The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Ryan Gosling’s New Film Will Have You Crying Over a Rock

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 343 implied HN points • 20 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. This year’s awards season and the Oscars were chaotic and controversial, with surprising wins, no-shows, and public political gestures.
  2. Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary is a moving, human-centered sci-fi that hits hard emotionally despite its space setting and mostly single-character focus.
  3. Red-carpet interviews and awards coverage have become influencer-driven spectacles chasing viral moments, often at the expense of real conversation.

A captivating, enigmatic, period family saga; a stunning, hand-drawn, surrealist animated masterpiece; and more

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Two book picks stand out: a mysterious, beautiful family saga set between Denmark and Russia around the Russian Revolution, and a beloved classic that turns out to be a real page-turner.
  2. A set of essays explores the A.I. economy, the shadow of Tolkien in tech culture, and stylistic tics of large language models like contrastive corrections.
  3. There’s a recommendation for a surreal, hand-drawn post‑apocalyptic animated masterpiece with influences from Jodorowsky, Tarkovsky, Moebius, and classic JRPGs, plus a short list of four music tracks worth checking out.

A Detailed Review of Like 8% of Mewgenics

The Bottom Feeder • 581 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Mewgenics is a highly polished, addictive indie game that mixes cat-breeding meta-progression with grid-based tactical combat and roguelike-style mission runs. The design is huge and the soundtrack is excellent.
  2. The breeding system is the most novel part, but it’s opaque and the interface is clumsy, so managing and understanding cats feels frustrating and requires extra googling and grinding.
  3. A long development let the small team recombine proven indie ideas into a fresh, successful new IP, but the game is a big time-eater that won’t fit every player’s life.

New Book Releases from the STSC Members

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Tulubaikaporia follows a vanishing village and the narrator’s longing, using that place as an impossible, mythic object to explore memory, time, and the difficulty of returning.
  2. The book frames its project as a ritual, mixing magical, absurd, and cosmic elements—mirages, hallucinations, and impossible objects—to create an experimental, myth‑making narrative.
  3. Early reviews are positive and the Soaring Twenties Social Club is featuring the title among several new member releases, showing strong community interest and support.

The very best nonfiction books

Residual Thoughts • 178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. It's nice to tell friends what they're good at; it makes them feel appreciated. Everyone likes a little encouragement!
  2. When recommending books, aim for those that are either fun or impactful. This way, you'll enjoy the reading experience more.
  3. Listening to audiobooks can enhance the experience, especially with personal stories or adventures. They can feel really intimate and engaging.
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Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 297 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. You can find a list of popular articles to read each week. It's a great way to discover new topics and ideas.
  2. There’s an option to subscribe for a free trial to access more articles. This allows you to see if you like the content before committing.
  3. The site has a focus on specific interests, making it easier to find related information you care about. It's like having a personalized reading list.

The Troll School of Literature

Castalia • 2238 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Some writers gain fame not for their talent, but for the buzz around them. This can help their books sell, even if the writing isn't good.
  2. Reviews can sometimes fail to criticize bad books, making it harder for readers to know what's worthwhile. Honest reviews are important to point out what really matters.
  3. The idea of just getting attention, regardless of quality, can overshadow real literary talent. It’s easy for readers to get caught up in the hype instead of seeking out good literature.

Short Reviews for October 2024

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Mindtouch is a cozy sci-fi story about two alien dormmates who build a strong friendship. It focuses more on their character growth than on action.
  2. The Rolling Stones is a fun sci-fi adventure featuring family banter and problem-solving on a trip through the Solar System. The resourceful twins turn a fun vacation into a business venture.
  3. A Good Time to Be Born highlights how public health efforts helped reduce childhood mortality over the last century. It shows both the struggles and the successes in improving children's health.

A perfect action flick set in Kowloon Walled City, a brilliant literary debut, and more

Read Max • 395 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Recommendations include a near-perfect martial-arts film set in Kowloon Walled City and a strong debut novel about friendship and ambition in 2000s New York City.
  2. The picks also point to varied longform pieces — essays on Jeffrey Epstein, Infinite Jest, and Criss Angel’s restaurant — plus four music tracks currently in heavy rotation.
  3. Full access is behind a paid subscription that includes weekly emails, curated master lists of good movies and books, merch discounts, and small affiliate commissions on purchase links, and readers are invited to send recommendations by email.

A great cyberpunk urban fantasy novel, a throwback corporate paranoia thriller, and more

Read Max • 500 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. A standout speculative fiction novel blends cyberpunk and urban fantasy to explore work, scams, and resource politics.
  2. The roundup points to recent columns and articles about Jade Helm, Peter Attia, and how the left should approach AI.
  3. It also recommends a throwback corporate‑paranoia thriller with Michael Clayton/Enemy of the State vibes, shares four favorite music tracks, and invites reader recommendations while offering paid subscriber perks.

