The hottest Novels Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Art Perpetually Imitating A Simulacrum Diminishes Art

Holodoxa β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 29 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Internet culture Literary Criticism
  1. The race to write the ultimate internet novel may not yield groundbreaking insights, as the questions it poses may already have answers.
  2. The surge in literature focused on technology and its impacts on society comes with a risk of becoming repetitive or overly on-the-nose with its political messages.
  3. Literary fiction should strive to maintain a focus on human experience and not get lost in the distractions of technology, ensuring that it continues to offer a space for genuine connection and exploration of complex emotions.

A Tale of Yachts and Yacht-Nots

Litverse β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Novels Themes Critique Historical context
  1. The writing in Hemingway's 'To Have and To Have Not' showcases a deep exploration of characters' actions over their feelings, with strong themes of desperation and survival.
  2. The novel delves into the moral ambiguity of characters like Harry Morgan, who navigates ethical dilemmas in a harsh and unforgiving world, where decisions are made in the moment without much thought for consequences.
  3. Hemingway's work from his pre-World War II era, like 'To Have and To Have Not,' highlights a shift towards vulnerability and social commentary, reflecting his evolving perspective on human nature and societal injustices.

When I Got Knifed

Sundman figures it out! β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jul 23
πŸ“š 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.
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Simenon-on-Sea

Mister Slang β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Mystery Fiction Author Crime Novels
  1. Georges Simenon was a prolific and internationally renowned author with a vast body of work that includes detective novels and 'romans durs.'
  2. The sea and coastal towns played a significant role in Simenon's fiction, providing atmospheric backdrops for his plots and reflecting his personal experiences and interests.
  3. Simenon's writings often explore themes of human nature, criminality, and escapism, where the sea symbolizes freedom, danger, and the complexities of life.

Literary Affluenza: F. Scott Fitzgerald's Prescience about Luxury Beliefs

Holodoxa β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Authors Novels Fiction Characters Themes
  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels explore the destructive impact of luxury beliefs and the allure of high status characters.
  2. Various theories attempt to explain our fascination with status and prestige, but fiction like Fitzgerald's offers a unique window into these complex dynamics.
  3. Fitzgerald's works, like 'The Beautiful and Damned,' serve as social commentary on wealth, status, and the moral dilemmas of the affluent, inviting readers to reflect on their own pursuits and values.

Good Luck / episode nine

Nice Try β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Novels Dreams Analysis Narrative Memory
  1. Dreams can often be hard to remember, and it can be interesting to explore what they mean. Reading about dreams might help us understand our thoughts and feelings better.
  2. Spending a quiet Sunday morning can be refreshing and a nice break. It’s good to relax with a book and take a moment for ourselves.
  3. Old memories and stories can shape how we think about the past. They remind us of important times and places in our lives.

Is Literature Donna Tartt's Little Friend?

Holodoxa β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Critique Characterization
  1. Donna Tartt's novels blur the line between literature and commercial fiction, drawing attention to questions of value and literary merit.
  2. Tartt's work, including "The Little Friend," showcases elements of nostalgia, blending different styles and genres in a somewhat predictable manner.
  3. While praised for prose and aesthetic content, Tartt's novels, such as "The Goldfinch," may rely on derivative characters and trite tropes, potentially diminishing their literary contribution.

At the Movies with F. Scott Fitzgerald

Litverse β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 19 Dec 22
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Hollywood Dreams
  1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's later works, like 'The Last Tycoon,' moved away from the Jazz Age portrayal of New York to explore the silver screen dreams of Hollywood.
  2. Fitzgerald's time in Hollywood as a screenwriter showcased his struggle with the Hollywood model of writing by committee, emphasizing the importance of the creative process over the final product.
  3. In 'The Last Tycoon,' Fitzgerald delves into the industrial scale of the movie industry, illustrating how dreams are crafted piece-by-piece by producers like Monroe Stahr, highlighting the intricate and sometimes ruthless nature of Hollywood's dream factory.

What I've Been Reading | August 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Philosophy Authors Novels Book Reviews
  1. The Neapolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante is a complex series exploring female friendships and societal projections.
  2. Bronze Age Mindset by Bronze Age Pervert provides wild speculation and insight on evolution and societal norms.
  3. Nazi Literature in the Americas and By Night in Chile by Roberto BolaΓ±o offer intriguing perspectives on fascist literary figures and political reflections.

