The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Boys, Flesh, Christie, Hours, Trollope, Diana, Perfection, audiobooks

The Common Reader • 4040 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
📚 Literature Book Reviews Fiction Nonfiction Authors Reading
  1. Some new books are getting lots of attention, but not all deserve it. It’s important to read critically and think for yourself.
  2. Certain novels well capture the complexity of life and character growth. Books like 'Flesh' show how transformative experiences can shape a person.
  3. Biographies can be engaging, especially when they thoughtfully connect a writer's life to their work. Good biographies help readers appreciate the author more.

How I taught my 3-year-old to read like a 9-year-old

The Intrinsic Perspective • 26836 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🚌 Education Child development Tutoring Reading Cognitive Science Parenting
  1. Teaching a child to read early can lead to them enjoying books and reading for pleasure. This habit can help with their brain development and emotional well-being.
  2. Using methods like reading together, fun activities, and spaced repetition can make learning to read more effective and enjoyable for kids.
  3. The process of teaching reading requires patience and flexibility, as each child learns at their own pace. Making it fun is key to keeping them interested.

I'm Embarrassed to Admit This...

Between a Rock and a Card Place • 5801 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Book clubs Reading Literary Analysis
  1. Many people have books they find embarrassing to read or display. These can be titles that they enjoy but feel ashamed of for various reasons.
  2. The emotional reaction to certain books, like embarrassment, can reveal deeper feelings and interests of a person. It’s okay to enjoy books that might seem cheesy or awkward.
  3. Starting a book club focused on these 'embarrassing' reads can create a safe space for discussing and sharing those hidden interests, allowing people to connect over their unique reading experiences.

Choose Nonbook Review Finalists 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 4611 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Reviews Writing Reading Criticism
  1. There are 141 entries for a Non-Book Review Contest that need to be narrowed down to about a dozen finalists. Everyone is encouraged to help out by reading and rating these entries.
  2. You should try to read different reviews randomly to get a fair spread of votes. If you read them in order, early reviews might get too many votes compared to the later ones.
  3. The voting deadline is June 20, and the finalists will be announced after counting the votes. So make sure to participate before then!

On reading Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The sea and why kids these days can't read

Wondering Freely • 991 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Classics Reading Education Cultural critique
  1. Many students today struggle to read long novels and often rely on summaries instead. This shift shows how reading habits have changed in recent years.
  2. Reading literary fiction can be a journey that helps us grow as people. It lets us explore complex characters and their lives, which can lead to self-reflection.
  3. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, which makes it hard to enjoy reading. It's important to slow down and allow ourselves to simply enjoy a good book.
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Sneak Peek: New Books, New Covers

Notes from a Small Press • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Publishing Books Authors Reading Writing
  1. Belt's upcoming catalog features new book titles and covers that are not yet available online. It's exciting to see what new books are coming out soon!
  2. There's a course available on how to write a book proposal, and it's almost full. If you're interested in writing, it's a good idea to sign up quickly.
  3. The process of designing book covers is ongoing, and there's an emphasis on making them visually appealing. Good cover design can really attract readers!

The very best nonfiction books

Residual Thoughts • 178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Nonfiction Reading Reviews Recommendations
  1. It's nice to tell friends what they're good at; it makes them feel appreciated. Everyone likes a little encouragement!
  2. When recommending books, aim for those that are either fun or impactful. This way, you'll enjoy the reading experience more.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can enhance the experience, especially with personal stories or adventures. They can feel really intimate and engaging.

Donkey work

Austin Kleon • 6154 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Books Authors Creativity
  1. Writing can feel like hard work, but it's satisfying when a piece takes on a life of its own. Those moments when creativity flows can make all the effort worth it.
  2. Many writers find joy in finishing something rather than the writing process itself. It can take a long time to feel that payoff, but it's really rewarding when you finally do.
  3. Being in between drafts can be a peaceful time for a writer. It's a chance to relax without worrying about the next steps until the next draft comes back.

Is fiction too female-coded?

Jeff Giesea • 2814 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Publishing Cultural Trends Gender Studies
  1. Fiction seems to be more associated with women, which might keep men from engaging in reading and writing it. It's important for men to feel welcome in this space too.
  2. Statistics show that many more women read fiction compared to men, creating a gap that might negatively impact how stories are told and understood in society.
  3. The publishing world tends to favor female voices now, which can push male writers away and lead to fewer stories that explore male perspectives, hurting cultural conversations.

Always have a book with you

Austin Kleon • 3197 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
📚 Literature Reading Books Writing Authors Literary culture
  1. Always carry a book with you. Keeping a book on hand helps you use spare moments for reading instead of reaching for your phone.
  2. Read multiple books at once. Mixing up your reading can create interesting connections between different ideas.
  3. Leave books in various spots around your home. This way, you'll find opportunities to pick one up and read a bit whenever you see it.

