The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Data People Etc. β€’ 17 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 24
  1. When choosing gifts for kids, it's helpful to have a simple plan. For example, giving kids something they want, need, wear, and read can keep things organized and manageable.
  2. Books can be tricky to categorize. Often, one book leads to another which makes it hard to choose just one thing to read.
  3. Buying books for kids can also reflect personal interests. It's okay to want to share your favorite books even if they are a little nostalgic.
Mind & Mythos β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 23
  1. Reading books helps with remembering and understanding ideas better than just quick posts or tweets. It's about taking time to fully grasp concepts.
  2. Books can connect new ideas with what we already know, making them more meaningful and easier to recall later.
  3. Not every book is worth reading, but the long tradition of books shows they still have a special value in learning and reflection.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
The Shift With Sam Baker β€’ 359 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
  1. The article recommends some intriguing summer reads for 2023, including 'August Blue,' 'I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home,' and 'The Guest.'
  2. There are also mentions of engaging family sagas like 'Watch Us Dance,' 'Hello Beautiful,' and 'Family Lore,' each with unique storylines and captivating settings.
  3. The post highlights assorted novels that delve into themes like female desire, mysterious disappearances, and self-discovery, such as 'Mrs S,' 'Killingly,' and 'The Late Americans.'
Risk Musings β€’ 458 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 23
  1. Stephanie's risk-focused reading list includes books on AI, cyber-weapons, corporate influence, economic disparities, and hopeful history.
  2. The books cover topics like AI risk, cybersecurity, corporate influence, economic disparities, and hope for humanity.
  3. Stephanie is interested in forming a risk book club and reading books in a group setting.
Mind & Mythos β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 23
  1. Essay Club offers a relaxed way to engage with essays instead of long books. You can read short essays and still discuss deep ideas with others.
  2. The club meets every two weeks, and you can suggest and vote on new essays to read. Everyone can join the discussion by sharing their thoughts online.
  3. The first essay for the club is George Orwell's 'Why I Write.' It's a good start for anyone who enjoys exploring interesting topics.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 24
  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.
A Bit Gamey β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 24
  1. Reading books can change how you think and help you grow. They take you into different worlds, making learning fun.
  2. Doing what you love can feel like play, even if it looks like work to others. Finding joy in your tasks can lead to success.
  3. Explaining things simply shows that you truly understand them well. It helps you communicate better and learn more effectively.
Austin Kleon β€’ 759 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 22
  1. Finding old clippings in books can be a fun surprise. It shows how books can hold memories from different times.
  2. Storing clippings in books makes them special little time capsules. Each time you open the book, you can discover something new inside.
  3. Preserving these memories in books adds a touch of joy. It's like giving your future self a little gift whenever you read.
bookbear express β€’ 258 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 24
  1. Watching content like the Reesa Teesa TikTok series on faster speed while working out can be a fun and engaging way to consume information.
  2. Balancing structured writing times with breaks for chores, reading, and exercise can help maintain productivity and prevent distractions like endless social media scrolling.
  3. Creating personal routines and boundaries, even without external accountability like meetings, can help manage time effectively and avoid unproductive habits like excessive online browsing.
Austin Kleon β€’ 1079 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 22
  1. Books influence us more as a group than as individual titles. Reading a cluster of related books can amplify their impact on our lives.
  2. The connection between books can create a deeper understanding and shape our perspectives. Sometimes one book leads to others that enhance its message.
  3. When we reflect on our favorite books, it's often the combination of them that defines our experiences. This web of influences guides our creativity and thoughts.
The Recovering Academic β€’ 237 implied HN points β€’ 29 Aug 23
  1. English professors are encountering ideological shifts, with a significant decrease in conservative representation in the field.
  2. Debates about the importance of humanities education and literature often arise in the context of changing university priorities.
  3. There's a growing concern about the impact of identity politics and activism on literature education and the declining enrollments in humanities programs.
In My Tribe β€’ 349 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
  1. Reading is a skill that needs practice; reading long-form text is important for success in education and work.
  2. There's a need to understand trade-offs in policy-making; some argue for stronger social norms against alcohol and drug use.
  3. The shift towards morality and self-discipline in religions coincided with an increase in affluence and a focus on delayed gratification.
Orbis Tertius β€’ 546 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
  1. Essays used to be more popular in literary circles than stories, according to Borges and Eliot Weinberger.
  2. The rise of journalism led to a decline in free-ranging essays, but the internet and platforms like Substack may bring back the golden age of the essay.
  3. Substack's network structure fosters criticism, experimentation, and avant-garde essays, revitalizing the demand and development of the essay form.
Litverse β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 31 Dec 22
  1. Books have not necessarily gotten shorter as predicted due to digital influence. In fact, the average book length has increased.
  2. The envisioned innovative ways for writers to monetize books, such as through related content packages and modular literature, have not been widely implemented.
