The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

Happy new year

The Jolly Contrarian • 99 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books Reading Learning
  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.

To the Reader

Dada Drummer Almanach • 163 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📚 Literature Library Research Books Reading
  1. Working with what's available can lead to innovative approaches, like practicing 'deconstruction' even in a small college far from big libraries.
  2. Access to resources can change drastically over time, as seen in the shift from paid alumni access to free borrowing privileges at Harvard Library.
  3. The shift to online resources has transformed research practices, offering a wealth of materials instantly but altering the traditional experience of library exploration.

Are Small Books The Future? | #256

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 150 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Writing Podcasts Authors Reading
  1. Writing shorter books can be a hidden market with high reader satisfaction as people tend to recommend books they finish.
  2. Experimenting with different ways to package writing and breaking traditional book length norms can lead to new perspectives on what a book can be.
  3. Launching a podcast series interviewing diverse individuals about their work challenges and offering free coaching sessions can be engaging and informative.

Christmas Sale!!!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 38 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Fiction Reading Publishing Reviews
  1. There's a Christmas sale on subscriptions for 'Slack Tide', with 30 percent off until Christmas Day. It's a good deal for anyone looking for a new subscription.
  2. The annual subscription price drops to just $35 for the first year, which is cheaper than many fast food items. This makes it an affordable option for readers.
  3. Subscribers can expect honest and entertaining content from 'Slack Tide'. It's a place where readers can engage and participate in discussions, adding to the community feel.
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Cranking The Learning Machine Up To 11

Neckar’s Notes • 436 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🚌 Education Learning Reading Learning Process Continuous Learning Information Consumption
  1. Focus on learning and growing every day through voracious reading and lifelong curiosity.
  2. Avoid the trap of consuming information to feel smarter without truly understanding or applying the knowledge.
  3. Seek balance between input, output, and periods of disengagement for optimal processing and application of information.

Coming soon

The Leap • 39 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Literary theory Narrative Storytelling
  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.

My Year In Reading

The Ruffian • 184 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature Books Authors Reading
  1. The post discusses the books the author read in 2023, focusing on those related to physics and science writing.
  2. Carlo Rovelli's books 'Helgoland' and 'Reality Is Not What It Seems' are highlighted as excellent reads for those interested in the quantum world.
  3. Benjamin Labatut's novel 'When We Cease To Understand The World' is mentioned for its fictionalized portrayal of brilliant minds in science and mathematics.

reading / writing

bookbear express • 132 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing
  1. The author is experimenting with splitting weekly recommendations into reading and writing sections to share what they've been reading and writing, and encouraging readers to share their own recommendations.
  2. The author mentions one of the books they are looking forward to is 'Splinters' by Leslie Jamison, which is going to be released soon. They express admiration for Leslie Jamison's writing.
  3. The content of the post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusivity and special access for those who subscribe.

On Reading More Books

The Analog Family • 239 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
📚 Literature Books Reading Authors Fiction Nonfiction Literary culture
  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.

📚Salon: Reading for Pleasure and Going Beyond Words: Events, Practices

Neckar’s Notes • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Reading Practices Events Wisdom Writing
  1. Reading for pleasure is a rare and fulfilling experience in a world dominated by social media and short attention spans.
  2. Engaging in concrete practices beyond mere words is crucial for finding meaning, connection, and balance in life.
  3. Exploring various practices like breathwork and attending events can help cultivate wisdom, balance, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world.

My year in 101 quotes

Austin Kleon • 659 implied HN points • 28 Dec 21
📚 Literature Quotes Writing Reading Creativity Reflections
  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.

This American Ex-Wife syllabus

Men Yell at Me • 174 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Books Stories
  1. The author found her passion for reading and writing through a journey of rejection and self-discovery, eventually earning an MFA in creative writing.
  2. The author's MFA experience involved a lot of reading and writing, but she struggled to tell the truth in her writing, overcoming fear over time.
  3. The author shares a list of books that inspired her while writing her own book, focused on narratives of women breaking norms and finding new paths.

