Since I was ~20, I've had some form of book review blog. From Blogspot to WordPress.com to this.
This newsletter started out on TinyLetter (RIP) back in 2018. It quickly started growing, largely because I was able to tap into the audience/readership of my employer at the time (artofmanliness.com.) TinyLetter had limits on subscribers, so I moved over to Substack in early 2020 (I think). I'm not normally an early adopter, but I got onto the Substack train at exactly the right time.
Writing — that one is trickier. :) The reality is that I've spent most evenings (after kids go to bed) and weekend afternoons on this newsletter and The Big Read since 2018. This year, I started to get pretty exhausted from it — I push myself pretty hard and haven't really taken any breaks from either newsletter. Before getting laid off, I was actually weeks away from shutting down The Big Read. Now, I have a bit more free time on my hands and I can do my writing during the day, which is just great. Should I end up as a full-time employee, again, though, I'll honestly have some tough choices to make.
How did you tap into your employer’s platform? My work now overlaps with my Substack in some potentially interesting ways and I also find myself treading carefully… I’d love to know how you approached that
I worked at artofmanliness.com and often had the chance to write about books — either tips or book lists or historical tidbits. That made it super easy to throw a contextual newsletter link in the article that didn't feel too promo-y. Happily, my editors were on board with me doing that.
Sometimes when I’m reading, I feel like I’m not fully grasping the depth of the book, as if I lack the ability to engage with it the way a ‘true’ book lover would. It feels like I’m just reading words on a page. Do you have any thoughts on this?
This is where I think reading with a group of people is very powerful. As Jill mentions below, I do this over at www.thebigread.substack.com. You get access to viewpoints and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise.
It also really helps to just research the author and the book itself — read the introduction and afterword if there is one, look it up on Wikipedia, etc. There's nothing wrong with using explainers when you're an adult and not taking a test on something. :) As time goes on, you'll start to make connections on your own and find that depth — it just takes some practice.
Hi Adam. I'm Jill. If you aren't a member already, you should check out Jeremy's book club, The Big Read. After joining this year, my reading comprehension has improved notably. Jeremy provides a weekly recap of the reading (his recaps are the best), and then the group discusses the reading just like we're doing here. Having various perspectives has been key for me to really connect with these books on a deeper level. I think you'll find that what you learn there applies to your reading outside of the group. And it's very reasonably priced. Hope to see you there.
The importance of building relationships and no-string-attached connections. This is still the largest lever of growth for my newsletter, and it's not even close.
Do you have book “moods”? Times where you may be looking for a deeper read that takes more effort to understand, versus a more “fun to read” book that’s easier to get through? Any rhyme or reason to any “moods” if you feel like you have them?
Oh totally, and it often depends on what's happening in the rest of my life. In a stressful work period, I want something that will totally get me out of this world — fantasy or sci-fi. When work was easier, and I had some brainpower leftover, I'd go for something more intellectual. It's a little different now, and I'm somewhat unsure what being unemployed will do to my reading moods.. but I don't mind finding out.
I'm a big believer in embracing your reading moods and whims. And sometimes it's hard to know what that mood even is before you jump into a book. It's often the case that when I feel like quitting, I'll put a book and just save it for later, with the assumption that it just didn't match what I felt like reading in that moment.
Well, the recent change to my employment status has changed my Big Read plans somewhat. I'm actually now looking to expand a bit, which I'll announce this week!
What are the key characteristics of an author who can wield words that will transport us, evoke passion, fury and angst in us as we read their words? What is missing in those books where the language is stale, trite, or hollow?
Gosh what a great question. Honestly the biggest thing is if an author can write something that makes me feel *seen* in a very real way. I think when language feels stale is when it doesn't feel real — the dialogue isn't using words that real people use, the vocabulary is obviously trying too hard, the characters are one dimensional (no human is one dimensional).
It's a hard thing to nail down though! And, honestly, a lot of it depends on the person and their own individual tastes. Something that sings to me (Lord of the Rings, Grapes of Wrath, etc.) may very well bore someone else to tears.
Do you have any indie/nonprofit publishers on your radar that you haven't read from yet but that you want to check out soon? Or any faves that you return to often?
