The hottest Nonfiction Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Book Review: "How To Decapitate The Serpent"

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The pandemic is framed as a moral and spiritual battle, with medical tyranny treated as a form of moral slavery. Faith-driven truth and individual conscience are presented as the primary antidotes.
  2. There are strong claims that SARS‑CoV‑2 was engineered, that early low-cost treatments were effective but were deliberately suppressed, and that the COVID injections were dangerous and wrongly promoted.
  3. A personal narrative of immigrant roots, medical work, terminal illness, and religious awakening is used to justify whistleblowing and resistance. The central call is to dismantle deception and reclaim individual liberty.

in the midnight hour | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 21 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Sometimes you need a quiet, even lonely moment to notice that life keeps happening around you.
  2. When the old structures are broken, there’s a push to commit and move forward, even if you don’t yet know where you’re headed.
  3. Let go of pride and time’s constraints, listen to inner desires, and do the things you need for yourself.

A chat with John Grisham

The Watch • 529 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. John Grisham focuses on wrongful convictions and the flaws in the criminal justice system. His new book, 'Framed', sheds light on these issues and emphasizes the importance of reform.
  2. The conversation around the innocence movement highlights the challenges in getting justice for those wrongfully convicted. There's a lack of accountability among those involved in these cases, making it hard to address systemic mistakes.
  3. Everyday people can make a difference by engaging with those in prison, whether through writing letters or supporting innocence organizations. Small acts of kindness can provide hope to those who feel forgotten.

What Are You Reading?

Knowledge Problem • 196 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The author had a good reading year in 2023, enjoying a variety of books and essays.
  2. The author recommends interesting works in fiction, nonfiction, and essays, sharing insights on different topics and genres.
  3. The author highlights the joy and value found in specific books, like 'The Individualists' and 'The Corporation and the Twentieth Century'.

My 2025 in Reading

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 22 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Aaron Burr has been widely maligned, but a closer look shows he was a brave Revolutionary officer, an effective political organizer with reformist ideas, and not the one-dimensional villain history often makes him out to be.
  2. Burr’s gentlemanly reluctance to seize power, his duel with Hamilton, and the later conspiracy trials—where he was acquitted—left him politically ruined, while lost papers and his lack of self-promotion helped cement a negative legacy.
  3. Popular culture can distort historical memory, so read rigorous biographies like Gore Vidal’s Burr and Nancy Isenberg’s Fallen Founder to get a fuller, more complicated understanding.
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The 2025 Octavian Book List!

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. A curated list of ten standout new books across genres, chosen for their compelling stories and beautiful writing.
  2. The selections mix entertaining fiction—thrillers, mysteries, and a New Yorker short‑story collection—with serious non‑fiction on history, art, language, and media.
  3. Together they offer both timely cultural commentary and enduring literary work, making them great reading picks or holiday gifts.

Books I Enjoyed This Year

The Analog Family • 139 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Books like 'Tom Lake' and 'Lessons in Chemistry' offer deep family stories and relatable characters. They remind us about the importance of family bonds and overcoming challenges.
  2. 'How to Think' sheds light on how people think and interact with others. It shows that thinking independently is tough because we are influenced by those around us.
  3. Sarah Ruhl's 'Smile' is a powerful memoir that explores personal struggles and resilience. It shows how one's journey can inspire others and highlight the complexity of life.

Monday reading #1

well, actually • 196 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Nonfiction
  1. The articles discussed in the post are about Amish witches, deep sea dives, and EMDR therapy.
  2. The writers in the articles shared personal experiences and sought deeper understanding in their work.
  3. The structure of a braided essay, blending personal narrative with research and reporting, is a common format in contemporary nonfiction writing.

A 2025 Reading List For Unfocused Esoterics

Marginally Compelling • 13 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Reading widely provided comfort and focus during a hard year, serving as both enjoyment and a way to explore new ideas and projects.
  2. A strong theme is human dignity and care — several books argue for recognizing dependence, treating animals and caregivers with respect, and designing homes and communities that support real human life.
  3. Many picks probe the social effects of technology and automation, from AI and game theory to universal basic income and software practices, and call for practical, humane responses to those changes.