  3. The shift towards short stories as a marketing tool and the importance of visibility from magazines and e-zines over cash prizes did not become mainstream trends as predicted.
The Leftovers β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 06 Nov 23
  1. Facing challenges and performing for small audiences is a common struggle for content creators like writers and comedians.
  2. Experiencing setbacks, rejections, and small turnouts is part of the writing journey. Writers often face low audience numbers and sparse attention.
  3. Writing entails persistence and understanding that obscurity and tumbleweed moments are a normal part of the process, requiring dedication and resilience.
thegreataffair β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 24
  1. The author is reflecting on a new creative phase in her life, feeling the need to break away from previous patterns and explore new ways of storytelling.
  2. She is grappling with the challenges of being a freelancer in the journalism industry, contemplating the balance between passion for writing and the practicalities of making a living.
  3. The author is prioritizing following her heart in her writing endeavors, embracing curiosity and a broader approach to storytelling, even if it means taking risks and stepping outside conventional journalism.
well, actually β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
  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.
Austin Kleon β€’ 979 implied HN points β€’ 22 Mar 22
  1. Reading should be fun and spontaneous, like following your mood. Don't feel pressured to read what others think is good.
  2. Don't feel guilty about your reading choices. Enjoy what makes you happy, even if it's considered a 'guilty pleasure.'
  3. It's important to reflect on your reading habits and think about how to improve them for the future. Make your reading life more enjoyable.
Something to Consider β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 11 May 24
  1. Great writing is more than just being understood; it's about how effectively it communicates complex ideas. Sometimes, what we call 'great' can actually be harder to grasp.
  2. We read not just to learn, but to judge the author's skill. Good writing shows intelligence, while mistakes can hint at a lack of it.
  3. Bad writing can still be easily understood, but it doesn't impress us. Great writing often challenges us and makes us think differently.
The Leftovers β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 30 Dec 23
  1. The author reflects on their writing journey in 2023, touching on the challenges and aspirations of writing for a living but not yet making enough income from it.
  2. The author shares their top ten favorite pieces written in 2023, discussing various topics from AI in art to the struggles of indie writers in the literary world.
  3. Predictions for 2024 include memoirs and Substacks created by AI, highlighting the evolving nature of technology's impact on self-expression and literature.
Day One β€’ 2116 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 20
  1. Focus on growth as the number one priority, and reading is a key step towards it.
  2. Extract the most value from books by identifying and focusing on the key 20% of content that brings 80% of the value.
  3. Reading and learning are important, but taking action based on what you learn is crucial for progress and success.
Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus reestablishing his authority among the gods and reigniting his plan.
  2. The actions and conversations among the gods in Book 15 offer insights into divine politics and how they mirror human political dynamics.
  3. Zeus' leadership style in Book 15 contrasts with human governance, showcasing the implausibility of replicating divine autocracy on earth.
The Recovering Academic β€’ 178 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 23
  1. Eureka moments may not always happen instantly; often, taking a break or diverting attention can lead to a breakthrough.
  2. Resilience and growth mindset are crucial in the pursuit of one's dreams, even if faced with setbacks or challenges.
  3. Finding meaning and purpose in life, even after loss or disappointment, can help in navigating through difficult times and moving forward.
Austin Kleon β€’ 719 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 22
  1. It's okay to start a book and not finish it; it's part of the reading journey. People often share books they've enjoyed, but sharing the ones they didn't finish can be just as valuable.
  2. Finding the right book at the right time can make all the difference. Sometimes a book resonates because of what's happening in life at that moment.
  3. Trying various books, even if they are put down, shows a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Each book read (or not finished) adds to the overall reading experience.
How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
  1. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the American publishing industry.
  2. During tough times, unconventional strategies and adapting to the audience's needs can lead to success.
  3. Observing consumer behavior and offering affordable options helped Crown Publishers thrive post-Depression.
Notes from a Small Press β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 12 Nov 24
  1. A new used bookstore opened nearby, which is exciting for book lovers. It's great to discover places that share our reading interests.
  2. I found two books by Meyer Levin at the bookstore, which felt like a special connection. Finding rare books can create a sense of kinship among readers.
  3. Supporting local bookstores is important for keeping the love of reading alive. These shops provide unique finds and foster community among fellow readers.
The Jolly Contrarian β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. The Jolly Contrarian has been improving the 'user manual' coverage of main agreements on the wikis, especially the ISDA Master Agreement, with more content and multilevel numbering added.
  2. Reading recommendations include 'Bitcoin is Venice' and 'The Master And His Emissary', which provide deep insights into societal issues and the human experience.
  3. An analogy is drawn between skiing off-piste in skiing and exploring unconventional paths in life, work, and business, emphasizing the benefits of stepping away from the well-trodden path.