First of all, there's nothing wrong with being a slow reader! There's actually some advantages in that you're just spending more time with the book, the author, and their world.
That said, I have a few tips for ya:
1) The more you "practice," the faster you'll get. As with anything, a lot of repetition helps you get faster/more efficient. Basically, as you read more, you'll get a bit faster.
2) Sometimes it's a case of the book not matching the reader very well. If something is a slog and it's taking me a looong time to get through, sometimes I'll just set it down and know that maybe it's not right for me.
3) Learn how to skim. This is easier for non-fiction, for sure, but learning how to skim when it feels appropriate has definitely made me faster. When it's something old, and the language is slowing me down, it helps to know that you don't need to catch the meaning of every single word. If you skim through a chapter, it's almost always the case that I've caught more than I think I did while reading. Does that make sense? Basically, you don't necessarily need to read each individual word.
I have an idea for an entirely new genre of non-fiction. Yes, there is nothing like it (think of the very first "mindfulness" coloring book you saw). Should I write the book first, or is there something else to do before I put the time into that? Thank you!
You can always write the book and see what happens! Agents are always interested in new and unique ideas, especially if you show that there's desire/market for it.
Oh interesting question — I often hear the opposite question, about non-fiction books that read like novels.
Hmm.. The MANIAC comes to mind right away. The Poisonwood Bible was so well written that if often felt real and raw like a non-fiction book. War novels can also feel like non-fiction — All Quiet on the Western Front, for instance, or Red Badge of Courage.
Does the invitation to "Ask Me Anything" only refer to a practical interchange around the subject of writing and publicizing one's point of view? If so, I am in the wrong part of town. Regarding democracy, I long ago constructed in my mind a scenario based on my real life experience and had conclusively concluded that not only were ALL politicians criminals but it logically follows that the very system that permits this to happen MUST be corrupt also? That old maxim rings so true as "What's the difference between the Mafia and the Government? Answer: "Size!" I hope, with your permission make this plea which is "I'm trying to perfect some spiritual concepts that crowd my mind and I am in need of sounding boards to rigorously criticize my theories. My most suitable critics should come from the polar opposite of my position {women, well read and well informed) and be prepared to rigorously defend their positions with verifiable references.."
My own insight actually parallels the story in Plato's Republic, Chapter six which I discovered with a simple Google search. The short video explains all!
I'm telling you, that authorial potential you mentioned in Elantris is fully realized in Way of Kings and the sequels. Those books are so much better than Mistborn I have a hard time believing it's the same guy.
My point is, don't forget that you did enjoy Sanderson's writing so do you mean you don't love him as a person? You don't love how commercial he is? I'm not letting this go.
I did love Elantris, no question there. I didn't love Mistborn, which is fine; it doesn't mean I need to write him off completely.
I'm very open to reading Stormlight Archive, but it's not super high on my list given all the other titles I'm currently excited about.
As for The Big Read — it's too much of a commitment for an author I think is a little too polarizing. You have to really be into the fantasy genre to enjoy it, and even within that niche he's both loved and ridiculed. It's just better suited to a fantasy-focused group, in my opinion.
Thank you for that response. I think I missed the two part answer to my two part question. “Not anytime soon” was for reading, “probably not” was for the big read. It makes perfect sense and my heart is mended.
I’m excited for the future of the big read, count me in!
Hello Jeremy, if I may ask for recommendations for an "unbiased", bird's eye view of the history of WWI. On a potentially more sensitive topic, the history of Israel as it became a state/nation. Thanks.
Great question and kind of a hard one to answer. It gets really overshadowed on bookshelves by WWII and the Civil War. WWI is kind of stuck in the middle. "Guns of August" is great, but only covers the lead-up and first month of the war.
I'd also recommend "A World Undone" by G. J. Meyer and "To End All Wars" by Adam Hochschild.
Hi Jeremy. I remember an old article on AOM about pipes that you wrote, where you show people the basics of pipe smoking. Do you still smoke a pipe, and if so what kinds of tobacco are you smoking these days? I enjoy the occasional pipe myself. Do you find that pipes add to your enjoyment of literature? I had a great chat about books with the pipe youtuber Dread Tyger when I went to his shop in Tennessee this past summer when I was there for a family reunion.