Are Books Worth Writing?

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Writing a book can help spread ideas more effectively than blog posts. Books allow for a more organized presentation of related thoughts.
  2. Converting blog posts into a book can save time since it involves editing rather than starting from scratch. It builds on existing content, which can be easier.
  3. There's a possibility to create short books or combine related topics into one longer book. Exploring these options might benefit both the writer and the readers.

The most common red flags I see in nonfiction book proposals by otherwise qualified authors

How to Glow in the Dark • 359 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The most common red flags in nonfiction book proposals by qualified authors indicate focusing on personal needs over audience.
  2. Fixing editorial problems at a higher level requires deep introspection and addressing emotional barriers.
  3. Recognizing signs like lack of emotional connection in book proposals may signal the need for emotional growth and self-understanding.

On Reading More Books

The Analog Family • 239 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Setting aside time to read each week can help you finish more books. Avoid distractions like TV during the week to make reading a habit.
  2. Using a library's online catalog is a great way to explore new books without spending money. You can try different genres and authors without worrying about costs.
  3. Taking notes while reading can enhance your understanding and retention of the material. Mark important sections and keep them organized for future reference.

2025 Year in Books

From the Desk • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Thirty-three books were read in 2025, more than in 2024 and 2023, and the year had the highest average rating so far.
  2. Libraries and Little Free Libraries were a big part of the reading life—twelve books came from the library and seven from Little Free Libraries—encouraging serendipity, saving money, and cutting down on shelf clutter.
  3. There was a clear reading strategy: abandon books that aren’t working, follow impulse picks when they catch interest, and curate favorites across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and a small did-not-finish list.

All Things Great and Small

Wild Information • 117 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The universe is vast and mysterious, with connections between the infinitesimal and the infinite.
  2. Miniatures hold a special fascination as they allow us to explore the vastness in a small scale.
  3. Exploring literature and stories can open our minds to the depth of time and the vastness of the world.

cool | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 10 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Repetition of "3 2 1" creates a countdown-like rhythm and a minimalist beat.
  2. Images and an avatar give the piece a visual focus, making appearance as important as the words.
  3. Subscribe, share, and comment prompts make interaction and distribution part of the experience, not just the writing.

My Year in Books - 2025

Tippets by Taps • 6 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Golf made a big comeback, with several books blending practical instruction and philosophy to change how one thinks about and plays the game. They emphasized presence, course management, and the mental side of performance more than chasing perfect mechanics.
  2. There was a conscious move to read less non-fiction while still keeping a varied list, and a clear desire for more fiction recommendations—especially more science fiction after a standout read. The reading plan for the year leaned toward balance and seeking new imaginative picks.
  3. The selections split between big-picture, geopolitical and technological subjects (like the strategic importance of semiconductors and different national engineering approaches) and inward-facing works on mindset, duty, and spiritual living. That mix highlights both external systems shaping the world and personal practices for living well.

How a Story Gets Written

The Fairest Writer • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Being curious about your art can spark new ideas. It's important to explore different styles and inspiration to grow as a writer.
  2. Sometimes a story can come out really quickly, almost like a burst of energy. Other times, it takes a lot of time and changes to get it just right.
  3. Both quick and slow stories have value. The key is to keep exploring your creativity, no matter how long it takes.

A Long and Winding Road

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 30 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Self-promotion is important for writers. If you don’t talk about your work, it might go unnoticed.
  2. Substack can help authors reach a wider audience. It's a modern platform where novels can gain traction that traditional methods may not provide.
  3. Writing a novel is a personal journey. Protect your work like a child and be proud of what you've created, even if others don’t always see its value.

Five books that impressed me this year

Klement on Investing • 6 implied HN points • 02 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Geopolitical and security risks are real and urgent — Russia’s aggression, cyber attacks, and the danger of nuclear escalation mean countries need strong civil defence, resilient digital systems, and capable intelligence. Digital tools like Estonia’s e‑ID show how preparedness and technology can make a big difference.
  2. Understanding political history and terms matters because fascism is not the same as Nazism, and democratic rights can be eroded slowly through intimidation and legal changes. Vigilance and clear definition help people spot and resist authoritarian shifts.
  3. Clear, entertaining science writing can both teach and debunk myths — manned deep‑space travel and wormholes are far less practical than popular imagination suggests. We can learn far more safely and cheaply with probes and good physics.

