The hottest Reading Substack posts right now

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Books that suck you in and spin you out

Austin Kleon • 59 implied HN points • 02 Apr 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Some books pull you in and make you feel deeply connected, while others push you out to explore new ideas or authors. It's a fun way to think about how stories can affect us.
  2. Maps in storytelling can really enhance your reading experience. They help you visualize imaginary worlds and can inspire you in your own writing.
  3. Art can be a way to express gratitude and create meaningful souvenirs. It reminds us of experiences or people that matter to us.

How I Write

Rough Diamonds • 23 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author's writing process involves minimal editing and a lot of continuous writing from years of experience.
  2. The author emphasizes the importance of clear, concise writing using strong, plain language.
  3. In addition to focusing on logic in writing, the author also highlights the importance of evoking the right emotions and associations in the reader.

Weekend Theorys No. 3

Working Theorys • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Reading
  1. People often wear athleisure to appear fit and sporty, but might not actually engage in athletic activities. Similarly, many people want to be seen with books, but may not read them, showcasing a desire to appear well-read.
  2. Substack's 'Notes' feature is akin to Twitter posts, causing issues for writers trying to share links on Twitter. Simply mentioning or sharing Substack links on Twitter can lead to shadow banning.
  3. The desire for image and perception may drive actions like wearing athleisure or displaying books, even if the underlying activity isn't as prevalent. It's about the appearance rather than the actual engagement in the activity.

August Reading Review

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 02 Sep 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author indulged in reading 17 books and 2 plays in August, showcasing dedication to consuming a variety of content
  2. The author expresses a keen interest in continuously reading, analyzing, and discussing books, indicating a deep passion for literature
  3. The post encourages readers to reflect on their own reading habits and consider the impact of books on their lives
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Announcing Our Fall '22 Workshop Series

The Fairest Writer • 19 implied HN points • 24 Aug 22
🚌 Education Reading
  1. The Fall '22 Workshop Series is focused on the writing process and features special guest authors. It's a great opportunity for writers of all levels to learn and engage.
  2. Each week, the workshops cover different topics, from starting a writing journey to drafting and revising work. Participants will read essays and discuss their insights.
  3. The workshops are free and conducted on Zoom, making it accessible for everyone interested in improving their writing skills.

2023 Year in Books

From the Desk • 18 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The author read 37 books in 2023, reflecting on the struggle to find time for focused reading in the age of distractions.
  2. There are book recommendations categorized as 'Must Reads', 'Worth It', and 'Skip It', providing insights and reviews for a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.
  3. The act of reading is viewed as a commitment to deeper thinking and nuance, contrasting with the instant gratification of social platforms.

Letter to Rebecca #25-02

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Making New Year resolutions can lead to feeling bad if you don't stick to them. Instead, not making any can help avoid that pressure.
  2. Advertisements can sometimes highlight the wrong details. It's often better to focus on what really matters to customers, like comfort and reliability.
  3. Books and reading are enjoyable, and finding interesting ones in second-hand shops is a fun adventure. Plus, discussing what you read with others can make it even better.

Three possible beginnings of a book review

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reading
  1. It's important to have a strong opening for any piece of writing, like a book review. A good start can grab your readers' attention right away.
  2. Seeking feedback on your writing is valuable. Others can give you insights on which parts work best or what needs improvement.
  3. Writing is a process that often involves trying multiple versions of something to find the best fit. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas.

August 2020: Notes in the Margins

Notes in the Margins • 39 implied HN points • 01 Sep 20
🎨 Art & Illustration Reading
  1. Many people are feeling a mix of emotions in 2020 - from low key sad to high note sad, it's been a rollercoaster year.
  2. It's important to pay attention to the little details and listen to inner callings, even if it means making adjustments and changes.
  3. Committing to a creative project, like writing a novel, can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, even when the path forward may not be entirely clear.

Letter to Rebecca #24-24

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Weather can cause unexpected delays, like cancelled trains, and it brings a lot of funny stories. Sometimes people take travel warnings too lightly.
  2. Writing letters can be a fun way to communicate, and planning them with a checklist makes it easier. Everyone has their own way of writing, and it's interesting to compare styles.
  3. Music and opera can be really enjoyable experiences, even if it's your first time. It's great to explore new interests, like attending performances and trying out different genres.

GRANTED: My summer reading list and our book club

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 23 May 21
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading allows you to learn in a few hours what authors spent years researching.
  2. Consider joining book clubs like the Next Big Idea Club for a curated selection of new reads and community engagement.
  3. Adam Grant recommends a list of new releases covering topics like leadership, courage, decision-making, and communication.

Start the week #60

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 9 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. When sharing posts or newsletters, make sure comments are open to everyone, not just paid subscribers.
  2. Taking care of your health is essential, especially during times of illness. Don't forget to rest and prioritize your well-being.
  3. Writing about personal experiences can involve overcoming inner doubts. It's okay to wait for the right moment for your thoughts to flow naturally.

