The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

Christmas Sale!!!

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 38 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

To-be-read piles

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
📚 Literature Reading
  1. To-be-read piles can reveal more about a person's reading habits than the books they've actually read.
  2. Having a pile of unread books may indicate a preference for reading non-fiction over fiction.
  3. The length of time a book sits in the to-be-read pile can be surprisingly long, up to twelve years in some cases.

I Know What's On Your Mind Right Now

Notes from a Small Press • 41 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. There is a rise in low-quality paperbacks in the market. This change might be affecting the overall reading experience.
  2. Book production and printing can be complex topics that impact how books feel and look.
  3. Sometimes, focusing on creative work like writing helps to distract from stressful news in the world.

Too many books

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The publishing industry often thrives on the thievery of our time and brain cells, with many books being published that may not bring value to humanity.
  2. Not every book is a noble object, and the world wouldn't lose much if a vast majority of books disappeared, leading to more trees and less ideological issues.
  3. Consider subscribing to The Leftovers for more insightful content and a 7-day free trial to explore the full post archives.

America's Internal Brain Drain

The Permanent Problem • 15 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Reading
  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.
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2024 Kvetching & Books

Kvetch • 33 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author had plans to work on some big writing projects this year but ended up not completing them. Life events like having a new baby and starting a new fund took up a lot of time.
  2. Despite not finishing their main projects, the author still wrote a good number of pieces and saw their readership double. Their most popular piece encouraged some readers to have more kids.
  3. Looking ahead, the author has new ideas for writing and is taking it week by week, while hoping to explore topics related to history and demographics.

An Autumn Roundup (Fall 2023)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Reading
  1. There's a great selection of podcasts to explore, including ones on creativity, writing, and urban development. These could spark new ideas or inspire your own projects.
  2. Some fascinating reading recommendations dive into the worlds of notable authors and cultural critiques. They offer interesting insights into writing and creativity.
  3. A personal update shares work on a new web app called Printernet, aimed at making printing and saving online content easier. It sounds like a useful tool for anyone who loves reading and sharing.

On books

PartiallyNerdy, sometimes fully too! • 2 HN points • 03 Jul 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Books are physical manifestations of potential and represent the hopes and dreams of humanity materialized.
  2. Saying goodbye to unread books can evoke a sense of loss and regret for the untapped knowledge and experiences they contain.
  3. Despite the pain of leaving behind unread books, the act of holding onto physical books serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of transformation.

Audio Dispatch for Paid Subscribers (6)

The Joyous Struggle • 19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Reading
  1. The author shared an audio recording of their open letter to the human rights movement for a keynote talk at FORGE in NYU Law School, focusing on preparation and clarity in their arguments.
  2. The talk's title is 'The Inner Life of the Future: Governing with Collapse and Transformation in Mind', as the author prepares for a speech in New York.
  3. The author invites feedback on their audio reading and letter, emphasizing the importance of distillation and clarity in narrative.

Chapter 15, pp.304-310 - Reading Club posting 55

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The evolving part of organic life is humanity, but it seems to be at a standstill, leading to a circular path of progress and downfall.
  2. Humanity can only change its course at certain 'crossroads' or pivotal points, and if these opportunities are missed, changes may become impossible.
  3. While there may be a conscious force working against humanity's evolution, a small group of about two hundred conscious individuals could potentially transform life on earth.

Read Again

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reading
  1. Gurdjieff's writings can lead to a change in the reader, beyond just theoretical grounding, if read in the right way.
  2. Studying Gurdjieff's secondary literature alongside his own works can greatly enhance understanding of his teachings.
  3. Collecting and examining fragments from different texts can help form a new whole, aiding in the acquisition of real knowledge in various aspects of life.

Widget Tricks Newsletter #5

Widget Tricks • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Reading
  1. The newsletter will now be bi-monthly instead of monthly based on feedback.
  2. Highlighted senior Flutter engineer job opportunities with specific requirements.
  3. Recommended reading articles and watching videos related to Flutter and design for IT career success.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

Top 10 Books we read in 2024

Graphs For Science • 26 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading improves our understanding of data science and technology. The recommended books cover key topics like natural language processing, AI collaboration, and working with network data.
  2. Books can help us connect complex ideas simply. For example, some books demystify artificial intelligence and explain its role in our lives and work.
  3. Being curious about different perspectives enriches our knowledge. Many of the books encourage readers to think about humanity's place in a tech-driven world and to explore ideas beyond our usual understanding.

Diary #12

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The use of grammar-checking features in text-based applications is becoming dominant, which can be frustrating.
  2. The rise of AI-generated content, like GPT-4, poses challenges in maintaining human creativity and authenticity.
  3. Exploring mnemonic devices and cognitive tools to enhance memory and cognitive abilities can be tempting but requires simplification due to time constraints.

Reading as a warning light

Theory Matters • 25 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Many adults don't read for pleasure anymore, and literacy rates are declining. This affects young people the most, with few kids enjoying reading or owning books.
  2. Reading long texts helps us think deeply and reflect on our ideas. Without it, we risk becoming shallow thinkers who can't fully understand complex issues.
  3. The decline in reading is a sign of bigger problems in society. We need to figure out why reading and thinking critically matter for our democracy and lives.

Reading and Awareness

Story Club with George Saunders • 69 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The exercise aims to improve our ability to discern micro-reactions to a text.
  2. The more choices a writer makes during revision, the more of themselves is shown in the text.
  3. Readers are drawn to the quality of presence in a text that allows them to connect with the soul of the writer.