2024: My Year in Books

American Dreaming • 77 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  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.

Five books Sam Altman recommends

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Reading deeply changes what a person can become by sharpening judgment, deepening empathy, and helping make sense of big forces like AI.
  2. A small set of books can act as an operating manual: find meaning, spot cognitive biases, build genuinely new things, believe in progress, and learn how to scale fast.
  3. Treat reading as a deliberate practice—give yourself time to read, think, and reflect so you can choose better work and make bolder, clearer decisions.

The book is out!

The Permanent Problem • 5 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The Permanent Problem is available now on Amazon in both hardcover and Kindle, even though the official publication date is January 5.
  2. Pre-orders should ship soon, and the book will also appear on other online retailers and in fine bookstores.
  3. A festive aside notes you can buy a live Christmas tree in Thailand, and the site promises lots of new content in 2026 with an invitation to subscribe for updates.

🌏💫🎁🧯💸🤑EXPLOSIVE SALE‼️🫢🙀🔥🌟 🎁🧯💸🎁🌶️🧯❤️‍🔥🤑THE MADNESS CONTINUES for 🌏💫🧯💸🎁🌎ANOTHER 48 HOURS!‼️💫🌍💥💐

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 3 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Subscribers are invited to nominate essays published on Substack in 2025 (not paywalled and not by the Cosmopolitan Globalist) across many categories; nominations close Dec 30 and winners are announced Dec 31 after a Dec 30 Zoom judging session.
  2. The newsletter is running an extended 48‑hour sale offering 50% off a one‑year subscription, with gift and group discounts and access to archives, podcasts, events, and community features.
  3. Winners will be named Cosmopolitan Globalist Laureates and receive a permanent listing, a badge, publicity, invitations to a podcast or salon, and a citation, and volunteers are welcome to join the judging panel.

New(ish) Books

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Colson Whitehead's novel _Harlem Shuffle_ starts strong but loses its way later on. The excitement of the early chapters doesn't hold up as the story shifts without clear direction.
  2. Malcolm Gladwell's _The Bomber Mafia_ tackles WWII bombing strategies but ends up highlighting the flaws in their approach. The original idea of precise bombing didn't work well, leading to a more brutal strategy instead.
  3. Both authors show how initial promising ideas can crumble under pressure. Whitehead struggles to maintain the richness of his story, while Gladwell illustrates how theory can quickly become a vicious reality in wartime.

The Emperor

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. A powerful ruler obsessively pursues physical and digital immortality through biotech, lavish investment, and ritualized technology.
  2. He is haunted by memory and longing, searching for the Empress and a lost identity while recalling ancient rites and origins. His wanderings show a fugitive from himself more than a triumphant sovereign.
  3. Power and spectacle are shown as hollow and commodified, where wealth, fetishism, and media shape a collapsing empire more concerned with preservation than meaning.

street life | poem

Tumbleweed Words • 31 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Heavy rain can remind us of the struggles of homeless people and those who are often overlooked in society. It's a tough reality, but it's hard to ignore when the rain falls.
  2. Capitalism can sometimes make us forget about the personal struggles of individuals. It's easy to focus on money and things rather than the well-being of others.
  3. Even though life can be harsh, rain can also symbolize a fresh start. While it can bring problems, it also has the power to cleanse and renew.

Ayn Rand on Writing Nonfiction

Grist Potentia • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Nonfiction
  1. Ayn Rand promoted a vision of human potential and nature at the beginning of life.
  2. She defended capitalism, egoism, and reason, while opposing collectivism, altruism, and religion.
  3. Ayn Rand, originally Alisa Rosenbaum, chose to pursue a career in writing.

