AI Might Be Coming For Our Books–But These Books Fight Back - Forbes

AI is everywhere; the world is becoming increasingly digitized. Perhaps that’s why books, one of the few remaining analog indulgences we have, are so well suited to explore the moral questions of technology use. With anti-intellectualism and phone addiction on the rise, too, the books that we read only grow more essential to our humanity.

We’re already seeing a decline in voluntary reading or reading for pleasure; it’s not just that technology is taking our attention away from reading, it’s actually shaping the way we engage with literature. Critical interpersonal skills like empathy are developed in part through reading; when we outsource our understanding of books to AI, we lose that entirely. “Reading shapes how we engage with ideas, culture, and civic life," says a recent report from the University of Chicago. "When AI mediates our understanding of texts, it also influences how judgments are formed, potentially narrowing the range of perspectives that inform public discourse and democratic participation.”

Dan Warner is the author of Wither, a speculative fiction novel out this fall about a blackbox technology that builds a perfect twin of its user; with his help, we’ve compiled a list of books that discuss not only AI but consciousness, surveillance, and language–and the ways in which technology touches our lives if we consent to it or not.

‘God, Human, Animal, Machine’ By Meghan O’Gieblyn: Warner calls this book, which explores the question of what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world, “A profound, mind-bending exploration of technology, consciousness, and spirituality that examines the narrative of disenchantment with the world.”

‘Klara and the Sun’ By Kazuo Ishiguro: “What praise can I add to this book—or Ishiguro himself—that isn’t already out there?” says Warner of this novel which follows Klara, the Artificial Friend, who observes the world as it goes by her shop. “As always, he manages to wring deep emotion out of repression, with such beautifully restrained writing.”

‘Empire of A.I.’ By Karen Hao: “If you’re not worried about A.I. and the moral fiber of the people who are building it, read this book, and then come back and let’s talk," says Warner–and really, enough said.

‘The Mountain and the Sea’ By Ray Nayler: This near-future work of science fiction follows a marine biologist studying extrahuman intelligence in a species of octopuses. Warner lauds it as a “gripping sci-fi thriller that explores consciousness and artificial intelligence without getting weighed down by the philosophical elements—a serious feat.”

‘The Lifecycle of Software Objects’ By Ted Chiang: "Anything by Ted Chiang is well worth your time," says Warner of the award winning author. “And when he puts out a story, you know that he has thought deeply on the topic.”

‘All Systems Red’ By Martha Wells: Warner calls this sci-fi novella about an android who develops self awareness fun and filled with real humor. “[It’s a well-known sci-fi book that's worth a closer look for literary readers who want some fun.”

‘Little Eyes’ By Samanta Schweblin: Warner tells me he’ll take any opportunity to recommend Booker-nominated Samantha Schweblin and it’s easy to see why; this speculative novel about the interconnectedness of humanity.

‘Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness’ By Peter Godfrey-Smith: For non-fiction and animal lovers, this pick from Warner will be a perfect fit. “With all of the talk of consciousness and the comparison between A.I. and cephalopods that seems to fascinate many writers (including me), this book can’t be skipped,” he says.