Trapped in the Experience Machine with David Foster Wallace

Holodoxa β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 10 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Cultural analysis Postmodernism Fiction
  1. David Foster Wallace's essay 'E Unibus Pluram' highlights the influence of postmodernism and television on literature, cautioning against an over-reliance on irony and detachment.
  2. The concept of the Experience Machine, as discussed by Robert Nozick, questions our preference between artificial happiness and real, challenging experiences, reflecting on our modern fascination with technology.
  3. Fiction, particularly novels, can serve as a balanced experience machine that enhances psychological well-being, fosters meaningful connections, and offers a training ground for the mind.

New(ish) Books

Castalia β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 16 Oct 22
πŸ“š Literature Book Reviews Novels Authors Literary Criticism Narrative style
  1. Katie Kitamura's novel 'Intimacies' explores complex themes like identity and relationships but feels scattered. It presents interesting storylines but fails to fully engage with any of them.
  2. Tom O'Neill's book 'Chaos' dives into the Manson case and suggests ties to CIA projects like MKUltra. He raises questions about the real motives behind Manson's actions and the involvement of government agents.
  3. Both books illustrate how narratives can be constructed around events. They challenge readers to think critically about what is presented as truth and how different perspectives shape our understanding.

Let's Celebrate National Author's Day Together!

Kristina God's Online Writing Club β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 01 Nov 22
πŸ“š Literature Writing Authors Novels Creativity Community
  1. November 1 is National Author's Day, a special time to celebrate all writers, whether they're published or not. If you've written something original, you're an author too!
  2. It's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers aim to create 50,000 words in 30 days. It's a great chance to start that story you've been thinking about!
  3. No need to worry about making it perfect; just get your ideas down on the page. The goal is to write freely and enjoy the process without fear of judgment.

Camus, Perfectionism, and Absurd Creationβ€”On Joseph Grand in The Plague

Vremya β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 11 Sep 22
πŸ“š Literature Novels Philosophy Existentialism Writing Art
  1. Joseph Grand struggles with perfectionism, holding him back from completing his writing. He gets stuck on the perfect first sentence and can't move past it.
  2. Life is considered absurd, with no inherent meaning, and we get to create our own purpose. This idea is central to Camus's philosophy.
  3. Art and creation are ways to rebel against life's absurdity. Even small efforts in writing can be seen as part of the larger struggle of existence.

After Cybernetics and Ghosts

gen yeet β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 26 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Book review Novels AI Artificial Intelligence Writing
  1. The piece reviews three novels with machine-generated text, praising 'Do You Remember Being Born' for its compelling narrative about an aging poet collaborating with AI.
  2. The author discusses past essays on large language models, noting a shift in their view from tools to potential threats based on tech companies' profit-driven motives.
  3. The Italian novelist Italo Calvino's idea of a 'literature machine' that could create poems and novels independently of human personality is explored, highlighting the concept of writers as writing machines.

Reviews for June 2023

Record Crash β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Fanfiction Reviews Novels Short Stories Fiction
  1. The reviews for June 2023 cover fics from various fandoms like Homestuck, Worm, and Harry Potter.
  2. Some fics had negative reviews due to lack of narrative, character development, or coherence in time travel plots.
  3. One recommended fic was a well-written original character fic in the Worm fandom with an interesting power and character development.

On Selective Pressure

Autoscriptorium β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 23
πŸ“š Literature Writing Fiction Novels Creativity Criticism
  1. Selective pressure plays a crucial role in writing, balancing brevity with the desire to convey substantial thoughts worth sharing.
  2. Contemporary fiction faces the challenge of seamlessly integrating data and information into the narrative without interrupting the flow.
  3. The evolution of modern fiction and writing styles is influenced by various factors, such as trends, educational programs, and cultural contexts.

Teenager

Nice Try β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 22
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Books Authors Novels Creative Writing
  1. The new novel 'Teenager' will be released on May 10th and has a fun release party on May 8th in NYC. There will be free copies available at the party!
  2. The book features illustrations that add a unique touch, with sketches showing various quirky themes. There are 70 drawings to enjoy throughout the novel.
  3. The story follows two teens in love who go on a cross-country adventure, blending humor and deep emotions. It's described as a wild journey that touches on American culture.

