The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Does London Finally Have a Legit American Barbecue Restaurant?

Vittles • 51 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Culinary Culture Reviews Trends
  1. There is a new American barbecue restaurant in London, but it's unclear if it can live up to true American BBQ standards.
  2. Many people in London have a love for American culture and food, but that doesn't always translate to quality barbecue.
  3. The success of this restaurant might depend on how well it can capture the spirit of real American barbecue cooking.

Choose Nonbook Review Finalists 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 4611 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Reviews Writing Reading Criticism
  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!

The very best nonfiction books

Residual Thoughts • 178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Books Nonfiction Reading Reviews Recommendations
  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.

Top reads of the week

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 297 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Essays Criticism 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.

A fun, gripping fantasy epic for summer reading; an overlooked '00s European thriller; and more

Read Max • 553 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Essays Fiction Genres Reviews
  1. There's a great new fantasy book out that's perfect for summer. It's similar to popular titles like 'The Goblin Emperor' and 'Gideon the Ninth'.
  2. You can find essays on various topics like Trump and Musk, and even sports gambling. These might be interesting if you like discussions on current events.
  3. There's an underrated thriller from the 2000s with an amazing central performance. It could be a hidden gem you haven't seen yet.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Here's 20 Books On Prepping and Survival + Reviews and Recommendations

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Books Survival Reviews
  1. Preparing for disasters is important because we see more natural chaos and government issues every day. It's smart to think ahead about what we might need.
  2. There are many books on prepping and survival, but not all of them are useful. It's important to find the good ones that actually help you in a survival situation.
  3. Reviewing and organizing these books can make it easier to choose the right ones for future needs. It's a helpful way to gather the best resources for any crisis.

Zvi's 2024 In Movies

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1299 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Reviews Cinema Media Entertainment
  1. Watching movies in theaters is way better than at home. The experience with big screens and better sound makes a big difference.
  2. People become more picky about movie quality when they watch more films. This means great movies stand out more when you watch less overall.
  3. Tracking and reviewing the movies you watch can help you learn about your own tastes and make better choices in the future.

The strange afterlife of books (Nevédomosti №4)

The Lifeboat • 217 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
📚 Literature Books Authorship Reviews Fiction Narrative
  1. A published book can have a surprising life after its release. It can gain new readers and interest even when the author thinks it's faded away.
  2. The role of an author doesn't end with publishing; they can also be a guardian for their work, helping it to stay relevant and connecting with readers.
  3. Readers often shape the understanding and appreciation of a book, sometimes knowing its importance better than the author does. Feedback from readers can deeply impact an author's view of their work.

The Troll School of Literature

Castalia • 2238 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
📚 Literature Criticism Publishing Fiction Reviews Cultural Commentary
  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 Books Fiction History Reviews Public Health
  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.

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

Freddie deBoer • 5909 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Publishing Writing Books 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.

Baum's original Oz is darker and stranger than Wicked

The Intrinsic Perspective • 6165 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
📚 Literature Books Fiction Reviews Characters Criticism
  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.

Open Thread 362

Astral Codex Ten • 3303 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Authors Reviews Essays
  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.

Open Thread Because Book

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 62 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Writing Publishing Authors Reviews
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.

Made in Manhattan, Remade in London

Vittles • 102 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Restaurants Dining Reviews Culture
  1. London's restaurant scene is seeing a rise in New York-inspired dining, with spots like One Club Row offering a taste of NYC culture.
  2. New York cuisine focuses on big flavors and a mix of influences, featuring classic dishes like burgers, oysters, and flambé desserts.
  3. Chefs in London are creatively adapting New York-style brasseries instead of opening traditional Parisian ones, bringing a fresh twist to the dining experience.

Subscriber Writing, February 2025

Freddie deBoer • 1516 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
📚 Literature Creative Writing Essays Reviews Personal narratives Cultural critique
  1. There's a lot of great writing by subscribers every month, so readers should check it out. Submitting work helps gain more readers too.
  2. The email format is changing because there are more submissions than can fit in one message. This change makes it easier for interested readers to find what they want.
  3. The topics covered range widely, from politics to personal experiences, showing the diverse interests of the community and offering something for everyone.