TWH#S13: What I Read This Week

The Hagakure • 17 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Experiment with deliberate patterns instead of trying to change habits.
  2. Focus on making small adaptive moves for big results instead of big changes.
  3. Understand the neurochemicals of productivity and procrastination to be kinder to yourself when struggling.

Experiments in style extra

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. The project is about rewriting the same story in different styles, with 85 versions created so far. It's a fun way to explore creativity and storytelling.
  2. There is a competition where subscribers can guess a mangled story to win a year's paid subscription. It's a playful way to engage readers.
  3. The author reflects on the quirky twists of writing and humor, suggesting that sometimes nonsense might make more sense than the original. It's all about enjoying the writing process.

Some Writing Advice

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🚌 Education Reading
  1. To succeed in writing, be polite but don't be afraid to be aggressive in pitching ideas and networking.
  2. Being reliable and meeting deadlines consistently is a key factor in building trust and advancing in the writing world.
  3. Embrace your uniqueness and find your voice; don't be afraid to be different in a field that often rewards conformity.

10 must-read books

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading a good book can bring joy for a long time, not just for a special occasion. It's about enjoyment and lasting value.
  2. The recommended nonfiction books are all easy to read and informative, making them great for casual reading.
  3. These books are not a fleeting trend but rather timeless choices that continue to provide pleasure over the years.

GRANTED: Becoming a thinker and a lifelong reader

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 04 Oct 19
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Encourage kids to love reading by making books a part of your life - read in front of them, discuss books, visit libraries, and give books as gifts.
  2. Humility is key - arrogance stems from ignorance and unwavering conviction, while humility turns evidence and experience into wisdom.
  3. Prior experience is not a reliable predictor of job success - focus on knowledge, skill, and motivation rather than requiring specific experience.

Blank Space

The Weasel Speaks • 1 HN point • 11 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Reading
  1. Discovering new books can come from authors you like, blogs, podcasts, and even random internet reviews.
  2. Reading a moderate amount can lead to impactful takeaways from a few select books that might make it to your re-read list.
  3. Having a 'short list' of impactful books as go-to references can provide valuable insights and reminders for personal and professional growth.

029: How to Read a Science Paper

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 17
🚌 Education Reading
  1. This episode provides guidance on how to read a science paper effectively, from developing good research questions to analyzing study design.
  2. Utilize resources like PubMed, Google Scholar, MeSH terms, and Sci-Hub to access full texts legally and efficiently.
  3. Understanding the anatomy of a science paper and the importance of critical analysis in interpreting research findings is crucial for beginners and advanced researchers alike.

GRANTED: Making small talk less painful, plus my favorite books to read this fall

Granted • 19 implied HN points • 05 Sep 16
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Danish schools have a tradition where students share problems and help each other each week, showing empathy and happiness.
  2. Hiring people who have faced failure can lead to success in bold endeavors, as seen in Amazon's strategy for its grocery delivery service.
  3. Putting on a 'happy mask' at work can be draining, and being told to be happy doesn't necessarily make people feel upbeat.

Reading Well

The Map is Mostly Water • 2 HN points • 17 Jul 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Reading is a solitary and intimate act that allows the author to model the world for you.
  2. Embrace the visceral quality of reading mostly fiction slowly to be influenced by excellent works.
  3. Consider starting many books, completing few, re-reading favorites, and building a diverse home library.

Learning a New Language

Unstable Orbits • 2 HN points • 29 Mar 23
🚌 Education Reading
  1. Reading books is the best way to learn a new language efficiently.
  2. Start with basic syntactic structures and the most frequent words when learning a new language.
  3. Use a common dictionary, avoid tap-on-the-word translations, and prioritize reading over language apps for better language acquisition.

Why You Should Reread a Book

Akash Chinnaiah • 2 HN points • 06 Sep 22
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Rereading a book can offer new perspectives and deeper understanding, just like rewatching a movie reveals missed details.
  2. Reading a book again after some time can show how your thinking has evolved and allow you to grasp more insights from the text.
  3. Investing time in reading a book without effectively absorbing its content is a costly mistake; rereading can help avoid this regret.

Dangerous Things

The Author Is Dumb • 1 implied HN point • 02 Jul 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. Books can provide us with new worlds and experiences that change us for the better
  2. Libraries play a crucial role in providing access to diverse works and should be supported
  3. Digital formats like Kindle can offer privacy and access to books, making reading more inclusive

Favorite books of 2023

Product Lessons • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📚 Literature Reading
  1. To create great things, we should consume great things.
  2. Reading long-form content is valuable and irreplaceable.
  3. Deliberate creation and critical thinking are important in the age of easy access to information.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

The Epestle • 0 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Reading
  1. Consider investing in a stainless-steel tier steamer for versatile and efficient steaming.
  2. A rice cooker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, regardless of how often you cook rice.
  3. During colder seasons, a grill pan is a great alternative to outdoor grilling.