The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Zeus and 'Righting' the Divine Constitution

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

How do you know if your Eureka moments are real?

The Recovering Academic β€’ 178 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

Diary: Stephen Mortland, (2) Reading Akutagawa

Book Post β€’ 176 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. RyΕ«nosuke Akutagawa had a complex relationship with his three mothers, affecting his self-understanding.
  2. Akutagawa struggled with mental health issues and the fear of succumbing to obsession and hysteria.
  3. Akutagawa's works, although not considered original masterpieces, reflected deep emotional and psychological struggles.

26 books I picked up (and put down) this spring

Austin Kleon β€’ 719 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jun 22
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

An Unhinged History of American Publishing, episode 3.3: The Crown Publishing Group, or: Look At That Trash Panda Go 😭

How to Glow in the Dark β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Sep 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

How Not to Write

Polymathic Being β€’ 63 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 25
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Don't worry about finding a specific niche when you start writing. It's better to explore different topics you're curious about and let your unique voice develop naturally.
  2. Outlining isn't necessary for everyone. Sometimes, just diving in and writing can lead to unexpected and exciting discoveries in your story.
  3. You don't have to write every day to be a good writer. Find a rhythm that works for you, like writing in short bursts when inspiration strikes instead of forcing a strict schedule.

Happy new year

The Jolly Contrarian β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education Reading
  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.

Are Books Worth Writing?

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 260 implied HN points β€’ 28 Nov 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

12. Why You Should Read Fiction

Insight Axis β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jun 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Fiction helps extract meaningful experiences and can often be more 'true' than reality.
  2. Reading fiction improves skills like remembering characters and history, which are valuable in non-fiction and technical writing.
  3. Language evolved for storytelling, making fiction a crucial part of human communication and creativity.

Coming soon

The Leap β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 06 Apr 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. The newsletter will cover a variety of topics like decision making, poker, and literature. It's described as random and flexible, meaning you can expect different subjects each time.
  2. Readers can try the newsletter for free for a week, giving them a chance to see if they like it before committing to a subscription.
  3. There's no strict promise on what will be discussed, making it open and interesting for anyone curious about diverse themes.

Marc Andreessen's writing process

Turnaround β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Reading
  1. Write how you talk - keep your writing natural and authentic.
  2. Start with an outline and then fill in the details - having a roadmap can make writing smoother.
  3. Think about a topic for a while, read a lot, and write when you have a good grasp of it.

On Reading More Books

The Analog Family β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 04 Apr 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

Audio version of Reality is Breaking

Charles Eisenstein β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 26
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. An audio version is provided to make the piece accessible to blind readers and to serve people who prefer listening.
  2. Reading is recommended because some paragraphs need time to digest and reading lets you pause and follow your own pace, while audio forces the narrator's timing.
  3. Subscribers are thanked and invited to consider switching to a paid subscription, and there's a brief personal note about having a bad cold.

πŸ’œ The Ajulu Framework for Writing.

Day One β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 22
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Alphabets and numbers form the foundation for learning other skills.
  2. Core tier one skills are reading, writing, arithmetic, persuasion, and computer programming.
  3. Reading extensively, storytelling, and using paragraphs effectively are key writing secrets for creating engaging content.

The Solitary Creator

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 522 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Writing and reading are solitary acts that require introspection and concentration.
  2. Good art reveals the creator's deepest feelings and demands good writers and readers.
  3. Language comprehension is complex and subjective, leading to potential misunderstandings in communication.

My year in 101 quotes

Austin Kleon β€’ 659 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 21
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Writing down one good line every day can help capture meaningful thoughts and moments from your life.
  2. Embracing quiet moments and allowing yourself to step back can lead to clearer insights and creativity.
  3. It's important to give yourself permission to create and express yourself without needing external validation.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 22
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Writing at speed in modern life is common, but it's crucial to balance it with thoughtful reading to avoid rushing to judgment.
  2. Language can be complex and sometimes betray us, so it's important to consider the context and medium in which statements are made before reacting.
  3. Being a generous reader, avoiding snap judgments, and nurturing media literacy skills are essential in today's world of diverse content and opinions.

The Modernity Machine II

Breaking Smart β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. The book club has been reading various historical books that help us understand how modern thinking developed from 1200 to 1600. It's a fun way to learn about our past.
  2. The idea of looking at history in terms of 'world machines' helps us see connections between politics, culture, and technology over time, rather than just focusing on individual stories.
  3. The club encourages members to pick their own books related to the theme, making it easy for newcomers to join and explore topics at their own pace.

Risk Reading for the Holiday Season

Risk Musings β€’ 458 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 23
🚌 Education Reading
  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.

