The hottest Memoirs Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

My Lucky Scars

The American Peasant • 1956 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Memoirs Life lessons Craftsmanship Anecdotes
  1. Scars can remind us of important lessons and experiences. They serve as a reminder to be careful and think twice before acting.
  2. Old tools can hold special significance, especially if they have a story behind them. Restoring a beloved tool can bring back fond memories.
  3. Life has cycles, just like repairing and using old tools. It's a reminder to cherish what matters and stay focused on what's important.

9 Agents Seeking Memoirs

The Sub Club Newsletter • 594 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Publishing Querying Memoirs Submissions Writing
  1. There are nine agents currently looking for memoirs, which is a great opportunity for writers in that genre.
  2. Upcoming changes to the newsletter will include more insights and tips about the querying process from experienced writers and agents.
  3. Writers can use the Query Hotline and new chat features to ask questions and share experiences about getting published.

Sometimes Readers Prefer Paperbacks

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 965 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Memoirs Reading Social Class Publishing
  1. Many people still enjoy reading physical books like paperbacks. There's something special about holding a book compared to digital formats.
  2. The author highlights key themes in their book, such as social class and upward mobility. These topics are important for understanding today's society.
  3. The author faced challenges with book promotion, including bias in bestseller lists. This shows how difficult it can be to gain recognition in the publishing world.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 519 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Memoirs Fiction Cultural critique Contemporary Issues
  1. Adelle Waldman's new book, _Help Wanted_, is based on her real experiences working with warehouse employees. While it's well-researched, it feels more like observing the workers than authentically capturing their lives.
  2. Glenn Loury's memoir, _Late Admissions_, dives into his complex life and the internal struggles he faces. It's not about trying to fit into one idea but exploring his multiple identities and contradictions.
  3. Both books highlight the challenges of representing people's real experiences. Waldman struggles with the class divide in storytelling, while Loury reflects on personal conflicts that make his journey relatable yet complicated.
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On Writing

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4886 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Authors Memoirs Books
  1. The key to writing is having a point of view and putting in the effort consistently, regardless of any specific method or process.
  2. Creativity involves both insight and persistence; don't underestimate the value of persistent effort in generating creative ideas.
  3. Writing regularly may involve accepting that initial drafts may not be perfect, embracing bad writing as part of the process, and persisting through writer's block.

2024: My Year in Books

American Dreaming • 77 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction Memoirs Philosophy
  1. Reading fiction can be just as valuable as reading nonfiction. It helps you learn and understand different perspectives.
  2. The processed food industry has a significant impact on our eating habits and health choices. It's important to be aware of how these companies operate.
  3. Books can cover a wide range of topics, from personal stories to social issues. They can inspire, inform, and challenge our thinking.

Book Announcement: "The Expedition to Khiva" by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Memoirs History Exploration Military
  1. The book 'The Expedition to Khiva' is a firsthand account of Russia's conquest of Khiva in 1873, providing both military details and adventure. It captures the journey across Central Asia, highlighting the culture and legends of the local people.
  2. Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky, the author, offers unique insights because he spoke the local Turkic languages, allowing him to interact freely with Central Asians and report on their ways of life.
  3. Along with the text, the book includes a 15,000-word introduction with historical context about Khiva and Alikhanov's background, enhancing understanding of the expedition.

How to break out of a dark months reading slump

The Shift With Sam Baker • 818 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Book recommendations Bookclub Memoirs
  1. Discover new book recommendations to get out of a reading slump, including Strong Female Character, One of the Good Guys, and A Killing in November.
  2. Explore different genres like fantasy, thrillers, and memoirs to find engaging reads, such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, House Woman, and Hermit.
  3. Consider joining a book club like The Shift Bookclub to immerse yourself in discussions and new perspectives on books, such as The List of Suspicious Things.

Before the police arrives: Bookstores on Saturdays

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1132 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📚 Literature Bookstores Reading Memoirs Classics Social Commentary
  1. Allocating a fixed amount for book purchases can help maximize pleasure and choice.
  2. Exploring bookstores on Saturdays armed with book reviews can lead to thoughtful decisions on what to buy.
  3. Exposure to diverse literary works, especially during intellectually stimulating periods, can strongly influence individual interests and perspectives.