A phenomenal alternate-Chinese-history noir, a gorgeous new kids' movie, and more

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. A standout alternate-history noir set in an occupied China is recommended, especially for fans of Fatherland or Disco Elysium.
  2. A gorgeous, moving kids’ movie is praised for holding a five-year-old's attention and being emotionally resonant.
  3. Four new songs are highlighted, and subscribers get weekly curated recommendations plus access to comprehensive master lists and merchandise perks.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #9

The Bottom Feeder • 606 implied HN points • 23 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Queen’s Wish is getting a free epilogue called The Judgment in March to properly finish the story, even though Queen’s Wish 2 sold poorly.
  2. Many modern TV mystery shows rely on vague 'mystery-box' storytelling that can feel manipulative, while clearly structured series and movies that pick a definite path give more emotional payoff.
  3. Both indie games and big-budget films show the value of craft and art: indie titles often shine through unique visuals and weird ideas, and sincere, clearly told films can be deeply satisfying.

An eerie, unforgettable new-age conspiracy drama; a sweeping, gripping true-crime book; and more

Read Max • 579 implied HN points • 26 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. This is a weekly roundup that curates overlooked books, articles, movies, and music for readers to check out.
  2. Current highlights include a sweeping true‑crime book about frauds, gangsters, oligarchs, and blood money, plus a fourth‑wall‑breaking New Age conspiracy drama that explores healing, grief, and memory, along with four recommended tracks.
  3. Full access to the weekly emails and comprehensive 'good movies' and 'good books' master lists is for paying subscribers who also get perks, and readers are invited to recommend things or reach out, with purchases possibly earning a small commission.

Amazon Basics vs SanDisk: I Cut Them Open

atomic14 • 346 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. AmazonBasics microSD adapters are positioned as budget products and may be "built to a price," meaning they can be lower quality or less durable.
  2. A broken AmazonBasics adapter was opened up and repaired to inspect how it’s constructed and where it fails.
  3. The comparison with SanDisk frames a look at differences in build and reliability between a low-cost brand and a well-known manufacturer.

‘Wuthering Heights’ Is Delightfully Perverted

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 278 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The new Wuthering Heights throws out strict fidelity for a bold, stylized reinvention. It leans into raw emotion and deliberate perversity.
  2. Some viewers and critics find it superficial, but its emotional thrust and shocking choices make it a powerful, affecting experience for many people.
  3. Don’t expect a faithful Brontë adaptation; expect a polarizing, entertaining film that’s great if you want a wild, emotionally charged good time.

A Tom-Clancy-meets-Jeff-VanderMeer Native American sci-fi novel, a great new psychedelic conspiracy thriller TV show, and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. A new Native American cosmic-horror sci‑fi novel mixes fast‑paced geopolitical/tech‑thriller action with weird, ecological surrealism.
  2. The roundup highlights in‑depth essays and reporting on politics, journalism, and the healthcare industry, and it recommends a comedy‑thriller TV show about a psychedelic miracle cure and the conspiracies to suppress it.
  3. This is a paid weekly newsletter that offers subscribers extra curated reading, watching, and listening lists, merchandise deals, contact options, and notes that some links may earn small commissions.

12 Outstanding New Albums I'm Recommending Right Now

The Honest Broker • 5086 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The new album by Cymande is a fantastic comeback after a long break, bringing back their strong groove from the past. It's one of the best releases this year, so listeners shouldn't miss it.
  2. The author recommends a diverse selection of new albums, highlighting tracks from various genres and regions. This gives listeners a chance to explore different musical styles.
  3. Supporting creators through subscriptions is encouraged, with options available for fans wanting to access more content. It’s a great way to stay updated on new music while helping artists.

The deep structures of human history, a reality comedy game show that make me hurt myself laughing, and more

Read Max • 605 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. This weekly roundup recommends a slim, erudite book about the deep structures of human history, a hilarious reality-comedy game show, and four great albums from last year that the author missed.
  2. The newsletter is paid and subscription-based, with subscribers getting weekly emails, curated master lists of good movies and books, and discounts on merchandise.
  3. The author encourages reader recommendations, offers a free preview of the post, and notes he may earn small commissions on book purchases through linked recommendations.

The Vittles Knafeh Guide

Vittles • 148 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. There’s a short list of the best traditional knafeh in London, plus two excellent examples from elsewhere in the UK.
  2. Knafeh varies by region — Palestinian (Nabulsi), Syrian, Turkish (künefe), and Egyptian styles all have different textures and spark strong debates about which is best.
  3. Truly authentic, steel-pan-fresh knafeh is much more common in the Middle East, so it’s rare in the UK, but a few shops do manage to get it right.

