The hottest Novel Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

April Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 279 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel Author
  1. The Shift Bookclub has revealed its April selection, and it includes a discussion event with the author, Emily Howes. You can find more details on their Substack page.
  2. The book being featured is inspired by the fascinating story of Styllou Christofi, a woman who was hanged in Britain. The narrative sheds light on lesser-known historical figures like her.
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this content, so consider subscribing if you want to uncover more about the bookclub's pick and related discussions.

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.

Strange things

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2436 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Novel Authors Book Reviews
  1. The author rediscovered and reread her own novel, which had been set aside for years, reflecting on the transformative power of myth and fairy tales in her work.
  2. A new online fairy tale psychology training program will be offered at Pacifica Graduate Institute, focusing on narrative techniques for therapy and personal development.
  3. Recommendations for thought-provoking novels are shared, emphasizing the importance of being open to unsettling stories and the beauty of rich prose styles.
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Myth Take: C.S. Lewis’s ‘Till We Have Faces’

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1788 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📚 Literature Author Novel Myth Inspiration Collaboration
  1. The book 'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis presents the idea that sometimes the questions we ask already hold the answers we are seeking.
  2. C.S. Lewis transformed the myth of Cupid and Psyche by re-centering the narrative through the perspective of Orual, Psyche's step-sister.
  3. The involvement of Joy Davidman played a significant role in inspiring and collaborating with C.S. Lewis during the creation of 'Till We Have Faces'.

justice for lily bart!

sweater weather • 4029 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Analysis Novel Social Critique
  1. The House of Mirth is a novel that delves into themes of tragedy, social status, and moral transformation.
  2. The story of Lily Bart reflects the harsh realities of social expectations, mimetic desire, and the impact of societal pressures.
  3. The narrative draws parallels between Lily's experiences in the novel and modern-day influencer culture, highlighting the dangers of surrendering individuality to algorithms and societal norms.

How Ruthie Ended the War: Chapter Two

Colin Meloy's Machine Shop • 1002 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Novel Characters
  1. Chapter Two of 'How Ruthie Ended the War' reveals a soldier's story of being caught in a dangerous ice field while on a mission.
  2. The soldier recounts the harrowing experience of the ship battling ice, leading to chaos and fear among the crew.
  3. Ruthie, the central character, listens silently to the soldier's tale, adding an element of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.

Giving it all away

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3215 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📚 Literature Books Writing Poetry Storytelling Novel
  1. Growing up in a working-class family, Dr. Sharon Blackie defied societal expectations to become a writer.
  2. Writing formula fiction wasn't for Dr. Blackie, who found her authentic voice in crafting scenes with compelling imagery.
  3. Through mentorship, Dr. Sharon Blackie learned the importance of the craft of writing, emphasizing the beauty of language and evoked images.

March Bookclub reveal

The Shift With Sam Baker • 139 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Bookclub Novel
  1. The March book club pick is "The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes, a departure from mysteries and murders, highly recommended by Hilary Mantel
  2. The book has already won an award and praised for being beautifully written - a must-read for book club members
  3. Paid subscribers get exclusive access to this month's book club selection

Story: TO RECEIVE IS BETTER

So Here’s a Thing • 412 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Novel Writing
  1. The story 'To Receive Is Better' started from a vivid dream the author had about a dark tunnel and indistinct figures, which inspired a short story about cloning that later became a novel called 'SPARES'.
  2. Timing played a significant role in the novel's success, as it was completed around the same time as the news of Dolly, the first cloned mammal, which led to its adaptation for a film by Spielberg's DreamWorks SKG.
  3. The author highlights the unpredictable nature of a writer's career, where turning a random dream into a story can lead to unexpected opportunities and successes.

Cid in the architecture

Soaring Twenties • 69 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📚 Literature Fiction Art Authors Novel Writing
  1. The story shares an excerpt from a novel in progress, set in a cyberpunk version of Boston, featuring multiple narrators and a mysterious character named Cid.
  2. Cid, a cab driver with unique abilities, gets entangled in a dangerous situation involving a woman named Terrah who seeks his help in delivering an item to the mysterious Gee building.
  3. The narrative weaves elements of technology, architecture, and suspense, creating a compelling and intriguing story that hints at larger mysteries and character dynamics.

Middlemarch: Finale

Book Post • 275 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
📚 Literature Novel Characters Themes Plot Author
  1. A great reading experience can deeply impact our understanding of decisions, love, and work.
  2. Endings in books are crucial and can leave a lasting impression on readers.
  3. Middlemarch explores complex themes like love, marriage, mistakes, and personal growth through its characters' experiences.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Novel Writing Art Characters
  1. The novel 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' explores the challenges and nuances of creating art and friendships, particularly in the context of the video game industry.
  2. The book is praised for elevating gaming to the level of art, alongside other creative forms like poetry and music, emphasizing the joy and bonds that come from creating something for others to enjoy.
  3. While the story is engaging and fast-paced, some elements of the plot and character development may fall short of the book's ambitious themes, ending with a less impactful conclusion.

Orwell on Kipling

David Friedman’s Substack • 152 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
📚 Literature Criticism Poetry Essay Novel
  1. Orwell viewed Rudyard Kipling as a talented writer, despite being despised by many in his time.
  2. Orwell criticized Kipling's realism as 'sadism,' but believed Kipling's writing reflected a different perspective on handling life's unfairness.
  3. Orwell underestimated Kipling's skill as a poet and short story writer, failing to recognize the depth of his work beyond popular pieces.

High low

quite useless • 314 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📚 Literature Plot Character Genre Novel
  1. The novels 'The Line of Beauty' and 'Malibu Rising' both challenge traditional narrative dynamics about messy rich people.
  2. Frye's Theory of Modes categorizes stories by hero's power of action, including 'high mimetic' and 'low mimetic' modes.
  3. The mix of high and low elements in novels like 'The Line of Beauty' and 'Malibu Rising' help neutralize moral scrutiny and engage readers.

Six Days of the Condor

The Hunt for Tom Clancy • 255 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
📚 Literature Novel Author Book review Plot
  1. The novel Six Days of the Condor was written by a young prodigy named James Grady.
  2. Grady's writing in the novel showcases his knowledge of Capitol Hill and the government culture in the 1970s.
  3. The story follows a CIA department in the aftermath of Nixon's resignation and the Vietnam War, highlighting the protagonist's unique path into the agency.

Catch up with The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 99 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Bookclub Misogyny Novel
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured Margaret Meyer discussing witches, Me Too, and misogyny in a novel set in 1645 that surprisingly resonates with 2023.
  2. The event was live on YouTube, providing an opportunity for paid subscribers to catch up on the discussion.
  3. To access the full content, individuals can subscribe as paid members on the website.