What Have I Been Reading This Year?

Barbarian Grunge β€’ 44 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 23
πŸ“š Literature Graphic novels Video Games Novels Short Stories
  1. The author read and studied various types of content over the past year including graphic novels, video games, screenplays, novels, nonfiction, TV & film, short stories, poems, and for fun
  2. The author found inspiration from the works they read, learning from different genres and styles to enhance their writing
  3. Many of the works the author read were by well-known writers such as Frank Miller, Alan Moore, Stephen King, and Warren Ellis, among others

How Movies and Novels Can Make you Less of an Asshole

Akash Chinnaiah β€’ 44 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Novels Perspectives Self-Improvement Life experiences
  1. Movies and novels offer different perspectives on life, allowing you to see the world through diverse lenses.
  2. Films and books act as a mirror, showing you behaviors or traits you might not easily recognize in yourself.
  3. To gain a well-rounded perspective on life, a combination of traveling, watching movies, and reading books is beneficial.

The joys of collaborative writing

The Leftovers β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 21
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Authors Novels Publishing
  1. Collaborative writing can be a joyful and rewarding process, especially when working with friends and editing teams.
  2. Co-authoring fiction books, although less common, can bring a unique and enjoyable dynamic to the creative process.
  3. Exploring collaborative projects and challenging traditional publishing structures can lead to new and exciting opportunities in the world of writing.

Ink #2

Arjun’s Newsletter β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 03 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Short Story Novels Music
  1. The writer shared their experiences and observations after moving back to Brooklyn, highlighting the diverse conversations and atmosphere of ideas in New York City.
  2. The best short story recommendation was given for 'The Stone Boy', emphasizing its depth and simple prose without spoilers, encouraging readers to reflect on its content.
  3. Book reviews were shared for 'To Have and Have Not' by Ernest Hemingway and 'Summing Up' by Somerset Maugham, with critical analysis and recommendation for aspiring writers.

Devin Thomas O'Shea: /lit/

Do Not Research β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 15 Sep 21
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Reading Academia
  1. The /lit/ board attracts a diverse group including thwarted academics, aspiring writers, and individuals seeking intellectual validation outside traditional institutions.
  2. Reading novels is still important because it provides a break from the attention economy and encourages active, empathetic thinking that is often lacking in late capitalism.
  3. The landscape of academia, especially in fields like English Literature, is changing with a shift towards areas like Ethnic Studies and a decline in traditional humanities departments.

Some Thoughts on Writing Serialized Fiction

Homo Ludens β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 19
πŸ“š Literature Novels Authors Storytelling
  1. Serialized fiction has a unique history that attracts many writers, but it does not always translate well to other formats like novels.
  2. Serialization is about hooking readers with each installment, different from traditional novels.
  3. Embracing the serialization culture can help writers engage with modern readers and build their author brand.

My favorite novels on financial markets

Musings on Markets β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 09
πŸ“š Literature Fiction Crime Finance Historical Novels
  1. David Liss's novel 'The Conspiracy of Paper' offers an interesting look at financial markets during the South Sea Bubble. It shows how swindlers took advantage of investors, which still happens today.
  2. Another of Liss's notable works is 'The Coffee Trader', which explores the early derivatives markets in coffee. It highlights how trading antics have been around for a long time, just like today.
  3. While 'The Whiskey Rebels' ties into finance through Alexander Hamilton's story, it doesn't capture market chaos as well as Liss's other books do.

We Need to Reconsider the Drafting Process; Or Why Drafting Is the Lifeblood of Good Writing

Homo Ludens β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 19
πŸ“š Literature Writing Drafting Novels
  1. Drafting is crucial for good writing. Hemingway's advice on first drafts being 'shit' emphasizes the importance of revising and drafting.
  2. Indie authors need to prioritize drafting over quick production to improve the quality of their work. Spending time with writing through multiple drafts adds layers and depth that engage readers.
  3. Established authors utilize drafting for web serials to refine their work. Techniques like 'fat outlines' help in outlining story arcs and character development, leading to better-crafted narratives.