Ha, yes a wrote a few pieces about pipes and cigars. Honestly though I can't even remember the last time I enjoyed either of those. I just don't have the time to leisurely sit around with a pipe or cigar.. I will again someday, but it's not currently part of my life.
There's much talk on the streets recently about "save our democracy" and I wondered in its' present incarnation as a mechanism for electing law makers, do you consider democracy as a stand-alone concept, a legitimate form of government?
Isn't it interesting that a majority of the people calling out to "save our democracy" are the actual ones taking steps to undermine it? Just one example: One candidate for President is on the ballot who never got a single vote in a primary for that position, but rather was selected by a small group of elites - in private - after 14 million primary votes were cast for someone else. THAT will destroy any democracy.
What got you into creating your Substacks? And how do you schedule your reading, writing, and busy family life all together?
Great questions! Thanks Paige.
Since I was ~20, I've had some form of book review blog. From Blogspot to WordPress.com to this.
This newsletter started out on TinyLetter (RIP) back in 2018. It quickly started growing, largely because I was able to tap into the audience/readership of my employer at the time (artofmanliness.com.) TinyLetter had limits on subscribers, so I moved over to Substack in early 2020 (I think). I'm not normally an early adopter, but I got onto the Substack train at exactly the right time.
My reading routine can be found here: https://www.readmorebooks.co/i/93617207/my-daily-reading-routine. It hasn't changed much in about a decade.
Writing — that one is trickier. :) The reality is that I've spent most evenings (after kids go to bed) and weekend afternoons on this newsletter and The Big Read since 2018. This year, I started to get pretty exhausted from it — I push myself pretty hard and haven't really taken any breaks from either newsletter. Before getting laid off, I was actually weeks away from shutting down The Big Read. Now, I have a bit more free time on my hands and I can do my writing during the day, which is just great. Should I end up as a full-time employee, again, though, I'll honestly have some tough choices to make.
Hope this answers your question!
How did you tap into your employer’s platform? My work now overlaps with my Substack in some potentially interesting ways and I also find myself treading carefully… I’d love to know how you approached that
I worked at artofmanliness.com and often had the chance to write about books — either tips or book lists or historical tidbits. That made it super easy to throw a contextual newsletter link in the article that didn't feel too promo-y. Happily, my editors were on board with me doing that.
This I’d love to know too!
Sometimes when I’m reading, I feel like I’m not fully grasping the depth of the book, as if I lack the ability to engage with it the way a ‘true’ book lover would. It feels like I’m just reading words on a page. Do you have any thoughts on this?
This is where I think reading with a group of people is very powerful. As Jill mentions below, I do this over at www.thebigread.substack.com. You get access to viewpoints and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise.
It also really helps to just research the author and the book itself — read the introduction and afterword if there is one, look it up on Wikipedia, etc. There's nothing wrong with using explainers when you're an adult and not taking a test on something. :) As time goes on, you'll start to make connections on your own and find that depth — it just takes some practice.
Hope this helps!
Hi Adam. I'm Jill. If you aren't a member already, you should check out Jeremy's book club, The Big Read. After joining this year, my reading comprehension has improved notably. Jeremy provides a weekly recap of the reading (his recaps are the best), and then the group discusses the reading just like we're doing here. Having various perspectives has been key for me to really connect with these books on a deeper level. I think you'll find that what you learn there applies to your reading outside of the group. And it's very reasonably priced. Hope to see you there.
Thanks for the endorsement, Jill!
What do you know now that you wished you knew when you first started publishing your work?
The importance of building relationships and no-string-attached connections. This is still the largest lever of growth for my newsletter, and it's not even close.
Love it! My motto: go first, go fast, and go positive!
Do you have book “moods”? Times where you may be looking for a deeper read that takes more effort to understand, versus a more “fun to read” book that’s easier to get through? Any rhyme or reason to any “moods” if you feel like you have them?