Al Pacino and the Weight of Wealth

Neckar’s Notes • 87 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Celebrities Wealth Mindset Identity Memoirs
  1. Al Pacino went broke twice despite once having fifty million dollars. He didn't manage his money well, even though he knew better.
  2. His background affected his relationship with money. Growing up poor, he lacked understanding of financial matters and often felt helpless.
  3. Pacino's story shows that mindset and identity can really shape how we handle money. He recognized his bad decisions but struggled to take full responsibility for them.

Spring Cleaning for the Mind

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
📚 Literature Books Podcasts Reviews Memoirs
  1. The start of 2024 has been eventful domestically, economically strong in the US, and characterized by international chaos.
  2. Reading 75 books this year is a goal, with a bias towards nonfiction titles and a focus on literary reviews.
  3. Engaging with podcasts continues to be a significant part of consumption, with an emphasis on diverse shows and episodes for various interests.

Inside looking in

The Leftovers • 139 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Memoirs Criticism Writing Style Political themes
  1. Memoirs can pose challenges for authors and critics, leading to delicate evaluations and special treatment.
  2. Authors can offer universal insights by looking inward, Personal experiences can embody broader themes and human conditions.
  3. Advocating for a shift from 'the political is personal' to 'the personal is political', encouraging connections and unity amidst societal fragmentation.

Billingsgate Goes West

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Literature Memoirs Biography
  1. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw a shift in the content people sought: from erotic dialogues to memoirs of those in the profession.
  2. Madames and prostitutes of the past were often the subjects of 'autobiographies' and other works, contributing to a rich history of scandalous literature.
  3. Jane Davies, a celebrated figure, had a reputation for her eloquence in swearing and obscene talk, showcasing the colorful language of the time.

26 books I picked up (and put down) this spring

Austin Kleon • 719 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Memoirs Essays
  1. It's okay to start a book and not finish it; it's part of the reading journey. People often share books they've enjoyed, but sharing the ones they didn't finish can be just as valuable.
  2. Finding the right book at the right time can make all the difference. Sometimes a book resonates because of what's happening in life at that moment.
  3. Trying various books, even if they are put down, shows a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Each book read (or not finished) adds to the overall reading experience.

An Unranked List of The Best (Recent/ish) Music Memoirs I Can Think of Right Now...

Sounds Good! • 58 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎶 Music Memoirs Authors Reviews Recommendations Insights
  1. The post shares an unranked list of recent music memoirs, highlighting some standout titles from the last decade.
  2. The list includes memoirs from a diverse range of musicians like Patti Smith, Chrissie Hynde, Grace Jones, Kim Gordon, and more.
  3. The author praises the storytelling, writing style, and depth in the memoirs, particularly highlighting the strong work by female authors in the music memoir genre.

A Pilgrimage for Book People

Castles in the Sky • 302 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Books Memoirs Traditions Community History
  1. The annual pilgrimage to the Brandeis Book Sale was a significant tradition for the author's family, highlighting the reverence for books and the impact of the sale on their lives.
  2. The pilgrimage involved a long road trip, unique family dynamics, and a deep appreciation for books, as seen through the eyes of the author growing up around book people.
  3. Brandeis Book Sale represented more than just a sale - it was a cultural phenomenon where book people gathered, making it a sacred space and a reflection of civilization preserved in books.

Memoirs of the First Donbass War

Nemets • 66 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics War Memoirs Nationalism Rebellion Conflict
  1. The First Donbass War started in 2014 after an armed rebellion by those sympathetic to Russia in eastern Ukraine.
  2. The Ukrainian military relied on volunteer paramilitary formations due to neglect in the years leading up to the conflict.
  3. Various memoirs provide insights into the complexities and motivations behind the different factions involved in the war.

Memoirs

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 24 Oct 21
📚 Literature Memoirs
  1. Memoirs are a popular genre of writing.
  2. The idea of an infinite library of memoirs can be overwhelming.
  3. There can be beauty in unexpected subjects, like trains, that could inspire unique memoirs.

2022 Inspo: Obsessive Artist Memoirs

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
📚 Literature Memoirs Writing Art Creativity Inspiration
  1. Writing is a long journey, not a quick race. It's important to focus on your own pace rather than comparing yourself to others.
  2. Reading memoirs can help improve your relationship with writing. They can give you new perspectives and inspire you to focus on your craft.
  3. Working hard for personal growth is more valuable than chasing external rewards. Enjoy the process rather than just looking for success.