Fast writers and generous readers

Thoughts on Writing • 339 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Reading Criticism Communication
  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.

Updating Your Operating Software

The Voyage • 58 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Learning
  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.

Further Reading

Material World • 164 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🚌 Education Books Science History Research Reading
  1. There is a wide range of reading materials available to delve deeper into the topics discussed in the book.
  2. Various books and resources are recommended for exploring different aspects of material science, such as sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium.
  3. Authors and specific books are highlighted as excellent starting points for those interested in learning more about specific material-related subjects.

The Bookless Future Foretold by Joan Didion

Litverse • 239 implied HN points • 16 Jun 22
📚 Literature Books Essays Reading Writing Literary Analysis
  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 • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
📚 Literature Writing Reading Creative Writing Books
  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 • 78 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🚌 Education Music Language 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 • 178 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📚 Literature Writing Reading Language Communication Expression
  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.

📚 3 hours left till our Tidy First book club kickoff

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education Book Club Learning Reading
  1. Joining a book club can be a great way to set intentions, learn, and apply new knowledge.
  2. The goal of this book club is to help members apply impactful learning quickly, potentially sparking "a-ha" moments before finishing the book.
  3. Consider subscribing to receive more content and access to the full post archives, especially if you're looking to continue learning and growing.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Writing Reading Storytelling Books Characters
  1. The readers expect a cohesive story to lead them in a certain direction, answering questions as they arise.
  2. In writing with multiple points of view, the author should feel the book's need for additional voices rather than adding characters for the sake of it.
  3. One approach is to give each character enough backstory to make the current moment make sense, without unnecessary elaboration.

Five Links to Read (March 2024)

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reading Music Podcasts People
  1. The post is about sharing five interesting links for March 2024, covering topics like buying a pro sports team, the business of check cashing, and how time influences career choices.
  2. The post includes bonus content like podcasts on SaaS sales strategies and investing for a higher purpose, as well as articles discussing potential threats like rogue billionaires making nuclear weapons.
  3. Additional recommendations in the post include books to read, notable tweets, and a graph highlighting that spending on security does not always equate to high security levels.

Audio Dispatch for paid subscribers (2)

The Joyous Struggle • 59 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Reading
  1. The post discusses an audio dispatch for paid subscribers that includes personal musings and a reading of a draft on the idea of Planetization.
  2. To access the full post and archives, a 7-day free trial to The Joyous Struggle subscription is offered.
  3. Existing paid subscribers can sign in to listen to the audio dispatch discussed in the post.

On the Spectator Urge

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Fiction Reading Analysis Criticism Writing
  1. The concept of mimetic desire in reading involves imitating the desire itself, not just external representations.
  2. In literature, the mimetic interpretive lens involves subjecting characters to social criticism and evaluating them based on our own experiences.
  3. The mimetic urge in reading can be a way of seeking out desire, constantly evaluating and comparing, possibly as a protective mechanism in the current media-saturated world.

Typewriter interview with Elisa Gabbert

Austin Kleon • 1 HN point • 27 Aug 24
📚 Literature Interviews Writing Books Essays Poetry Reading
  1. Reading can be more enjoyable if you have different books around you. If a book isn't capturing your attention, it's okay to set it down and choose something else.
  2. Elisa Gabbert enjoys singing and finds karaoke a fun way to express herself. She feels connected to music and has a lot of favorite songs that always lift her mood.
  3. Elisa suggests that instead of seeing reading and writing as chores, we should turn our interests into enjoyable activities. She believes in following fleeting obsessions as they can enrich your knowledge and creativity.

[Review] Move First, Think Later: Sense and Nonsense in Improving Your Chess

Arjun Panickssery • 39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🚌 Education Chess Learning Reading Problem Solving
  1. The book challenges traditional chess teaching methods by emphasizing pattern recognition over structured thinking.
  2. Verbal descriptions may not be effective in teaching chess moves, as examples show that pattern familiarity is crucial.
  3. The effectiveness of absorbing chess patterns quickly is compared to language learning, emphasizing the importance of practical application.