Oh totally, and it often depends on what's happening in the rest of my life. In a stressful work period, I want something that will totally get me out of this world — fantasy or sci-fi. When work was easier, and I had some brainpower leftover, I'd go for something more intellectual. It's a little different now, and I'm somewhat unsure what being unemployed will do to my reading moods.. but I don't mind finding out.
I'm a big believer in embracing your reading moods and whims. And sometimes it's hard to know what that mood even is before you jump into a book. It's often the case that when I feel like quitting, I'll put a book and just save it for later, with the assumption that it just didn't match what I felt like reading in that moment.
What will be the 2025 Big Read books?
Well, the recent change to my employment status has changed my Big Read plans somewhat. I'm actually now looking to expand a bit, which I'll announce this week!
What are the key characteristics of an author who can wield words that will transport us, evoke passion, fury and angst in us as we read their words? What is missing in those books where the language is stale, trite, or hollow?
Gosh what a great question. Honestly the biggest thing is if an author can write something that makes me feel *seen* in a very real way. I think when language feels stale is when it doesn't feel real — the dialogue isn't using words that real people use, the vocabulary is obviously trying too hard, the characters are one dimensional (no human is one dimensional).
It's a hard thing to nail down though! And, honestly, a lot of it depends on the person and their own individual tastes. Something that sings to me (Lord of the Rings, Grapes of Wrath, etc.) may very well bore someone else to tears.
Do you have any indie/nonprofit publishers on your radar that you haven't read from yet but that you want to check out soon? Or any faves that you return to often?
Fun question!
I love Gray Wolf out of Minnesota: https://www.graywolfpress.org/
I like the Santa Fe Writer's Project: https://www.sfwp.com/
Tin House is great: https://tinhouse.com/
I'm curious about Zibby Media, but haven't read anything from them yet: https://zibbymedia.com/
Do you have any tips for speeding up reading? I am a very slow reader and I always wish to up my reading speed so I can read more!
First of all, there's nothing wrong with being a slow reader! There's actually some advantages in that you're just spending more time with the book, the author, and their world.
That said, I have a few tips for ya:
1) The more you "practice," the faster you'll get. As with anything, a lot of repetition helps you get faster/more efficient. Basically, as you read more, you'll get a bit faster.
2) Sometimes it's a case of the book not matching the reader very well. If something is a slog and it's taking me a looong time to get through, sometimes I'll just set it down and know that maybe it's not right for me.
3) Learn how to skim. This is easier for non-fiction, for sure, but learning how to skim when it feels appropriate has definitely made me faster. When it's something old, and the language is slowing me down, it helps to know that you don't need to catch the meaning of every single word. If you skim through a chapter, it's almost always the case that I've caught more than I think I did while reading. Does that make sense? Basically, you don't necessarily need to read each individual word.
I have an idea for an entirely new genre of non-fiction. Yes, there is nothing like it (think of the very first "mindfulness" coloring book you saw). Should I write the book first, or is there something else to do before I put the time into that? Thank you!
You can always write the book and see what happens! Agents are always interested in new and unique ideas, especially if you show that there's desire/market for it.
Best fiction book that reads like non fiction?
Oh interesting question — I often hear the opposite question, about non-fiction books that read like novels.
Hmm.. The MANIAC comes to mind right away. The Poisonwood Bible was so well written that if often felt real and raw like a non-fiction book. War novels can also feel like non-fiction — All Quiet on the Western Front, for instance, or Red Badge of Courage.
Thanks!
I'll check these out!
I enjoy book reviews. Keep up the great work!
Does the invitation to "Ask Me Anything" only refer to a practical interchange around the subject of writing and publicizing one's point of view? If so, I am in the wrong part of town. Regarding democracy, I long ago constructed in my mind a scenario based on my real life experience and had conclusively concluded that not only were ALL politicians criminals but it logically follows that the very system that permits this to happen MUST be corrupt also? That old maxim rings so true as "What's the difference between the Mafia and the Government? Answer: "Size!" I hope, with your permission make this plea which is "I'm trying to perfect some spiritual concepts that crowd my mind and I am in need of sounding boards to rigorously criticize my theories. My most suitable critics should come from the polar opposite of my position {women, well read and well informed) and be prepared to rigorously defend their positions with verifiable references.."