Debugging to Unplugging: 5 Powerful Ways to Unwind After Hours of Coding

Weekend Developer • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reading
  1. It's important to take breaks after long coding sessions to recharge your mind and reduce stress.
  2. Engage in active relaxation activities like playing a sport, enjoying nature, meeting friends, reading fiction, or doing something with your hands.
  3. Unwinding after coding is essential for personal well-being, productivity, and long-term success as a developer. Find what works best for you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Five Links to Read (March 2024)

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 56 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Reading
  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.

✍🏽 Become a better writer in 3 minutes? 

Turnaround • 98 implied HN points • 17 May 21
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Good writing is a result of mastering grammar, vocabulary, and style through practice, reading, and editing.
  2. Reading and imitating content you admire can help you develop your own unique writing style.
  3. Editing is essential for improving your writing - give your drafts time to rest, get them edited, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

"Guy de Maupassant"

Story Club with George Saunders • 46 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author discusses the process of understanding classic short stories for personal growth
  2. Readers are encouraged to engage with the story multiple times, reflect, and share their thoughts
  3. Literary criticism involves paying attention to feelings while reading and articulating them

Questions about Questions

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Questions can lead to deeper thinking and understanding. It's important to ask the right questions to explore a topic thoroughly.
  2. External influences like a good book or song can inspire creativity. Sometimes, a simple change in our environment can spark new ideas.
  3. Writing can be a great way to reflect on thoughts and feelings. Putting ideas down on paper helps clarify and develop them further.

Three life hacks: Read, Play and Explain.

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🚌 Education Reading
  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.

Letter to Rebecca #25-10

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Libraries have become social hubs, but some believe they've forgotten their main purpose of providing access to classic literature.
  2. The book 'Hard Rain Falling' is a classic that explores serious themes and is written in a straightforward style, making it engaging.
  3. Teaching can be challenging, but with humor and open discussion, students can become more engaged and interested in learning.

First we read, then we write

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 28 May 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. To write well, it's important to read a lot first. Reading helps improve writing skills and creativity.
  2. Keeping track of your reading materials can boost your productivity. Good indexing and filing systems let you find and use your resources easily.
  3. Old books have timeless insights. They remind us that human experiences are often funny and relatable, even centuries later.

Decision Tree

Data People Etc. • 17 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

10 good books I read this summer

Austin Kleon • 79 implied HN points • 24 Sep 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading good books can really inspire and help us through tough times. It's great to find a list of books that resonate with you.
  2. Creating and sharing your own projects, like a zine, can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, making it available for others to enjoy is special.
  3. Success can come with advice, like not being afraid to take breaks or 'disappear' for a while. It's important to prioritize your well-being.

recommendations

Nice Try • 39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading can be a community experience. Finding another person's notes in a book can spark a connection, and even lead to creative projects like podcasts.
  2. Exploring different cultures through literature can be eye-opening. Reading classical texts like 'The Odyssey' and 'Tao Te Ching' helps understand different philosophies and life lessons.
  3. It's important to balance life and creativity. Engaging with stories while also finding ways to be present can enhance our understanding and give peace in a busy world.

Sneak Peek: New Books, New Covers

Notes from a Small Press • 6 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reading
  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!

How to eat a book

Austin Kleon • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. You can enjoy books more by engaging with them deeply, like thinking of them as something to 'eat'.
  2. Finding creativity can come from unexpected places, like trash or common experiences.
  3. It's important to keep practicing and challenging yourself to improve your skills, no matter how small the steps are.

Turmoil and Hope

Notes from a Small Press • 16 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

Start the week #99

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. People often feel pressured to work for free, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. It's important to know your worth and not let that pressure get to you.
  2. Sometimes, we say things without thinking, which can lead to funny or awkward situations. It's a common human experience that everyone can relate to.
  3. Sharing humorous or entertaining content can lighten the mood and bring joy to our daily lives. Laughter is a great way to connect with others.

I want more people to read books. I also want to be able to call a bad book a bad book

Christopher’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. More people should read books to appreciate different styles and genres. Reading can open up new ideas and experiences for everyone.
  2. It's okay to have different opinions about books, even if some people love them. Being able to say a book is bad doesn't mean you're elitist; it's just preference.
  3. Friendly debates about books help create a healthy discussion around literature. Everyone should feel free to express their views and enjoy talking about their favorites.

A Roundup (March 2023)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
🎙 Podcasts Reading
  1. Listening to good podcasts can be really rewarding and inspiring. There are many amazing shows with valuable insights out there.
  2. Discovering new projects and interesting people online can broaden your horizons. It's great to find communities and creators that resonate with you.
  3. Reading recommendations are important for personal growth. Regularly exploring new books and articles keeps your mind engaged and informed.

‘De Beauvoir, my heroine’

Euro Desk Paris • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Simone de Beauvoir's 'Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter' had a deep impact on the writer, who identified with her.
  2. Marguerite Duras's 'The Lover' is a favorite book about love for its intimate portrayal.
  3. Choderlos De Laclos' 'Dangerous Liaisons' stands out as a provocative and scathing piece of work.

Eat a Bit of Candy

Path Nine • 37 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Reading
  1. Don't take life too seriously, indulge in what you love like Charlie Munger enjoyed candy.
  2. Explore the Cognitive Bias Codex for a roadmap to understanding how we think, live, and work.
  3. Check out reading material like 'Seeking Wisdom' or 'Poor Charlie's Almanack' to enhance decision-making skills and become a better thinker.

My 2024 in Reading

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

Start the week #96

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reading
  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.

Bookish words,& their surprising stories

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 30 May 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading around a subject can deepen your understanding, even if it doesn’t directly relate to what you're studying. For example, exploring historical or literary contexts can provide valuable insights.
  2. The book 'Bookish Words' explains the origins and meanings of certain words and phrases that we often use. It makes learning about words fun and interesting.
  3. 'Bookish Words' is short and easy to dip into whenever you want to know more about language. It can also be a neat reference for impressing friends with your word knowledge.