My Ten Favourite Books of the Year

The Ruffian • 485 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reviews Authors Genres Reading
  1. The author shares their top ten book recommendations for the year. These books are meant to inspire and entertain readers.
  2. There are special offers like discounts for subscriptions available until Christmas. This can be a good time to treat yourself or someone else to a subscription.
  3. The post includes links to podcasts and additional content, keeping readers engaged with a variety of topics related to culture and politics.

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

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 299 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🎶 Music Genres History Artists Reviews Albums
  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.

Woe's Weekend in D.C.

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1108 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Events Reviews Culture Personal
  1. The author shares their recent trip to Washington D.C. for an event, talking about the excitement and experiences they had during the weekend.
  2. They mention personal interactions with famous people and include behind-the-scenes photos, making the content special for paid subscribers.
  3. Despite being known for spicy political commentary, this article has a more optimistic tone, suggesting the author is in a good mood and looking forward to engaging with their audience.

The Monday Media Diet with Joe Weisenthal

Why is this interesting? • 1206 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Media Interviews Reviews Music Culture
  1. Joe Weisenthal loves using Twitter in the morning to catch up on fast finance news, but he also checks his email and Bloomberg for important updates.
  2. He enjoys reading Substack newsletters, especially about country music and geopolitics, and he recommends some that he thinks others should follow too.
  3. Weisenthal has spent years exploring media theory and believes it helps understand today's changes in society and technology, particularly with social media.

a message of hope | must reads

Tumbleweed Words • 14 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📚 Literature Poetry Essays Commentary Reviews Creative Writing
  1. Reading can offer hope and inspiration. It's important to explore and find new perspectives through literature.
  2. Helping others, like poets and writers, can create a supportive community. Everyone can contribute to lifting each other up.
  3. A free trial can give you a taste of great content. It's a good way to see if you'd like to continue reading more.

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

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 219 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🎶 Music Artists Albums Songwriting Performances 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.

Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of their pransings

Internal exile • 36 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumerism Reviews Marketing Digital Media Social relations
  1. Many online reviews aren't truly honest; they might be fake or written with hidden goals. Instead of helping customers, they're often just a part of a site's marketing.
  2. People often trust online reviews more than personal recommendations from friends and family. This reliance shows how important these reviews have become in shopping decisions.
  3. Consumers want to believe in the value of products based solely on use, distancing themselves from social influences. This belief causes them to accept fake reviews as real if they fit their hopes.

Scheduling Note

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 20 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎶 Music Artists Genres History Events Reviews
  1. There will be a short break in posting due to a friend's illness. Everyone is encouraged to be patient during this time.
  2. The author plans to resume posting next week, so readers can look forward to new content soon.
  3. A bit of music from Cheap Trick is shared for enjoyment while waiting, suggesting a fun way to stay connected.

Electronic Chopsticks!

atomic14 • 519 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Tools Electronics DIY Reviews
  1. The HT140 Solder Tweezers are versatile and can be powered by both a DC jack and USB-C, making them convenient to use. They heat up quickly, which is great for soldering and desoldering tasks.
  2. The tweezers come with useful accessories like a flexible USB cable, a 65W power supply, and a stand, ensuring everything is organized and easy to set up.
  3. They work well for both small and larger components, but using flux can help improve heat transfer. It's a handy tool for electronics projects, especially if you need to fix or modify boards.

Purple Rage? A Book to Offend Almost Everyone

MILLER’S BOOK REVIEW 📚 • 1238 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📚 Literature Books Authors Reviews Themes Analysis
  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.