It's certainly an open invitation, I'm just not very qualified to go this in depth on political theory. :)
My own insight actually parallels the story in Plato's Republic, Chapter six which I discovered with a simple Google search. The short video explains all!
When are you going to read the stormlight archive and would you consider it for a Big Read?
Ha! You're obsessed. Not anytime soon.. and probably not. :) Sorry to disappoint, friend!
That's the sound of my heart breaking.
Love you bro, but I don't love Brandon Sanderson. 😂
Hold on, let's review the tape:
You liked Elantris: "I was very pleasantly surprised when I found myself eagerly ripping through all 600+ pages in under a week... Elantris is oozing with authorial potential, which makes me really excited to read Sanderson’s other books." (Link: https://www.readmorebooks.co/p/what-to-read-next-no-263-a-strong?utm_source=publication-search)
I understand why Mistborn didn't work for you even though you wrote this: "Fantasy books have universally terrible covers, even if the story inside is full of depth and expertly written prose (something like Mistborn is a great example)." (Link: https://www.readmorebooks.co/p/this-and-that-march-7-2023?utm_source=publication-search)
I'm telling you, that authorial potential you mentioned in Elantris is fully realized in Way of Kings and the sequels. Those books are so much better than Mistborn I have a hard time believing it's the same guy.
My point is, don't forget that you did enjoy Sanderson's writing so do you mean you don't love him as a person? You don't love how commercial he is? I'm not letting this go.
PS - love you too
Ho ho, he brought receipts!!
Ha! Alright let's break this down.
I did love Elantris, no question there. I didn't love Mistborn, which is fine; it doesn't mean I need to write him off completely.
I'm very open to reading Stormlight Archive, but it's not super high on my list given all the other titles I'm currently excited about.
As for The Big Read — it's too much of a commitment for an author I think is a little too polarizing. You have to really be into the fantasy genre to enjoy it, and even within that niche he's both loved and ridiculed. It's just better suited to a fantasy-focused group, in my opinion.
Thank you for that response. I think I missed the two part answer to my two part question. “Not anytime soon” was for reading, “probably not” was for the big read. It makes perfect sense and my heart is mended.
I’m excited for the future of the big read, count me in!
Hello Jeremy, if I may ask for recommendations for an "unbiased", bird's eye view of the history of WWI. On a potentially more sensitive topic, the history of Israel as it became a state/nation. Thanks.
Great question and kind of a hard one to answer. It gets really overshadowed on bookshelves by WWII and the Civil War. WWI is kind of stuck in the middle. "Guns of August" is great, but only covers the lead-up and first month of the war.
I'd also recommend "A World Undone" by G. J. Meyer and "To End All Wars" by Adam Hochschild.
Thanks!
I'll check these out!
I enjoy book reviews. Keep up the great work!
Thank you Jeff!
Hi Jeremy. I remember an old article on AOM about pipes that you wrote, where you show people the basics of pipe smoking. Do you still smoke a pipe, and if so what kinds of tobacco are you smoking these days? I enjoy the occasional pipe myself. Do you find that pipes add to your enjoyment of literature? I had a great chat about books with the pipe youtuber Dread Tyger when I went to his shop in Tennessee this past summer when I was there for a family reunion.
Ha, yes a wrote a few pieces about pipes and cigars. Honestly though I can't even remember the last time I enjoyed either of those. I just don't have the time to leisurely sit around with a pipe or cigar.. I will again someday, but it's not currently part of my life.
Yeah, I get that. Usually for me, it's on a campout or if I am visiting with a friend who also enjoys them.
There's much talk on the streets recently about "save our democracy" and I wondered in its' present incarnation as a mechanism for electing law makers, do you consider democracy as a stand-alone concept, a legitimate form of government?
Oh lordy. This is above my paygrade. :)
Short answer: yes, I believe in democracy.
Isn't it interesting that a majority of the people calling out to "save our democracy" are the actual ones taking steps to undermine it? Just one example: One candidate for President is on the ballot who never got a single vote in a primary for that position, but rather was selected by a small group of elites - in private - after 14 million primary votes were cast for someone else. THAT will destroy any democracy.