The 30 Most Intriguing Musicians of 2025

The Honest Broker • 5385 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Rumer has a calming voice and makes pop music that's both familiar and innovative. She's blending classic sounds with a fresh vibe in her new album.
  2. Hagneya creates music that feels natural and soothing. Her songs connect listeners to nature, making you feel relaxed and at ease.
  3. Cristóbal Tapia de Veer is known for his unique soundtracks, like the one for 'The White Lotus.' Despite his success, he's stepping away for more creative freedom, which could open new opportunities for him.

Choose Nonbook Review Finalists 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 4611 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. There are 141 entries for a Non-Book Review Contest that need to be narrowed down to about a dozen finalists. Everyone is encouraged to help out by reading and rating these entries.
  2. You should try to read different reviews randomly to get a fair spread of votes. If you read them in order, early reviews might get too many votes compared to the later ones.
  3. The voting deadline is June 20, and the finalists will be announced after counting the votes. So make sure to participate before then!

"O-o-h Child" by the Five Stairsteps (1970)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The song 'O-o-h Child' by the Five Stairsteps was released in 1970 and aimed to uplift listeners during tough times. It reminds us that things can get better, even when the world feels chaotic.
  2. The Five Stairsteps were a family music group from Chicago, known as 'The First Family of Soul.' Their name came from how they looked lined up by age, like steps on a staircase.
  3. The group's style evolved from matching suits to embracing individuality. Their performances reflected the changing culture of the late 60s and early 70s, showing off their talent and creativity.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London, by Jonathan Nunn

Vittles • 541 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. This is the first instalment of a ranked list of the 99 best restaurants in London, covering positions 99–76.
  2. The full list is split into multiple parts, with later posts covering higher-ranked entries up to No. 1.
  3. Full access to the entire list and past issues requires a paid subscription, and the post is behind a paywall that asks readers to subscribe or sign in.

Zac Brown Show At The Sphere

Points And Figures • 532 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The concert is a narrative journey from darkness to light that emphasizes personal growth, forgiveness, and life after failure.
  2. The Sphere's bold visuals and symbolic moments — skeletons, King Neptune, poems and Roosevelt interludes — build a coherent story rather than anything satanic.
  3. The show urges people to take agency: face fear, take risks, be the 'man in the arena,' and stop being a passive spectator in their own lives.

Harems Are Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 449 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The newest Avatar movie is shockingly bad and dull, leaving viewers bored and disappointed.
  2. The original film had epic visuals and a satisfying ending, and the sequels feel unnecessary and overextended.
  3. The series leans on recycled colonialist tropes and pop-culture mash-ups, making the franchise feel repetitive and creatively spent.

Announcing The Mind Reels, and Why Only You Can Make It a Success

Freddie deBoer • 5909 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The author is excited to announce their new book, 'The Mind Reels', which is about a college student facing mental struggles. They feel proud of the work and appreciate the chance to publish it.
  2. For the book to succeed, the author emphasizes the importance of grassroots support from readers since mainstream media may not cover it fairly. They hope that readers will help spread the word and support independent publishing.
  3. There’s a chance for subscribers to win an advanced copy of the book in a giveaway, encouraging readers to engage and participate in the launch excitement.

Six of One - Myanmar Special

Vittles • 120 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. Burmese food is becoming much easier to find in London now, thanks to many online Myanmar grocers, delivery and catering services, and a growing number of restaurants serving authentic dishes.
  2. Nway Oo Pokhara in Cricklewood stands out for its Mogok-style sticky rice noodles, fried platters and weekend Burmese spreads, and the owner plans chetty banana-leaf feasts and teashop-style all-day grazing with strong condensed-milk tea.
  3. Politics in the Myanmar diaspora shape dining choices, so many people check whether restaurants or chefs support the military before recommending or visiting them.

Baum's original Oz is darker and stranger than Wicked

The Intrinsic Perspective • 6165 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Baum's original story of Oz is much darker and stranger than the musical Wicked. It includes more intense and unsettling elements.
  2. Dorothy is portrayed as a flawed character in the original book, which adds complexity to her role as a hero.
  3. The original Oz has elements like odd transformations and eerie landscapes that contribute to its unique charm and depth.

