The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

📚 3 hours left till our Tidy First book club kickoff

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education 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 • 77 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
📚 Literature 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.

Cranking The Learning Machine Up To 11

Neckar’s Notes • 436 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🚌 Education Reading
  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.

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.
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Describe a Mind, Running

Story Club with George Saunders • 72 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
📚 Literature 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.

Start the week #104

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Getting a flu jab can make you feel pretty bad for a bit, like having the flu. It's important to know that the side effects are temporary and usually worth it.
  2. Meeting friends can be a great way to lift your spirits. Sharing laughs and stories over coffee can brighten your day.
  3. Changing prices or currencies for a service can affect how appealing it is to customers. It's good to be aware of how pricing might work for different audiences.

Kids Today Can't Read - Even College Kids

Litverse • 18 HN points • 22 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Kids today struggle with reading due to a lack of concentration, influenced by smartphone usage.
  2. The future of literature faces uncertainty - it could either see a renaissance or risk extinction.
  3. Education systems are adapting to students' reading reluctance by reducing the focus on novels and embracing shorter forms of content.

My Friends Aren't Reading

Notes from a Small Press • 84 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Many people aren't reading books as much as they used to. This makes it tough for publishers to find audiences.
  2. Publishers need to think creatively to reach new readers. They might need to change their marketing strategies.
  3. Creating engaging and relevant content could help get more people interested in reading again. Finding fun ways to share stories may attract new fans.

This is not an About page.

Castles in the Sky • 31 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📚 Literature 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.

Brilliant Young Voices

Story Club with George Saunders • 74 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. True love means accepting someone's flaws and growing together. It's about being there for each other, no matter what changes occur over time.
  2. Caregiving is tough, but it is a profound act of love. It shows how much we care about someone, even when the work feels heavy and challenging.
  3. Love is messy and complicated, but choosing to love anyway is what truly matters. Recognizing our own flaws while being there for those we care about is a big part of being human.

Updated: Use A Spreadsheet For Literary Criticism

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Using numbers and graphs in literary criticism can make it clearer and more precise. Instead of vague feelings, showing data gives a snapshot of the story's style.
  2. A data-driven approach helps you understand a book's elements at a glance, like humor and pathos. You might even get a better idea of a book without having to read it all.
  3. Making visual summaries like graphs could replace traditional book reviews and blurbs. It’s like giving readers a quick guide or 'nutrition label' of what to expect.

This American Ex-Wife syllabus

Men Yell at Me • 174 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

One Month of Building the Used Bookstore of the Future + Things I loved in July

Castles in the Sky • 19 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Building an AI tool for used booksellers is more complicated than expected, involving many tasks beyond just programming and filming. It’s been a busy and fun month working on this project.
  2. To improve my reading habits, I've decided to read one classic book and one random book at a time. This balance helps me learn while still exploring my interests.
  3. I’ve started creating short-form videos to share on various platforms. It’s a fun way to engage, even though I know it might take time to find the right audience.

Happy Sunday

Story Club with George Saunders • 59 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

On the Spectator Urge

Autoscriptorium • 59 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
📚 Literature Reading
  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 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.

To the Reader

Dada Drummer Almanach • 163 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📚 Literature 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.

My Year In Reading

The Ruffian • 184 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📚 Literature 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.

Further Reading

Material World • 164 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🚌 Education 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.

Are Small Books The Future? | #256

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 150 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📚 Literature 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.

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

Arjun Panickssery • 39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🚌 Education Reading
  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.

What's Cheering Me Up Lately

Green Graphic Design • 39 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Reading
  1. Author shares what's bringing joy in their life recently, inspired by a YouTuber.
  2. Appreciation for David Bird's 'Becorn' art and partner's creative fiction project.
  3. Discovery of the game 'Little Mouse's Encyclopedia' and starting a new personal project about nature journaling.

[crosspost] the nameless sorrow at the bottom of your heart

Thicket Forte • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The book 'So You Want to Be a Wizard' has great ideas about magic that can inspire readers. It's enjoyable when a book makes you think deeply about the world.
  2. One of the spooky ideas in the book is about what happens when you decide to give up magic. It can bring up feelings of loss or emptiness.
  3. Sharing favorite books can create connections with others who enjoy similar themes and ideas. It’s nice to find common ground over stories we love.

reading / writing

bookbear express • 132 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

Bite-Sized Self-Care Challenge Day 11

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Reading
  1. Reading is a great way to relax and can take you to new worlds or teach you new things. Whether it's a book or an article, reading can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind.
  2. Spending just five minutes reading something you enjoy can boost your mood and stimulate your brain. It's a simple self-care practice anyone can do.
  3. Everyone has different reading preferences, so it's fun to explore different genres. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, there's a whole world of stories waiting for you.

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

Neckar’s Notes • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Reading
  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.

"A Christmas Carol"

Story Club with George Saunders • 43 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading can lead to powerful experiences that inspire and motivate us for the future. It's great to share suggestions with others as we plan our reading lists.
  2. Reflecting on what we've read helps us connect with the stories and their meanings. It's important to engage with good literature to enrich our lives.
  3. Sharing good books with friends and community can create a sense of bonding and support. Recommendations can help others discover wonderful new reads.

"Death of Ivan Ilyich"...

Story Club with George Saunders • 35 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The reading assignment focuses on Sections II and III of 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich.', which should help everyone dive deep into the story.
  2. Taking the time to read slowly allows for a more thoughtful understanding of the themes.
  3. There will be a special post mid-week to discuss and respond to comments from the last meeting.

🚨 Book Club Change of Plans!!! 🚨

Default Wisdom • 33 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The book club is reading 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' and meeting on President's Day at 8pm CT over Zoom.
  2. The plan involves a discussion about the book and a screening of the movie 'Solaris' from 1972.
  3. The organizer has changed their mind about previous decisions and apologized for abandoning the vote.

A Roundup (November Roundup)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Reading
  1. Check out some great podcasts like 'Priority Bicycles' and 'How I Built This' to learn about interesting people and their journeys.
  2. Reading is important! Articles like Carlos Pendas's open letter and books like 'Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore' offer fresh insights and unique stories.
  3. Building cool projects can be fun. Websites like 'Pi Site' and 'iPodify' can showcase your creativity and help you learn while making something enjoyable.

5 Great Books from 2024

Data People Etc. • 35 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading a mix of books can provide new ideas and insights, making it enjoyable to explore different genres and styles.
  2. Some books can be very challenging or not as enjoyable, but it's important to keep trying new things and learn from those experiences.
  3. Books like 'Endurance' show the strength of the human spirit and remind us of the importance of persistence, even in tough situations.

Story Voyager is taking a break

storyvoyager • 11 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author is taking a break from the newsletter to prepare their first book for publishing. They need to focus on getting it done without distraction.
  2. The main goal of the newsletter was to serialize a novel called 'There Is Hope,' which is now complete. The book will be published soon, with some exclusive content for print readers.
  3. The author appreciates their readers' support and promises exciting updates when they return in September. Thank yous and a special gift for paid subscribers will be included.