6 Best Books on AI: Artificial Intelligence for All Levels

• Year of Publication: 2020
• Main Topics: Basic AI concepts, machine learning, AI applications, and future impact
• Level of Difficulty: Beginner
• Featured In: introductory courses on O’Reilly Media or Stanford University’s library

Artificial Intelligence Basics by Tom Taulli is the perfect entry point for those unfamiliar with AI technology. Written in an easy-to-digest, non-technical style, the book breaks down the fundamental concepts of AI, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and robotics.

Taulli does an excellent job of making complex ideas like neural networks understandable to beginners by using clear explanations and real-world examples. The book walks you through how AI is being used in the real world today, from chatbots to self-driving cars, and what all the buzzwords actually mean. Taulli also explores the impact of AI on industries, jobs, and society, without falling into sci-fi movie panic about machines taking over. Instead, he presents AI as a tool—one that’s powerful, yes, but understandable, and something we can work with rather than fear.

This is a fantastic starting point for readers who want to understand what AI is and how it works without wading through dense jargon or technical details.

Why should you read it?
This is the best book on AI for anyone who wants to understand the basics without diving into technical language or complex algorithms. It offers clear, approachable insights into the field and its applications, making it a great starting point for students, professionals, or even casual learners.

• Year of Publication: 2019 (Updated for 2020)
• Main Topics: Deep learning, neural networks, AI capabilities, limitations of AI
• Level of Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Featured In: The New York Times, The Guardian

Melanie Mitchell’s Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans is an accessible yet deep exploration of AI for readers who already have a basic understanding of the field and want to delve into more advanced ideas.

Mitchell, a respected AI researcher and professor of computer science, cuts through the hype and hysteria to explain what AI can actually do—and what it can’t. Instead of grand claims about machines taking over the world, Mitchell provides a thoughtful, engaging look at AI’s capabilities, and dives into why machines still struggle with basic tasks that humans find intuitive.

Mitchell unpacks complex ideas like neural networks, deep learning, and natural language processing in a way that’s relatable and clear, blending technical details with a good dose of humor and skepticism. She highlights both the breakthroughs and the limitations of AI, while questioning whether machines will ever truly match human intelligence. Whether you’re curious about how AI works or want to know how close we really are to robot overlords, this book offers an accessible yet thought-provoking guide.

Why should you read it?
This is an essential read if you want a deeper, more philosophical understanding of AI. It strikes a balance between technical depth and readability, making it perfect for those who are serious about AI but don’t want to get bogged down by too much complexity.

• Year of Publication: 2022
• Main Topics: AI’s impact on economics, business, prediction algorithms
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
• Featured In: The Financial Times, The Economist

Power and Prediction is your essential guide to understanding how AI is reshaping the economy today. Written by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb—economists from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management who are known for their groundbreaking research in AI’s economic implications—this book dives into AI’s game-changing ability to predict. While “AI prediction” might sound simple, the authors argue that it’s transforming industries, driving efficiency, and sparking innovations that are reshaping the business landscape.

The book illustrates how AI’s predictive powers are not just improving efficiency but revolutionizing the decision-making processes across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and retail. Real-world case studies demonstrate how AI is being used to forecast customer behaviors, streamline operations, and create new business opportunities that were previously unimaginable. The authors make complex economic concepts clear, showing how AI predictions lower uncertainty and risk, fueling a new kind of economic revolution.

Why should you read it?
If you’re a business leader or entrepreneur looking to understand how AI can give you an edge, this book offers a clear, engaging explanation. Agrawal, Gans, and Goldfarb make the economics of AI both accessible and fascinating, showing you how to leverage predictive AI for success in the modern business world.

• Year of Publication: 2024
• Main Topics: ChatGPT, OpenAI, AI-human collaboration, generative AI, productivity with AI
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Featured In: New release; anticipated to be referenced in Harvard Business Review or MIT Sloan Management Review due to Mollick’s prior work.