Northanger Abbey and the critics

The Common Reader • 1736 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Jane Austen's novels, especially Northanger Abbey, are admired for their ability to depict ordinary people and their lives in interesting ways. Readers often see familiar characters that reflect their own experiences.
  2. Critics from the past recognized Austen's talent for keen observation and humor, appreciating her portrayal of society without resorting to harsh satire. They felt her writing was relatable and insightful.
  3. Northanger Abbey was initially seen as simply about a young girl's story, but over time, it has gained recognition for its deeper themes and was eventually regarded as one of Austen's best works.

With Love from St. Louis

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Touring and talking with readers and collaborators energizes creative work and shows that books build real community. It’s a reminder that live conversation and shared stories matter.
  2. A single book can spark wildly different reactions — essays, long interviews, radio features, and even group readings — and that range of response can be valuable. The sparks a book makes are part of its success, even if opinions vary.
  3. It’s okay to abandon a draft if you don’t have the desire or joy to revise it; sometimes a manuscript is mainly a way to process experience rather than a project to develop. Trust that the technical and emotional learning from that work carries into future projects, and prioritize projects that give you anticipatory joy and playful uncertainty.

"I Saw the Light" by Todd Rundgren (1972)

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Todd Rundgren wrote 'I Saw the Light' very quickly, in just about 20 minutes. He played all the instruments and sang all the parts himself to make it sound just how he wanted.
  2. The song was part of his album 'Something/Anything?' and became a Top 20 hit, even though another song from the same album, 'Hello It’s Me,' ended up being more popular later.
  3. Rundgren also performed 'I Saw the Light' with Daryl Hall, showing that their music is still great as they get older. You can hear both his original version and this performance to compare.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London, Part 2: No 75–41

Vittles • 292 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. London’s top restaurants range from tiny, formal tasting rooms to busy neighbourhood canteens, so you can find both haute cuisine and homestyle dishes.
  2. Specialist, immigrant-run places that focus on regional traditions are often the most memorable. They deliver deeply authentic dishes from across the world, from kaiseki and khoresh to tiffin and phở.
  3. The dining scene is constantly changing, with openings, moves and chef changes meaning recommendations can shift quickly.

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 356 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The list includes ten favorite books, showcasing a mix of three novels and seven non-fiction titles. This variety can help you discover new reading material.
  2. There's a brief note on all the other books read throughout the year, which gives deeper insights into the reading journey.
  3. A limited-time discount is offered for new subscriptions, allowing access to a full archive of posts and recommendations.

The Best Restaurant in London

Vittles • 248 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. A week-long series ranked the 99 best restaurants in London and today the number one spot was revealed.
  2. The choices span a wide range of places and areas — 25 of the 33 boroughs, six transport zones, 20 Michelin-starred spots, three sandwich shops, and even one location outside any London borough.
  3. A full list with links and addresses will be published on the website later, and the current write-up is behind a paywall for paid subscribers.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London. Part 3: No 40–11

Vittles • 256 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. London’s top spots are very diverse, ranging from a Syrian booza ice cream parlour to Ivorian seafood, Jamaican jerk smokehouses, and contemporary British brasseries.
  2. Chefs focus on confident technique and big, elemental flavors — whole-animal butchery, smoke and grill, careful braises and inventive condiments show up again and again.
  3. The best places marry tradition and invention, serving comforting classics executed brilliantly alongside bold, experimental dishes that push culinary boundaries.

Purple Rage? A Book to Offend Almost Everyone

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' is beloved, banned, and has won prestigious awards.
  2. The book faced controversy due to its explicit content, anti-religious sentiment, and depiction of domestic violence.
  3. Despite being a source of offense, the novel has deeply resonated with readers, including individuals who have experienced trauma.

The 99 Best Restaurants in London, Part 4: No 10–2

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. Ikoyi delivers bold, inventive food that layers tiny, perfume-like flavours and giant ingredients into thrilling, highly technical dishes; it’s expensive but stands out as a pinnacle of virtuoso cooking in London.
  2. Kaieteur Kitchen (Faye Gomes) offers reliably excellent, comforting Guyanese food where even a regular meal feels special; the pepper pot is a legendary highlight and the cooking’s quality feels permanent even through venue hiccups.
  3. St. John Bread and Wine applies a simple, nose-to-tail philosophy to a flexible menu with many perfect routes to a great meal, serving timeless, intensely memorable dishes whether you’re dining alone or with others.

Open Thread 362

Astral Codex Ten • 3303 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. This is a space for open discussions where you can share anything or ask questions. It's great for connecting with others about various topics.
  2. Jimmy Carter, the former president, has passed away, and there was a biography about him that many people found interesting.
  3. Happy New Year to everyone! Regular updates and posts will be coming back soon.

A Delicate Negotiation

The Contender • 1120 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Reviews
  1. The author is answering reader questions about travel and fashion.
  2. Readers can ask specific questions in the comments section.
  3. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers.