AI & Search Books that Helped Give Me Context in 2024

While not all of these books focus specifically on AI, studying the foundational concepts of AI and LLMs, along with search patterns and data analysis, provided me with a solid foundation for the work I've been involved in over the past couple of years.


Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick

Pretty fascinating topic that made the book a quick read. While it seems kind of obvious, trying to use LLMs helps understand their current capabilities (and challenges), and what might be next with generative AI. After reading this, I figured out a dynamic way to create pour-over coffee instructions and different cycling programs for my weekly ride schedule.


Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari

This book provides a comprehensive overview of information networks throughout history, spanning from ancient times to the modern era of AI. It explores the evolution of information storage and dissemination, from clay tablets and the printing press to abacuses and digital computers. The text explains how powerful institutions like the church and government have utilized these technologies. Each stage in information processing and analysis has transformed culture and society. The book concludes by emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant about how information can be manipulated in our current era.


How Data Happened by Chris Wiggins

I read this book before "Nexus," which explored similar themes related to data in information networks. "How Data Happened" differed by delving into more granular details of data and statistics, covering the period from the late 18th century to the present day, in contrast to "Nexus," which began its exploration in the Stone Age.


Search Patterns by Peter Morville

I found this book helpful when I started thinking about why people search and the types of results they anticipate in different contexts. Although the book was published in 2010, thoughts about prompts came to mind while reading it. The books exploration of search patterns not only highlighted the complexities of information retrieval but also relevant for thinking about AI-driven search and prompt creation.


Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom

This book, although somewhat based in the future, remains surprisingly relevant despite being published in 2014. As people talk about AI potentially taking over the world it offers some insights on how that could happen and the strategy behind it. Maybe that's not as crazy as it sounds!


I have a bunch more books in the queue; stay tuned for the 2025 version.

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