Literature needs young men more than young men need it

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9247 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Writing Cultural critique Education
  1. Literature is becoming more popular with women, while fewer young men are writing and reading it. This shift raises concerns about the future of literary culture.
  2. Many believe that this decline in male readers is harmful, as reading novels can help improve emotional intelligence and personal understanding.
  3. The argument is made that contemporary literature actually needs young men more than they need literature, suggesting a crucial void in the literary landscape.

Introducing The Generalist's Reading and Deal Clubs

The Generalist • 260 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Reading Community Information
  1. The Generalist has started two clubs: a Reading Club and a Deal Club to share interesting articles, books, and startups.
  2. Every Friday, members can participate in the Reading Club by sharing and discovering new information and insights together.
  3. On Mondays, the Deal Club will focus on interesting startups and funding news, allowing members to discuss and learn from each other.

America's Internal Brain Drain

The Permanent Problem • 15 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Literacy Cognition Reading AI Impact Curriculum
  1. There's a growing concern that American students are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Many students can't handle complex texts, which affects their ability to think critically.
  2. The shift away from deep reading and literature in schools, combined with distractions like TV and smartphones, is hurting our literacy. This decline in reading habits might be making society less capable overall.
  3. As more students lean on AI tools to do their thinking for them, there's a risk that they won't realize their potential. Learning requires effort, and using AI in the wrong way could stunt their cognitive growth.

How To Read A Novel

Adjacent Possible • 720 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Novels Analysis History
  1. Reading novels helps us see things from different perspectives and understand complex emotions. This can make us smarter in our own lives.
  2. Books like _Middlemarch_ and _Bleak House_ connect many parts of life, from personal feelings to big social issues. They encourage us to think about how everything relates.
  3. Fiction gives us a unique view of history and how people lived in different times. It helps us feel what it was like to be in those past situations.

The Edge Index

Austin Kleon • 1938 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Writing Analysis
  1. The fore-edge of a book is important for understanding its structure. By making an edge index, you can see how the book is organized and breaks down into sections.
  2. Making an edge index can also give insight into the author's writing process. For example, understanding how a long novel like Middlemarch was serialized helps appreciate its structure.
  3. Books like Dilla Time show that unique structures can enhance storytelling. Alternating chapters allow for a deeper exploration of the subject, making it more engaging.

Prophesy's lullaby

Patti Smith • 7527 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Biographies
  1. Patti Smith shares her daily activities and wishes readers a good night.
  2. She prepared cod, purple sweet potatoes, and micro greens for the evening meal.
  3. Patti Smith's publication is reader-supported, and readers can subscribe to support her work.

How I Write Posts

Construction Physics • 21087 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Reading Editing Tools
  1. The author's writing process involves mainly two types of posts: explanation-driven and exploratory. They often write to understand complex topics themselves and then share their findings.
  2. Extensive research is a crucial part of the author's writing process. They gather information from a variety of sources like books, dissertations, and online resources.
  3. The author follows a structured approach starting from research, reading, and thinking, then moves on to compressing and structuring content, before finally drafting, editing, and posting their work.

How I learned to love literary criticism.

The Common Reader • 3154 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Literary Criticism Reading Writing Biography Essays
  1. Literary criticism can be valuable for helping readers understand deeper meanings in texts. It can guide readers to appreciate literature beyond just their personal thoughts.
  2. Reading secondary literature can enrich your understanding of authors and their works. Many great critics highlight unnoticed details that make reading more enjoyable.
  3. Critics who focus on the structure and style of writing can improve our reading skills. They help us notice important aspects of a text that we might otherwise miss.

What Are You Reading?!? (In January)

Culture Study • 2436 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Books Literature Reading Online Communities
  1. Taking a break from social media can help you find more time to read. Less screen time often leads to more focus on books.
  2. A historical romance that feels genuine and avoids clichés can be very enjoyable. A well-researched story makes it easier to connect with the characters.
  3. Engaging with others about books can spark new reading interests. Sharing what you're reading helps build a community around literature.

This is not an About page.

Castles in the Sky • 31 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Essays Storytelling Creative Process Reading
  1. Writing is about taking action, not just thinking. It's important to dive into the work instead of getting stuck in planning.
  2. Reading inspiring essays can spark creativity and help us understand complex feelings. They can make us feel less alone and give us new perspectives.
  3. It's okay to let go of perfection and focus on being curious. The best way to create meaningful work is to experiment and share it with others.

Here Come the Allodidacts

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1451 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Reading Education Philosophy Community Literature
  1. Reading can be lonely, but sharing the experience with others makes it richer and more meaningful. It opens up opportunities for deep conversations and connections.
  2. Deep reading focuses on truly engaging with texts, often through discussions and activities that enhance understanding. It's not just about reading a lot, but about understanding and connecting with what you're reading.
  3. Creating spaces for people to read together can revitalize the love for reading and learning. These environments help break away from distractions and allow for serious contemplation and growth.

Mailbag Grab Grab

Freddie deBoer • 3434 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading
  1. The writer is open to doing a podcast if it's funded and someone else handles the technical aspects, but they don't think it would attract enough new subscribers.
  2. They are excited about their upcoming book projects, including a novel and a nonfiction book about mental health, with expected publication dates in 2025 and 2026.
  3. Despite receiving many emails, the writer can't always respond due to time constraints but values the input and feels guilty for not replying.

Men, Substack, Novels

Notes from a Small Press • 45 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Authors Reading
  1. The decision to publish a novel is not based on the author's gender, but on the quality of their work and insights about literature.
  2. Substack offers a new way to serialize and share stories, making literary works different from traditional novels.
  3. Many independent presses support good literature, but they can't compete with big publishers in terms of money and marketing, focusing instead on quality over quantity.

Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Non-fiction Poetry Writing Reading
  1. Tolstoy shows characters reacting to death in a cold way. This makes us think about how people can be selfish during tough times.
  2. Thought is complex and can show different levels at once. Writers often have to choose which thoughts to share.
  3. Tolstoy's choice to focus on the characters' selfish reactions serves a purpose. It makes us question why he chose to present them this way.

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 485 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reviews Authors Genres Reading
  1. The author shares their top ten book recommendations for the year. These books are meant to inspire and entertain readers.
  2. There are special offers like discounts for subscriptions available until Christmas. This can be a good time to treat yourself or someone else to a subscription.
  3. The post includes links to podcasts and additional content, keeping readers engaged with a variety of topics related to culture and politics.

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.

Can fiction improve you?

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Psychology Philosophy Education
  1. Fiction might not really improve you as some believe. Studies show that its benefits, like understanding emotions, are small and not clear-cut.
  2. Reading fiction can be enjoyable, but it could also lead you to accept false beliefs. Sometimes, it sways our thoughts and feelings in ways we might not notice.
  3. The debate on whether fiction is good or bad for us is complicated. It might inspire creativity and reflection, but it's hard to measure how much it truly affects us.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 77 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Authors Literary Analysis Reading
  1. When writing with two characters, ask if both are really needed in the story. Sometimes one character might be enough.
  2. Look at the important events in your story and see how each character adds to them. One character might end up being more essential than the other.
  3. Try cutting down the slower character's sections to meet key story moments. This can help balance their pacing and keep the story flowing better.

Summer reading assignment

Austin Kleon • 7713 implied HN points • 30 May 23
📚 Literature Reading Books Libraries Education Writing
  1. Get a library card to access tons of free resources. Libraries offer books, movies, and more without any cost!
  2. Don’t hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They can give you a tour and show you how to use all the library services.
  3. Try to borrow something from the library. It's a great way to support local libraries and start reading!

Start the week #96

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Education Creative Reading Correspondence
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.

List of things the book has outlasted

rachaelmeager • 575 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
📚 Literature Books Fiction Reading Writing History
  1. Books have a lasting power that outlasts many forms of technology and trends. They continue to be a significant part of our culture despite the rise of digital media.
  2. Loneliness is a shared experience across different genders and backgrounds. Books can provide comfort, but they don't fully replace the need for human connection.
  3. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's essential to dig deep into our experiences to find meaning. Our pasts shape us but can be complex and challenging to fully understand.

The Monday Media Diet with Emanuel Derman

Why is this interesting? • 723 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Memoir Critique
  1. Emanuel Derman has had a diverse career, changing paths from theoretical physics to finance and teaching, showing how one can blend different interests into a fulfilling life.
  2. He prefers reading over other media like podcasts, which reflects a desire for control over his pace. His media diet includes mainstream newspapers, literary journals, and financial newsletters, focusing on written content.
  3. Derman highlights the importance of poetry and fiction in his reading, and emphasizes a personal connection to understanding his roots through his writing.

Books are made out of books

Austin Kleon • 5335 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Writing Audiobooks
  1. Books are often inspired by other books and authors, creating a blend of ideas. For example, Cormac McCarthy's work is a mix of classic literary influences.
  2. Good editors are essential for great writing, as they guide authors and improve stories. A famous editor once advised a writer to make readers 'turn the page' to keep them engaged.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can be fun and brings stories to life in new ways. For instance, an audiobook version of 'Don Quixote' can be really enjoyable, especially with a great narrator.

The Monday Media Diet with Crispin Burke

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading Media Culture
  1. Consuming a lot of media is essential for staying informed. Many people start their day by checking multiple news sites and apps.
  2. Reading physical books with highlighters can enhance memory and engagement compared to digital reading. People often find physical interaction with print books more satisfying.
  3. Exploring unique travel destinations can be rewarding. Places like Hood River, Oregon, offer great food, hiking, and easy access to different climates.

Happy Sunday

Story Club with George Saunders • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Creative Writing Reading Storytelling Authors Literary Analysis
  1. The post features a mix of content including answers to questions and plans for future group activities. It's great to have something engaging and interactive to look forward to.
  2. The author apologizes for missing a previous post, showing accountability. It's nice to see someone taking responsibility and connecting with their audience.
  3. Content is mainly for paid subscribers, emphasizing a supportive community. Being part of a paid group can give access to exclusive insights and shared experiences.