This article presents a dual book review focusing on two recently published works that delve into the multifaceted world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Penned by technology editor Jim Heffernan, the review offers contrasting perspectives on AI's current state and future implications. While one book explores AI's pervasive presence in everyday life and its societal challenges, the other highlights its potential for significant positive impact in critical sectors. Both analyses underscore that despite AI's long history, its development remains dynamic and its ultimate trajectory is yet to be determined, raising important questions about its role in human society and the workforce. The review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of AI from both a personal engagement standpoint and a large-scale societal benefit perspective, encouraging further thought and discussion on this rapidly evolving technological frontier.
I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything by Joanna Stern
Joanna Stern, a seasoned technology editor for the Wall Street Journal for a decade, chronicles her immersive journey into the world of Artificial Intelligence in her book, 'I Am Not a Robot: My Year Using AI to Do (Almost) Everything.' Stern undertakes an ambitious experiment to delegate nearly all her daily tasks and responsibilities to AI systems. Her account provides a candid look at the efficacy and inherent limitations of AI in practical, real-life scenarios, demonstrating its utility while also exposing its occasional failures. Notably, while she did not rely on AI for the primary authorship of her book, she found it to be a valuable tool in the editing process. Heffernan praises Stern's engaging writing style, which makes her exploration of a complex subject accessible. A key takeaway from Stern’s work, as highlighted by Heffernan, is her concern for entry-level professionals. She argues that if the next generation is deprived of foundational experiences due to increasing automation, the pipeline of individuals capable of innovating and shaping future technologies will be significantly diminished, potentially leading to a system that operates independently of human insight and creativity.
AI for Good: How Real People Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fix Things That Matter by Josh Tyrangiel
In stark contrast to Stern's personal engagement with AI, Josh Tyrangiel, a respected journalist from Bloomberg Business, offers a more macro-level examination in his book, 'AI for Good: How Real People Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Fix Things That Matter.' Tyrangiel’s focus is on showcasing significant, successful applications of AI that are actively addressing real-world problems. He begins by illustrating Palantir's crucial involvement in 'Operation Warp Speed,' the initiative responsible for the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine, as a prime example of AI's life-saving capabilities. The book further explores how AI is revolutionizing critical fields such as medicine, by improving diagnostics and treatment, and education, by personalizing learning experiences. Tyrangiel's narrative delves deeper into the foundational development and the innovators behind these AI systems, presenting a less individualistic and more systemic perspective. Heffernan found Tyrangiel's book equally compelling, noting its insightful exploration of AI’s potential for societal improvement. Tyrangiel’s central message revolves around the empowerment of humanity through AI, urging support for systems that 'amplif[y] human judgment, not replace[s] it,' and advocating vigilance against applications that seek to eliminate human roles entirely. Both books, published in May 2026, are approximately 300 pages long and are available at Cloud and Leaf Bookstore in Manzanita and the Tillamook County Library, inviting readers to engage with these vital discussions.
