https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG18QJWF
Editorial Review For Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: What you need to know to get started with AI
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by William Zain is exactly what it says on the cover: a starter pack for people who want to understand AI without getting lost in jargon. The book begins with the basics, showing what AI is, how it differs from machine learning and deep learning, and how it already creeps into daily life with things like autocorrect, Netflix suggestions, and chatbots. It also dips into history, from Greek myths of automata to Alan Turing’s famous test, and follows the ups and downs of AI research right up to ChatGPT and self-driving cars. Later sections shift to the practical side. The author lays out how tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot can help with writing, research, and work tasks. The book then moves into creative uses like image, video, and music generation, before closing with a reminder that AI is powerful but still just a tool.
One of the strengths of this book is its structure. It is organized in a way that lets readers either follow the chapters step by step or skip to the parts that interest them most. The tone is direct and simple, which works well for beginners who just want to understand what AI actually does without being talked down to. The inclusion of hands-on activities makes it less of a lecture and more of a guide that encourages readers to try things out for themselves.
The book fits neatly into the current wave of popular introductions to AI. Unlike academic texts that dive deep into math or programming, this one sits closer to the practical guides that have been filling shelves since ChatGPT became a household name. It keeps things focused on tools people actually use, which lines up with the trend of making AI less about theory and more about everyday application.
Readers who are curious about AI but allergic to technical textbooks will get the most out of this. If you’ve heard coworkers bragging about how much time ChatGPT saves them and you’re tired of pretending you know what they mean, this book is for you. It will also suit students or professionals who want to experiment with AI tools for writing, media, or productivity without reading a PhD thesis first.
The verdict: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence is not trying to blow anyone’s mind, and that’s the point. It tells you what AI is, how it works, and how to use it, all without fluff. If you want a crash course that covers the essentials and even throws in a bit of fun, this one is worth the read. Just don’t expect it to predict the next fifty years of AI—if it could do that, it would be the AI.