Updating Your Operating Software

The Voyage β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Books are like software updates for your mind: each one makes small improvements, but together they can lead to real change.
  2. Reading many books can help you find the ones that truly impact your life and worldview.
  3. Some books are like major software updates, revolutionizing your entire perspective and trajectory.

Links to Consider, 3/14

In My Tribe β€’ 349 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reading
  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.

Why I Write (An Invitation)

Neckar’s Notes β€’ 150 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Writing can be a way to understand ourselves better. It helps us process our thoughts and experiences by putting them on the page.
  2. Writing allows for a connection with others and can express feelings that are hard to communicate otherwise. It's a way to share our truths and experiences.
  3. Engaging in writing regularly can be transformative and fulfilling. It offers a method to explore our inner thoughts and feelings while keeping us present in our lives.

Like a sprat in a pickle jug.

The Common Reader β€’ 708 implied HN points β€’ 20 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Close reading in literature involves analyzing form and structure at a detailed level.
  2. To become proficient in close reading, read anthologies and delve into the classics.
  3. Utilize resources like critics' analyses and dictionaries while practicing close reading to deepen understanding.

New box set: Something has found us.

The Reader Crew β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 31 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. New box set for the Gunn & Salvo series is out, completing the storyline in 8 episodic books.
  2. Author is considering using AI for narration in upcoming books and seeks feedback from audiobook fans.
  3. Check out box sets of complete series from the author and collaborator Daniel on Amazon.

Crosscurrents

Internal exile β€’ 49 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jul 25
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Every reading experience is unique because our moods, attention, and context change how we understand a text. When reading 'Tristano', it felt like each interaction could vary tremendously.
  2. The book challenges the idea of meaning in literature. While you may try to find significance in the text, it often feels pointless since there’s no agreed-upon understanding.
  3. Chatbots and experimental literature both lack clear authorship, but a chatbot affirms your interpretation while with literature, you're left unsure if your understanding is correct.

Borges and the Essay

Orbis Tertius β€’ 546 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.

WITI community chat

Why is this interesting? β€’ 120 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Reading
  1. The author wants to connect better with readers in 2025. They feel that getting feedback from readers will improve the publication.
  2. There will be more subscriber chats this year to discuss books and reading habits. This will help create a community among readers.
  3. To join these chats, readers need to use the Substack app and turn on notifications. It's a simple way to engage in discussions about topics of interest.

The Bookless Future Foretold by Joan Didion

Litverse β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jun 22
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Americans are reading fewer books each year, with a decline in the number of people reading 10 books or more.
  2. College students and women are also reading fewer books compared to previous years, with distractions like phones and TV taking up a significant amount of time.
  3. Joan Didion's insightful observations on media manipulation and the evolving reading habits in a technology-driven society offer a unique perspective on the future of literature.

get your own MFA!

practiceprocesscraft β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 17 Jul 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. The best thing about an MFA program is the dedicated time for writing, but you can prioritize your writing time without waiting for external validation.
  2. Having a community of supportive, like-minded friends to discuss and share your writing with is crucial for growth and creativity.
  3. Reading is essential for writers, and while an MFA program offers valuable reading lists and resources, you can curate your own reading curriculum to inspire and inform your work.

Why Learning the Piano is Hard

Daniel Golliher β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 14 Mar 23
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Learning to play the piano is difficult because it involves multiple sub-skills that many people overlook.
  2. Composite skills, like playing the piano or learning languages, are made up of several components that must be understood and developed.
  3. Recognizing composite skills and breaking them down into manageable parts can help improve one's learning and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Why You Should Write

salondao β€’ 178 implied HN points β€’ 30 Mar 23
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Regularly writing is essential for a healthy life, regardless of the genre.
  2. Some modes of writing can be harmful, like short-form rapid communication that discourages nuance.
  3. Writing regularly not only changes our minds but also enhances our experience of life and improves our oral communication skills.

Counting The Ways I Read...

Sounds Good! β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Reading is a diverse activity with many forms and methods.
  2. Different ways of reading include physical books, libraries, e-readers, audiobooks, and online platforms.
  3. It's important to explore various reading methods to discover what works best for you.

What to Do?

Story Club with George Saunders β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 12 Dec 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  1. Finding peace in difficult times can come from focusing on positive systems and relationships in your life. It's important to connect with people and activities that align with your values.
  2. Art and writing can be a powerful way to express feelings and connect with others. Creative work can serve as a positive outlet and a source of meaning.
  3. Even when overwhelmed, small acts of kindness, like writing, can make a big impact. Taking little steps each day can help bring happiness and presence into your life.

Men, Substack, Novels

Notes from a Small Press β€’ 45 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 25
πŸ“š Literature 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.

reading/writing: how to herd your attention

bookbear express β€’ 258 implied HN points β€’ 23 Feb 24
πŸ“š Literature Reading
  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.