The AI Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick and Lilach Mollick is a game-changer for anyone looking to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a partner, rather than fear it as a competitor. Released in 2024, this timely book focuses on the rise of generative AI—like ChatGPT—and how these tools are reshaping not just industries, but the way we live and work. Rather than a dry technical manual, the Mollicks infuse their writing with wit, making complex topics both accessible and enjoyable.

At the heart of the book is the idea of co-intelligence, the notion that humans and AI can work together to achieve results neither could reach alone. The authors break down how AI can enhance creativity, optimize productivity, and even solve problems in ways that previously required human ingenuity. With concrete examples from the business world, education, and content creation, they illustrate how AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can be used for everything from writing better emails to brainstorming new ideas, automating repetitive tasks, and improving decision-making.

But The AI Co-Intelligence isn’t just a how-to guide—it’s a thoughtful exploration of the future of AI-human collaboration. And while the book is packed with practical advice, it also pokes a bit of fun at some of the hype surrounding AI, making sure readers approach the technology with both excitement and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Why should you read it?
If you’ve ever wondered how to use ChatGPT and similar AI tools to work smarter—not harder—this book offers a fun yet informative guide. With plenty of real-world examples and actionable tips, The AI Co-Intelligence is your roadmap for integrating AI into your workflow without losing your human touch. Plus, the Mollicks’ witty style makes it a joy to read, ensuring you’ll learn something new while also having a few laughs along the way.

• Year of Publication: 2020
• Main Topics: AI alignment with human values, fairness, accountability, ethical AI
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
• Featured In: The New York Times, The Financial Times

Brian Christian’s The Alignment Problem takes on one of the most pressing challenges in Artificial Intelligence today: how do we make sure that AI systems act in alignment with human values? As AI models become more powerful and autonomous, ensuring they behave ethically and responsibly has never been more crucial. The book delves deep into the technical, philosophical, and practical challenges of aligning machine learning systems with human moral frameworks, covering the spectrum from everyday biases in AI to the existential risks of future superintelligence.

Christian brings to life the complex problem of AI alignment by weaving together research with real-world case studies. He explores AI failures—from biased facial recognition software to problematic predictive policing—and shows how these systems, left unchecked, can perpetuate injustice or exacerbate existing inequalities. The author also addresses the ethical gray areas, like whether AI systems can or should make decisions in domains traditionally reserved for humans—think legal judgments, hiring processes, or even medical diagnoses.

Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom. Christian offers an optimistic look at the ongoing efforts within the AI community to address these issues. He explores promising solutions like fairness algorithms, explainable AI, and more transparent data models that aim to fix the flaws before they get too deeply entrenched.

Why should you read it?
The Alignment Problem is one of the best books on AI for anyone who wants to understand not only how these systems work, but how we can ensure they operate ethically. If you’re intrigued by the moral dilemmas of machine learning—like why some AI systems are biased and how to fix them—this book offers a comprehensive yet accessible guide to navigating these challenges. It’s thought-provoking, occasionally unsettling, but always fascinating.

• Year of Publication: 2021
• Main Topics: The history of AI, the people behind AI breakthroughs, deep learning, AI industry dynamics,
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
• Featured In: The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal

Genius Makers is a riveting exploration of the personalities and ideas behind the AI revolution. Cade Metz, a journalist for The New York Times, takes readers behind the scenes of the development of deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies, focusing on the pioneers who made it all possible. From the early days of AI at Google, Facebook, and OpenAI, to the breakthrough innovations that have changed how machines learn, this book provides an insider’s perspective on the minds that are shaping the future of the tech world. Metz doesn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding AI, discussing ethical issues, the risks of AI surpassing human control, and the impact on employment and society. With interviews and anecdotes from leading figures like Geoff Hinton, Yann LeCun, Demis Hassabis, and Elon Musk, the book reveals the ambitions and conflicts that drive the field of AI forward.

Why should you read it?
Genius Makers is perfect for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human genius and machine learning. It delivers a compelling narrative about the people pushing the limits of AI, and their ethical and philosophical struggles along the way. If you want to understand the future of AI through the stories of its creators, this is a must-read.