The hottest Non-fiction Substack posts right now

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Top Literature Topics

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 23 Dec 22
📚 Literature Book review Fiction Non-fiction Narrative Theory Literary Criticism
  1. Jason Mott's book _Hell of a Book_ mixes humor and deep themes but gets stuck on the author's problems instead of tackling bigger issues. It reflects a current trend in literature but may not be as profound as it seems.
  2. Peter Brooks argues in _Seduced by Story_ that stories are everywhere in our culture, often leading to shallow narratives without real meaning. He believes we need to question the power of storytelling and seek more depth in our narratives.
  3. The relationship between storytelling and reality is complicated; Brooks suggests that modern politics often gets lost in myth instead of focusing on actual governance. We need to find ways to balance stories with reality to make better connections.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Author studies Reading Culture
  1. Percival Everett's book 'Dr. No' blends fantasy with social commentary, showcasing a unique writing style that mixes humor and critique of society. It captures the chaotic experience of its characters while exploring deeper themes of race and identity.
  2. Richard Reeves' 'Of Boys and Men' tackles a concerning trend where boys are falling behind in education and facing a crisis of purpose. He argues that it's okay to care about issues regarding both men and women's rights simultaneously.
  3. Both authors highlight the importance of understanding underlying social dynamics. Everett uses humor and absurdity to address serious themes, while Reeves emphasizes the need for compassion towards men struggling with societal changes.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 22
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Writing Criticism
  1. The book 'Less' by Andrew Sean Greer explores themes of aging, love, and living in the moment. It shows how life can be rich and meaningful even if it's not traditional or perfect.
  2. In 'Bad Sex,' Nona Willis Aronowitz shares her personal experiences but often comes off as judgmental and hypocritical. Her attempts to connect sex and feminism reveal the challenges of aligning personal desires with political beliefs.
  3. Both books offer different insights into life and relationships, with 'Less' being more uplifting and 'Bad Sex' being more critical. They both reflect on how personal experiences shape broader conversations about identity and society.

Books Worth Mentioning

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
📚 Literature Books Fiction Non-fiction Theology Leadership
  1. Reading expands your knowledge and can take you to new places, even if you're not traveling.
  2. A good book list can include gems from different categories like theology, fiction, leadership, and discipleship.
  3. Books can have a big impact on your thoughts and beliefs, making it worthwhile to explore different authors and subjects.
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2023 Year in Books

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Books Reading Authors
  1. The author read 37 books in 2023, reflecting on the struggle to find time for focused reading in the age of distractions.
  2. There are book recommendations categorized as 'Must Reads', 'Worth It', and 'Skip It', providing insights and reviews for a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.
  3. The act of reading is viewed as a commitment to deeper thinking and nuance, contrasting with the instant gratification of social platforms.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Non-fiction Philosophy Cultural analysis
  1. Hervé Le Tellier's book 'The Anomaly' blends thriller elements with deep philosophical themes. It suggests that creativity and art hold the key to understanding complex issues, even if the narrative sometimes feels shallow.
  2. Paul Auster's 'Bloodbath Nation' explores the topic of mass shootings in America but doesn't provide a satisfying explanation. It suggests that these acts could be linked to deeper national issues and the essence of identity.
  3. Both books highlight the struggle to make sense of big topics like identity and violence. They remind us that sometimes we might not be able to fully understand these events, and there are truths that might be better left unexplored.

2021 Reading Retrospective

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 22 Feb 22
📚 Literature Non-fiction Book recommendations Reading habits
  1. The author completed around 220 books in 2021, with a focus on non-fiction works, and mostly consumed books in audiobook format.
  2. The author highly recommends using Goodreads to track reading progress, post reviews, and engage with other readers.
  3. The book 'The Genetic Lottery' by Kathryn Paige Harden delves into the relationship between genetics and social outcomes, challenging prevalent beliefs and offering thought-provoking insights.

My Year in Books - 2023

Tippets by Taps • 8 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction
  1. Develop a consistent reading habit by incorporating reading into your daily routine and switching between books based on mood.
  2. Consider trying audiobooks for engaging storytelling while on the go, helping with recall and maintaining story engagement.
  3. Explore a variety of genres in reading, such as fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographical works, to broaden your perspectives and insights.

Turnaround #5: How do I read

Turnaround • 59 implied HN points • 26 Aug 19
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Reading habits Recommendations
  1. Reading easy books can help you get back into the habit of reading and give you a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Asking voracious readers for book recommendations can lead you to unexpected and insightful reads that algorithms might miss.
  3. Setting aside at least an hour each day for reading can help you form a habit and make significant progress in covering various topics.

Why Story Matters

The Renaissance Man • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Narrative Storytelling Reading
  1. Stories help us feel connected and understood. They show us that we are not alone in our struggles.
  2. Reading fiction can teach us important lessons about life in a way that non-fiction often can't. It helps us process our emotions and thoughts.
  3. Telling or sharing stories can open up conversations and help us connect with others, making our experiences more meaningful together.

2023 Reading Recap

Logos • 0 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
📚 Literature Book Reviews Essays Fiction Non-fiction Author analysis
  1. Reading history can show us that certain fundamentals of business and society don't change over time. Many modern issues echo those from the past.
  2. Good business practices can be learned from successful companies like Amazon, especially in product development and hiring processes. Their methods emphasize clarity and thoughtful decision-making.
  3. Books can challenge our thinking and provoke interesting questions about art, society, and our nature. They can offer insights that resonate, especially during personal changes, like parenthood.

An Essay on Craft Books and Fiction

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 21
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Writing Essays Craft
  1. Books about writing can deeply impact us based on where we are in life. Sometimes, we only understand their messages when we are ready to hear them.
  2. Writing isn't just about having a clear plan or vision. Exploring unexpected ideas and emotions can lead to more meaningful stories.
  3. Getting into the habit of writing just one sentence can help uncover hidden thoughts and feelings. It allows writers to explore their creativity without being tied to a specific plot.

A Chance to Occur

Orbis Tertius • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Analysis Criticism
  1. Reading a big book like _Infinite Jest_ can be a form of meditation. It trains you to focus your attention and be less distracted by quick entertainment like social media.
  2. The book's length and complexity aren't meant to entertain you immediately but to engage you deeply over time. Your experience of reading is what matters, not just the ending.
  3. All media exists on a spectrum of attention, from mindless scrolling on TikTok to thoughtful reading. Choosing to read can help improve your focus and make even simple experiences feel special.