After
The Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton2012
- pace
- prose
- structure
- bleakness
3 of 6 directions open — nothing to recover from, nothing denser, nothing slower
More like it
- pace0prose0bleak0
Self-Reliance and Other Essays
Ralph Waldo Emerson1993
A collection of 19th-century lectures advocating for individualism and nonconformity. The prose is dense, formal, and philosophical.
earnest → meditative, still essays
pace0·prose0·bleak0
- pace+1prose-1bleak0
Socialism: Utopian and Scientific
Friedrich Engels1910
Engels explains the development of modern socialism from its early idealistic forms to a system based on materialist history and economics.
Same earnest register, still political philosophy
pace+1·prose-1·bleak0
- pace+1prose-2bleak0
How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job
Sally Helgesen
A career guide identifying twelve specific behaviors that prevent women from advancing in corporate environments.
Same earnest register, still call to action
pace+1·prose-2·bleak0
- pace+1prose-2bleak0
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Barack Obama
Barack Obama outlines his political philosophy and personal values prior to his 2008 presidential campaign.
Same earnest register, still call to action
pace+1·prose-2·bleak0
1 more ↓ ↑
- pace+1prose-1bleak0
Reading While Black
Esau McCaulley2020
A New Testament scholar examines the Bible through the lens of Black ecclesial tradition to address social justice and hope.
Same earnest register, still essays
pace+1·prose-1·bleak0
Faster
- pace+3prose-3bleak+1
The Sun and Her Flowers
Rupi Kaur2017
A collection of short, illustrated poems organized into five stages of growth. It covers themes of loss, trauma, and self-healing.
Same earnest register
pace+3·prose-3·bleak+1
- pace+3prose-3bleak0
Pillow Thoughts
Courtney Peppernell2016
A collection of short poems and prose pieces organized by emotional state. It focuses on themes of heartbreak, healing, and loneliness.
earnest → tender
pace+3·prose-3·bleak0
3 more ↓ ↑
- pace+3prose-3bleak0
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Neil deGrasse Tyson2017
A summary of the origin of the universe, the laws of physics, and the nature of space and time.
earnest → playful
pace+3·prose-3·bleak0
- pace+3prose-3bleak0
Steal Like an Artist
Austin Kleon2012
A series of short, illustrated principles for creative work. It focuses on remixing existing ideas and establishing productive daily habits.
earnest → playful
pace+3·prose-3·bleak0
- pace+3prose-2bleak+2
War Is a Racket
Smedley D. Butler1935
A retired Marine Corps general argues that military conflicts are orchestrated to benefit industrial corporations at the expense of soldiers.
earnest → sardonic, still political philosophy
pace+3·prose-2·bleak+2
Heavier
- pace+1prose-2bleak+3
Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture
Roxane Gay
A collection of essays by various authors regarding sexual violence and harassment. The writers describe personal experiences and cultural norms.
Same earnest register, still essays
pace+1·prose-2·bleak+3
- pace+1prose-1bleak+3
The Drowned and the Saved
Primo Levi
A series of analytical essays examining the social hierarchy, psychological trauma, and ethics of survival within Nazi concentration camps.
earnest → meditative, still essays
pace+1·prose-1·bleak+3
3 more ↓ ↑
- pace+2prose-2bleak+3
Animal Farm
George Orwell1945
Farm animals overthrow their human owner to run the farm themselves. The pigs gradually seize control and establish a new hierarchy.
earnest → sardonic
pace+2·prose-2·bleak+3
- pace+1prose-2bleak+3
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank2001
A Jewish teenager records her daily life and thoughts while hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam.
Same earnest register
pace+1·prose-2·bleak+3
- pace+2prose-3bleak+3
A Child Called "It"
Dave Pelzer1987
A memoir of the author's childhood survival against severe physical and psychological abuse by his mother in California.
earnest → bleak
pace+2·prose-3·bleak+3
