The hottest Memoir Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

We find what we look for

Austin Kleon • 1358 implied HN points • 31 May 22
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Memoir Essays Philosophy
  1. We notice things based on what we are looking for. If we're not paying attention to something, we might miss it even if it's right in front of us.
  2. Our experiences are shaped by what we choose to focus on. What we find in the world depends on where we direct our attention.
  3. Different perspectives can lead to different interpretations of the same event. How we see things can change based on our interests and experiences.

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.
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El Duende

The Recovering Academic • 277 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📚 Literature Poem Book Club Essay Memoir
  1. The post features a poem dedicated to the author's uncle, describing a near-death experience he had while mistaken for a bear.
  2. The poem touches on themes of fear, survival, and memory, capturing vivid imagery of the uncle's ordeal.
  3. The author also mentions an upcoming book club meeting to discuss 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher, welcoming all to join the conversation regardless of academic background.

August bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 259 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
📚 Literature Bookclub Biography Fiction Memoir
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker bookclub reveals a book blending memoir, biography, and fiction about George Orwell's wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy.
  2. The book focuses on giving recognition to Eileen O'Shaughnessy, who has been overlooked in history.
  3. Anna Funder discovered Eileen O'Shaughnessy and decided to shed light on her story through this unique book.

The Helicopter Pilot

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The writing life requires dedication to craft, but publication isn't solely merit-based. Sometimes themes matter more than art in getting noticed.
  2. On platforms like Substack, embracing diverse interests can be more engaging for readers. It's okay to explore various topics instead of sticking to a single niche.
  3. Finding connections between seemingly different subjects is valuable, reflecting the essence of liberal arts. Embracing personal standards can lead to seeing all work as valuable.

How many first-generation students were not the first?

The Recovering Academic • 237 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Family Heritage Memoir Religion Literature
  1. Family history can be complex and full of mysteries, especially when it comes to understanding the generations before us.
  2. Sometimes, the silence in family stories, like what is not told or shared, can hold significant meaning and impact on our own lives and identities.
  3. The choices our ancestors made and the paths they walked can influence our own paths in unexpected ways, shaping our sense of belonging and the journey we take in life.

Mutiny in the North Woods

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The story recounts a firefighting crew's experiences in fighting fires in northern Alberta, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within the team.
  2. The crew faces issues of safety, boredom, and discipline, leading to a situation of potential mutiny against their leader.
  3. Ultimately, the crew's misdeeds are brought to light, resulting in a stern reprimand from their Fire Management Officer, showcasing the importance of accountability in high-stakes situations.

Book out Book in

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature Memoir History Politics Criticism Book Reviews
  1. _A Pearl in the Storm_ is a powerful memoir about resilience and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of inner strength during tough times.
  2. In _The Best and the Brightest_, Halberstam explains how fear of being labeled soft on communism influenced American decisions in the Vietnam War.
  3. Halberstam enjoyed the process of researching and interviewing for his book, finding it to be a fulfilling intellectual journey.

Remembrance of Slings Past

Ladyparts • 379 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir
  1. Priscilla Gilman found her voice by exploring her past with famous parents and dealing with family dynamics.
  2. She navigated challenging family situations, such as her parents' divorce, at a young age.
  3. The memoir discussed in the post delves into complex family relationships and personal discoveries.

I Could Feel the Beating Heart of My Mother

The Recovering Academic • 178 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
📚 Literature Memoir Family Marriage
  1. Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong American writer, intricately weaves personal and family stories within her writings, reflecting universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
  2. Her memoir, 'Where Rivers Part,' delves deep into familial relationships, showcasing the complexity and struggles within marriages, maintaining cultural identity, and the impacts of war and diaspora.
  3. The book illustrates the power of storytelling in preserving memories, bridging generations, and offering solace to those who have experienced similar hardships and challenges.

