hollow serves as a reminder of the delicate yet powerful forces at play in life.

Taking Back Trump's America Serialization

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 825 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Memoir Presidential Election Legal Battles
  1. Peter Navarro is offering a serialization of his book Taking Back Trump's America to paid subscribers only.
  2. The serialization includes the Table of Contents, Introduction, and Chapter One, with new chapters sent weekly.
  3. Navarro mentions facing legal bills as he advocates for the constitution and his freedom.

Declaration of an Independent

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 963 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📚 Literature Biography Autobiography Writing Reading Memoir
  1. Benjamin Franklin was a self-taught writer who used creative exercises to improve his style and vocabulary.
  2. Franklin's independence and determination are evident in his self-made man mentality and unique approach to life.
  3. His commitment to self-improvement, public service, and scientific innovation showcase his individualism and contribution to society.

Substack Reads: Beatrix Potter’s notes, and the dark side to high-growth business

read • 8294 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📚 Literature Memoir Poetry Artificial Intelligence
  1. Beatrix Potter's fascination with mushrooms led to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
  2. The relationship between European countries and their food reputation is complex and tied to historical influences.
  3. Poetry can be deeply inspired by personal stories and historical events, leading to powerful expressions of emotions and experiences.

You Know Literary Fraud When You See It

The Recovering Academic • 494 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir Ethics Invention Truth
  1. Memory is unreliable - even recent events can be distorted by suggestion or misinterpretation, challenging the accuracy of our recollections.
  2. Inventing responsibly in memoir involves maintaining the balance between truth and embellishment, with the aim of illuminating deeper truths without resorting to outright lies.
  3. Ethics in writing demand a delicate balance - while some level of invention may be permissible to enhance storytelling, crossing the line into outright deceit constitutes literary fraud and violates the trust of the reader.

Bonus: The Not-So-Funny Valentine

The Recovering Academic • 356 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. Pranks are about power dynamics, either making someone feel powerless or including them, so it's important to know your audience to ensure pranks are taken in good spirit.
  2. Pranking can be a way to compensate for insecurity or trauma, and sometimes it can be used as a means of establishing dominance rather than fostering intimacy.
  3. Traditionally, pranks have been associated with men while women often dislike them due to past negative experiences, but humor is still largely attractive in men, with a balance needed to ensure pranks do not lead to feelings of shame or betrayal.

Les Belles Dames Sans Merci

SBJournal • 353 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Memoir Feminism Sexuality History Literature
  1. Facing challenges in printing and distributing a feminist erotic magazine in the 80s due to societal norms and discrimination.
  2. Encountering obstacles in business operations and facing prejudice due to the nature of the content.
  3. Navigating the complexities of feminist politics, censorship, and personal relationships within the context of sexual liberation movements.

Diary: Maria Stepanova on Nadezhda Mandelstam, Literature and Truth

Book Post • 412 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fiction Poetry Translation Book review
  1. Nadezhda Mandelstam's memoirs led to a significant shift towards nonfiction in contemporary prose.
  2. Authors like Mandelstam faced criticism for not fitting the established narrative, challenging traditional concepts of truth.
  3. Mandelstam's bold and unapologetic writing style defied caution and fear, offering a unique perspective on Soviet life.

Sidewalk Romance

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post shares a poem titled 'Sidewalk Romance' that brings back a memory from the author's past.
  2. The poem is a way for the author to show appreciation to their paying subscribers who support their work.
  3. The author expresses excitement for spring's arrival and the blooming lilac bushes in their new place.

The books that moved me in 2023

The Shift With Sam Baker • 758 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📚 Literature History Memoir Fiction Women Humor
  1. The article discusses the author's favorite books of the year, focusing on ones that left a lasting impact on them emotionally.
  2. The books mentioned cover a range of topics, from a unique perspective on history to candid memoirs, and thrilling fiction with humor and rage.
  3. The author reflects on the importance of books that evoke strong emotions and provoke new thoughts, highlighting the power of storytelling.

Treadmill

The Recovering Academic • 455 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The poem 'Treadmill' portrays a woman walking with determination and resilience through challenging situations, showing her perseverance.
  2. The woman's character in the poem highlights themes of overcoming obstacles, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
  3. The narrative captures the essence of facing hardships head-on, adapting to challenges, and ultimately emerging stronger from difficult experiences.

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1737 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Memoir Mythology Reading Poetry
  1. The author reflects on finding enchantment and solace in the summer despite not being a summer person, attributing it to their new stone house and connection to nature.
  2. They share their experience of making improvements to their new house during the summer months and express gratitude for living the life they've always dreamed of.
  3. The author announces new projects, such as a self-study version of their online course and monthly membership program, as well as upcoming lecture series and gatherings focused on mythic stories.

Fathers and Sons (Part One)

The Recovering Academic • 277 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir Fatherhood Masculinity Parenting High School
  1. The author reflects on the unique challenges and responsibilities of raising a son, highlighting the lack of stories and guidance on fatherhood from the men in his family and the need to redefine masculinity for his own children.
  2. The author shares a personal memory of a conversation about fatherhood that left a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and understanding the emotional depth of fatherhood.
  3. The author describes a moment of internal conflict between traditional models of fatherhood and the nurturing guidance he believes his children need, emphasizing the importance of evolving and adapting as a parent.

Solo Exhibition in Philadelphia

Labor Intensive Art • 196 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Exhibition Artist Labor Abstract Memoir
  1. Tabitha Arnold's solo exhibition in Philadelphia at Swarthmore College's List Gallery includes unseen rugs and popular pieces like Whose Streets and Picket.
  2. The exhibit showcases 5 years of Arnold's textile work, featuring pieces from various residencies and highlighting themes of collective power and solidarity.
  3. The public reception and artist talk for the Workshop of the World exhibit will be held on January 25 at List Gallery, with the exhibit running from January 18 to February 25, 2024.

The Dodgers Jacket

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post is about a eulogy for the author's grandfather, focusing on defamiliarization to make the character more memorable.
  2. The author reflects on sharing the eulogy through a virtual service and the importance of highlighting quirks and oddities to make a eulogy effective.
  3. Full members can access the post with a 7-day free trial, showing appreciation for their support.

Authors in the mirror

SHuSH, by Kenneth Whyte • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. Any book is a product of a place and time, reflecting the writer's perspective and influences.
  2. Memoirs can be highly subjective, influenced by the author's momentary feelings and experiences.
  3. Self-reflection and honesty are key in memoirs, allowing for personal growth and understanding.