NCR PC4i

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers History Ads Reviews Hardware
  1. NCR started as a cash register company and later moved into computing technology after World War II. They became known for their robust computers like the PT4 and PC4i, which were designed to compete with IBM.
  2. The NCR PC4i was praised for its durability and good build quality, making it suitable for heavy computer use. It was not portable, weighing 50 pounds, but offered performance and exceptional compatibility with existing software.
  3. NCR provided excellent customer support for their computers and included user-friendly software with detailed documentation, making their machines accessible for users.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Reviewing Alan Furst's Novel "Dark Star"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Reviews History Arts Culture
  1. Alan Furst's novel 'Dark Star' is praised as one of the best books about Europe in the 1930s. It captures the tense atmosphere of that time better than many historical accounts.
  2. The story revolves around a character named Andre Szara, who navigates the dangers of living under oppressive regimes while trying to survive and help others.
  3. The novel highlights the moral ambiguities of the era, where allies and enemies were often blurred, making readers think about the complexities of political choices.

China's Best Music of 2024

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums Reviews Trends
  1. China's music scene is diverse, featuring a mix of styles like Afrobeat, electronic, and indie rock. Artists are blending cultural elements to create unique sounds.
  2. Several Chinese music labels are reviving and promoting experimental music, showing that there's a growing interest in innovative and atmospheric sounds.
  3. Listening to recommended tracks and podcasts can offer a deeper understanding of China’s evolving music landscape and help discover new favorite artists.

My Favorite Music of 2023

In the Flash • 899 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎶 Music Reviews Recommendations Playlist
  1. The author shares their favorite music of 2023 including a variety of artists and genres.
  2. Music has played a significant role in the author's life, from childhood experiences to discovering new artists and albums.
  3. The post provides links to the Spotify playlist of the best music of 2023 and recommends other music writers on Substack.

Six of Nunn

Vittles • 200 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisines Reviews Recommendations Food culture
  1. There are differences between reviewing and recommending restaurants. A review often tells a story, while a recommendation is simply an endorsement of a place worth visiting.
  2. The author shares six restaurant recommendations in London that are worth trying. These are places that have unique qualities and offer great food.
  3. There is also one restaurant that the author suggests avoiding because it gets too much praise already, indicating it may not be as special as others.

It’s Oscar Night!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1507 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Movies Reviews Criticism Romance Drama
  1. The Oscars ceremony might not be highly anticipated, but the lineup of movies competing for Best Picture is impressive.
  2. The movie 'American Fiction' provides a satirical take on identity politics in the context of a black writer's success with writing cliched storylines.
  3. In 'Oppenheimer,' director Christopher Nolan uses a unique structure to showcase the creation of the atomic bomb and the interplay of fusion and fission processes.

Vittles Restaurants: Three’s a Crowd

Vittles • 223 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Culture Cooking
  1. Agrobeso is a popular Ghanaian restaurant in Peckham where families often go when they're too tired to cook at home. It offers delicious traditional dishes like jollof rice and peanut soup in a cozy setting.
  2. Blue Nile is a unique Jamaican restaurant known for its seafood, like pepper prawns. The atmosphere combines old Peckham charm with a lively kitchen vibe, making it a great place for comfort food.
  3. Felix Kebab Grill serves spicy suya late at night, attracting a crowd looking for a tasty snack. It's a small, no-frills spot that delivers on flavor and warmth, perfect after a night out.

Vittles Reviews: A Love Story

Vittles • 133 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Dining Food culture Reviews
  1. Modo's restaurant in London is recognized for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, thanks to the owners' strong culinary background.
  2. The restaurant started as a dark kitchen and grew in popularity by connecting with the local Arab community and understanding their tastes.
  3. Modo's creates a warm, home-like atmosphere, showing care for their customers, which helps them feel welcomed and appreciated.

256 Restaurants You Might Like

Vittles • 164 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Reviews Recommendations Dining
  1. There are many amazing restaurants in London that often go unnoticed. Each recommendation highlights a unique spot worth trying.
  2. Yiayia's Cooking is a new Cypriot restaurant focusing on traditional home-style dishes. It offers a fresh take on familiar meals that many locals may not have experienced.
  3. The updated Six of One map now lists 256 different restaurants. This makes it easier for food lovers to discover new places to eat in London.