A rattlesnake poem

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The process of getting published in literary magazines can be unpredictable, and sometimes personal connections or misunderstandings can play a significant role in acceptance.
  2. As a writer, it's important to have a thick skin and believe in your work even when faced with rejection or differing interpretations of your writing.
  3. Writing, like art, has the power to communicate personal experiences in a way that can resonate with strangers and create a shared connection over time.

It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The post discusses the idea that it takes years for the smoke to clear, implying a sense of waiting for clarity or resolution in certain situations.
  2. The post features a poem titled 'It Takes Years for the Smoke to Clear', suggesting a reflective or contemplative piece of writing.
  3. The post offers a 7-day free trial to subscribe and read more content from The Recovering Academic, possibly indicating a focus on intellectual or academic discussions.

True Fiction

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 437 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Writing Voice
  1. The line between fiction and non-fiction is becoming less significant.
  2. The way a story is told is more important than the actual facts in memoirs or literature.
  3. Writing is subjective, changing based on moods and perspectives, but it's the voice and sensibility that truly matters in storytelling.

One Year Ago Today

Ladyparts • 539 implied HN points • 03 Aug 22
📚 Literature Memoir Publication Reflection
  1. The author reflects on a challenging time and the emotional toll it took on her, and shares how she felt overwhelmed by multiple difficulties occurring simultaneously.
  2. Despite feeling broken and hopeless at the time, the author has now found that the triggers of those feelings no longer cause the same level of distress, showing personal growth and resilience.
  3. The experience of feeling at rock bottom and thinking everything was over has shifted over the year, highlighting the transformative power of time and healing.

What I Was Doing In My Early 20s

Castalia • 239 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Memoir Writing Experience Self-discovery Isolation
  1. Being in your early 20s can feel aimless and isolating. It's tough when you see others enjoying life while you struggle to find your path.
  2. Experiences in isolation can lead to deep self-discovery. Sometimes, stepping away from societal expectations helps you understand your true voice.
  3. Discipline and growth often come after a challenging phase. You may feel pressure to achieve quickly, but taking time to explore yourself can pay off in the long run.

Cockroaches

The Leftovers • 159 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Childhood Facts Memoir
  1. The author recalls childhood memories of cockroaches in Argentina, where they were a common presence and even seen as pets amongst kids due to a TV show.
  2. Cockroaches lost their charm for the author when a cholera epidemic hit in the early 90s, changing the perception of these insects.
  3. The post also includes five interesting facts about cockroaches that the author found online, highlighting their resilience and unique characteristics.

Watershed

The Recovering Academic • 158 implied HN points • 26 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Memoir Poetry
  1. The author explores the concept of epiphany in his writing journey, drawing from his religious upbringing and personal experiences to convey authenticity in memoirs.
  2. The piece delves into the process of writing memoirs as a means of discovering and articulating personal truths through a blend of innocence and experience in storytelling.
  3. The narrative features a reflection on the significant impact of a dam on the Kootenai Falls, illustrating the complexity of human interaction with natural landmarks.

Meander, Spiral, Explode

lifeboat • 157 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📚 Literature Writing Narrative structure Memoir
  1. Writing doesn't always need a linear narrative arc; explore different structures like meanders and spirals.
  2. Finding patterns and modulations in writing can help with structuring, instead of just plotting timelines.
  3. Consider visualizing your writing as a river, tree, or collage of colors for a more artistic and patterned approach.

Chronicle of a childless cat lady

Unreported Truths • 57 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Memoir Drugs Relationships Politics
  1. Emily Witt shares her life experiences in her memoir, focusing on her struggles with drug use and her relationships, particularly with a man named Andrew. She aims to present a self-aware view but misses some key insights about her own behavior.
  2. Witt's desire to be perceived as 'cool' drives her lifestyle choices, including her preferences for parties and partners. This desire reflects a specific elite culture that seems disconnected from the reality of most people's lives.
  3. While Witt portrays herself as a fighter for social justice, she often fails to acknowledge the perspectives of those closest to her, such as Andrew. Her narrative emphasizes her own experiences while sidelining others, raising questions about authenticity and empathy.

Richard

Sounds Good! • 78 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Poetry Memoir Friendship Youth Social Interactions
  1. The author is working on a new poetry project named 'Richard', with old and new poems in the sequence.
  2. The author reminisces about past experiences and relationships, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, friendship, and personal growth.
  3. There is a focus on storytelling, memories, and personal reflection through a mix of poetry and prose.

Chapter One

Dunnstack • 137 implied HN points • 09 May 23
📚 Literature Memoir Family Immigration Culture
  1. The paperback of 'Burn Rate' is now available, despite the usual trend of books not making it to paperback
  2. The author shares a personal story about his matriarchal upbringing and family history
  3. The author's mother sacrificed her own dreams to support her family, highlighting the immigrant experience and familial expectations

When I Got Knifed

Sundman figures it out! • 117 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📚 Literature Memoir Short Stories Fiction Novels Book promotion
  1. The author shared a story about being confronted by a knife-wielding assailant and how he managed to defend himself.
  2. The author reflected on experiences during the dot-com era and how a particular website played a role in spreading rumors about failing companies.
  3. Personal anecdotes about travels, encounters, weightlifting, and book promotions were seamlessly woven into the storytelling.

Good Luck

Nice Try • 79 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
📚 Literature Poetry Narrative Memoir Fiction Creative Writing
  1. Life starts with a mix of hope and uncertainty, like when a baby is born and everyone says 'good luck.'
  2. Family members can offer both warmth and caution, showing how different perspectives on luck and superstition can shape our lives.
  3. Childhood is filled with imagination and innocence, where simple moments, like seeing a butterfly, bring joy and a sense of magic.

The Old Man And The River

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 97 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoir
  1. The author reminisces about a childhood memory of encountering an old man on a riverboat, highlighting how certain details may get blurred over time but the essence of the memory remains vivid.
  2. The physical appearance and actions of the man in the memory are described in detail, showcasing how our recollections can hold onto specific traits and emotions more than factual accuracy.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of the sensations and feelings evoked by a memory, suggesting that the emotional impact of a recollection often outweighs precise factual details.

No Story Today

backstory • 339 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Nature Wildlife Writing Diary Memoir
  1. The author struggles with writing in the presence of wild animals in their writing space.
  2. Wildlife interruptions have affected the author's writing projects in various locations.
  3. A recent encounter with a pygmy shrew disrupts the author's writing plans, leading to no story for today.

Gaze At My Navel

The Reclamation Era • 99 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
📚 Literature Memoir Writing Women's issues Self-Expression Parenting
  1. It's easy to feel the need to apologize or add disclaimers when sharing personal stories, especially for women. This often comes from wanting to be liked and accepted.
  2. Embracing our own stories without insecurity is important. Everyone's experiences matter and women especially should feel empowered to share theirs without shame.
  3. Letting go of the need for approval can help us grow. It's okay if not everyone likes what we present; the focus should be on being true to ourselves.

Lincoln Green

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📚 Literature Memoir Books History Childhood
  1. The author reflects on their childhood in Lincolnshire in the 1950s, sharing memories of the county's unique features and their experiences growing up there.
  2. Growing up as one of the few Jewish families in Lincoln, the author reminisces about the challenges and adventures of maintaining their religious customs in a predominantly non-Jewish community.
  3. Despite the passage of time, revisiting one's childhood home can evoke a mix of nostalgia and reality, with familiar places often transformed or lost.

Tad Friend on Fathers and Sons, Husbands and Wives, and Surviving Infidelity

Ladyparts • 279 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Family Relationships Memoir
  1. Tad Friend's memoir explores family relationships and the impact of infidelity on love and identity.
  2. The narrative delves into personal introspection, revealing deeper layers of self-discovery beyond the initial subject matter.
  3. The author's captivating storytelling style draws readers into a journey of emotional exploration and reflection on life's complexities.