Moses On The Beach

Adjacent Possible • 126 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Writing on different time scales can add depth and complexity to storytelling.
  2. Using varying time scales in storytelling can help explain the 'why' behind historical events.
  3. Long zoom storytelling should focus on forces that uniquely impact the events at the center of the story.

News and Notes

Notes from a Small Press • 18 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. A memoir called 'The Minotaur at Calle Lanza' by Zito Madu has been nominated for a prestigious award. It's being celebrated for its unique storytelling and depth.
  2. There's an ongoing discussion about the pressures around platforms like Substack. Writers should focus on their financial needs without feeling judged.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of new, smart nonfiction books available, especially about Japan. It’s important for readers to have access to well-researched overview materials.

My 2024 in Reading

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. This year, the person read 58 books, mostly fiction, and found new favorite authors and stories. They believe fiction is important for understanding our world.
  2. They're excited to launch a new book review magazine to support new writers and literary culture. They think there’s a revival happening in how people engage with books.
  3. The person is releasing a new novel titled 'Glass Century' in May 2025. They're also looking forward to touring and sharing their experiences with readers in different cities.

I have a book coming out!

Notes from a Small Press • 27 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The book 'Best of the Rust Belt' features personal essays from a region often labeled the Rust Belt, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.
  2. The book aims to shift the narrative of the Rust Belt region, moving away from stereotypical coverage during election cycles to more nuanced, authentic storytelling.
  3. The creation of the book was a collaborative effort involving multiple editors, writers, and contributors, emphasizing the importance of community and collective storytelling.

Experiments in style: New Journalism

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Trying out different writing styles can help improve your skills. Experimenting with how you write can change how your story feels.
  2. New Journalism blends storytelling techniques with real-life events. This style makes nonfiction more engaging and narrative-driven.
  3. Using personal experiences as inspiration can lead to creative writing. Your own life events can turn into interesting stories when reimagined.

2024 in Books

GOOD INTERNET • 6 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Reading can be diverse, with many genres to explore. This year, many people enjoyed a mix of fiction and nonfiction books.
  2. Some books stand out as favorites for their unique themes or storytelling styles. Classics like 'Frankenstein' and 'Moby Dick' continue to impress readers.
  3. Book reviews can vary significantly, from praising a book as a must-read to critiquing it as boring or poorly constructed. It's important to find what resonates with your tastes.

GRANTED: My summer reading list and our book club

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 23 May 21
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Reading allows you to learn in a few hours what authors spent years researching.
  2. Consider joining book clubs like the Next Big Idea Club for a curated selection of new reads and community engagement.
  3. Adam Grant recommends a list of new releases covering topics like leadership, courage, decision-making, and communication.

TWH#S7: What I Read This Week

The Hagakure • 17 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Thoughtful engineering leaders focus on improving the overall system with systems thinking.
  2. Creating an environment where introverts can thrive is crucial, especially in tech fields.
  3. In complex software development, embracing uncertainty and trying things out can lead to better outcomes.

TWH#S14: What I Read This Week

The Hagakure • 13 implied HN points • 07 May 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. Management in complex scenarios should use a coaching approach for better outcomes.
  2. Mixing confidence with patience can lead to stubbornness, hindering growth.
  3. Creativity often stems from improving existing ideas rather than creating something new.

😎 Smart decisions made easy

The Wisdom Project • 1 implied HN point • 14 Jan 24
🚌 Education Nonfiction
  1. Make decisions at the right time to avoid decision fatigue.
  2. Follow the one-minute rule: if a task takes less than a minute, do it immediately.
  3. Choose to solve powerful problems that you pick, rather than being overwhelmed by painful ones forced upon you.

Come Work With Me! + News

The Fairest Writer • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
📚 Literature Nonfiction
  1. The author will be teaching at two in-person writers' conferences this summer. If you're interested in writing, this is a great opportunity to learn from them.
  2. They received a Creative Capital Award for their novel-in-progress, which will help with research and travel for the project. This grant provides financial support and resources for artists.
  3. In the next newsletter, they plan to share tips about handling applications and submissions in the writing world. This could be helpful if you're looking to improve your writing process.