I want to pump BUG HOLLOW, by Michelle Huneven. It’s a novel in stories that makes leaps in time and hands the POV to people far afield. It’s wonderful. Full of heart and characters to love.
I was a little disappointed that the best literary Substack’s list is just a bunch of already famous writers but alas perhaps that’s what they were going for.
Re: book covers with art, I’ve been thinking about how bookstagramtubetok has made book covers a coveted thing, a status/taste symbol, and the trend of actual art covers makes a lot of sense since now it’s like a substitute or even simulacrum for a culture that doesn’t seem to buy a lot of “ real” art. We can’t afford paintings so we buy $20-30 books and call it a day
Yea, I agree. I think the name of the list was misleading, but there have been so many lists about famous authors on Substack, it would be nice to see some others featured!
I am very into your theory on cover art AS art. I definitely feel like owning an aesthetically pleasing book is appealing to my desire to bring actual art into my home!
Thank you for choosing The Last Samurai because I know I never spoke have picked it up myself and I’m finding it far more readable than I’d ever have imagined. Can’t wait to discuss!
This is the first I'm hearing of the ANTM contestant memoir! Just clicked open the excerpt on LitHub, thank you for sharing! Such a sleepover staple for my friends and me growing up
Sara, I LOVED Sarah Hartshorne’s memoir and especially on audio. She’s funny and candid and doesn’t hold back. It took me right back to my days of watching ANTM.
Hi Sara, I also just started doing my nails again...after decades. It's fun. Count me among the numbers who have had The Last Samurai on the bedside table since it showed up as the best book of the century so far on Vulture, and decided to read it along with you. It is now an all time favorite! Weird structure and use of language but WITH heart is an awesome way to describe it. And who wouldn't love Ludo?
As for all the lists right now, I would love to see a "best books" or "best authors" you've never heard of - because these lists are so samey and so many people like 90% of them, which confirms that they are catering to a particular reader. More weird and wonderful stuff like The Last Samurai please!
PS: In a different vein, thank you for turning me on to older authors, who, though less experimental, write fabulous sentences and deep character portraits: R.C. Sherriff, L.P. Hartley, and Shirley Hazzard come to mind.
I appreciate that you are letting yourself "champion" The Last Samurai. I am always drawn to books that tickle my brain and touch my emotions. I have been considering for myself - when does analysis need to ride shotgun? I loved The Last Samurai in all the little drips/pearls that were explored. Definitely a book I wish I could recreate that "first read" experience!
I had the last samurai on my “backlist books I want to read this year” stack in January and have (of course) still not read it. But reading your thoughts has me pumped to pull it off my shelf and get to it soon! I personally loved The Director, which explores so many interesting themes that fascinate me - namely, the murky water that stands between complicity and survival, what we make ourselves believe in order to get through the worst of times, and whether doing that in the name of art is worth it. I like these sorts of moral questions - particularly because it highlights how easy it is to be self righteous until you ACTUALLY find yourself in a situation that tests you. He also does some interesting things with POV!
Haha, Sara! I do the exact same thing when I paint my nails. I always do it at my desk while working so I can let each coat dry when I'm just sitting here typing or editing photos. I've been loving the Essie Expressie Quick Dry polish for summer since it's so fast to dry!
I want to pump BUG HOLLOW, by Michelle Huneven. It’s a novel in stories that makes leaps in time and hands the POV to people far afield. It’s wonderful. Full of heart and characters to love.
I really enjoyed that one! Her novel SEARCH is one of my favorites!
Great to know! Thank you.
I was a little disappointed that the best literary Substack’s list is just a bunch of already famous writers but alas perhaps that’s what they were going for.
Re: book covers with art, I’ve been thinking about how bookstagramtubetok has made book covers a coveted thing, a status/taste symbol, and the trend of actual art covers makes a lot of sense since now it’s like a substitute or even simulacrum for a culture that doesn’t seem to buy a lot of “ real” art. We can’t afford paintings so we buy $20-30 books and call it a day
Yea, I agree. I think the name of the list was misleading, but there have been so many lists about famous authors on Substack, it would be nice to see some others featured!
I am very into your theory on cover art AS art. I definitely feel like owning an aesthetically pleasing book is appealing to my desire to bring actual art into my home!
Thank you for choosing The Last Samurai because I know I never spoke have picked it up myself and I’m finding it far more readable than I’d ever have imagined. Can’t wait to discuss!
I was shocked by how readable it is!! I hope more people give it a try!
Sorry- that should have read “I never WOULD have picked it up” 🫠
This is the first I'm hearing of the ANTM contestant memoir! Just clicked open the excerpt on LitHub, thank you for sharing! Such a sleepover staple for my friends and me growing up
Yes! I can't believe the hold that show had over us!
Sara, I LOVED Sarah Hartshorne’s memoir and especially on audio. She’s funny and candid and doesn’t hold back. It took me right back to my days of watching ANTM.
Oh good to know! I think I'll give the audio a try then!
Hi Sara, I also just started doing my nails again...after decades. It's fun. Count me among the numbers who have had The Last Samurai on the bedside table since it showed up as the best book of the century so far on Vulture, and decided to read it along with you. It is now an all time favorite! Weird structure and use of language but WITH heart is an awesome way to describe it. And who wouldn't love Ludo?
As for all the lists right now, I would love to see a "best books" or "best authors" you've never heard of - because these lists are so samey and so many people like 90% of them, which confirms that they are catering to a particular reader. More weird and wonderful stuff like The Last Samurai please!
PS: In a different vein, thank you for turning me on to older authors, who, though less experimental, write fabulous sentences and deep character portraits: R.C. Sherriff, L.P. Hartley, and Shirley Hazzard come to mind.
I appreciate that you are letting yourself "champion" The Last Samurai. I am always drawn to books that tickle my brain and touch my emotions. I have been considering for myself - when does analysis need to ride shotgun? I loved The Last Samurai in all the little drips/pearls that were explored. Definitely a book I wish I could recreate that "first read" experience!
I had the last samurai on my “backlist books I want to read this year” stack in January and have (of course) still not read it. But reading your thoughts has me pumped to pull it off my shelf and get to it soon! I personally loved The Director, which explores so many interesting themes that fascinate me - namely, the murky water that stands between complicity and survival, what we make ourselves believe in order to get through the worst of times, and whether doing that in the name of art is worth it. I like these sorts of moral questions - particularly because it highlights how easy it is to be self righteous until you ACTUALLY find yourself in a situation that tests you. He also does some interesting things with POV!
Haha, Sara! I do the exact same thing when I paint my nails. I always do it at my desk while working so I can let each coat dry when I'm just sitting here typing or editing photos. I've been loving the Essie Expressie Quick Dry polish for summer since it's so fast to dry!
The NYTimes link about book covers is dead
Weird! Here it is: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/21/books/review/book-cover-trends.html?unlocked_article_code=1.WE8.I4Z1.L67Qb7Q9dQhB&smid=url-share