10 Best AI Books to Read in 2025 (Even If You’re Not a Tech Genius)

Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future—it’s happening right now. From self-driving cars to ChatGPT (yeah, like me!), AI is transforming the way we live, work, and interact with technology.

But here’s the problem: AI can feel overwhelming if you’re not a tech expert.

So, how do you keep up with the AI revolution without feeling lost? The answer is simple—read the right books.

Whether you’re a total beginner wondering what AI even is, an entrepreneur trying to leverage AI for business, or a tech enthusiast eager to dive into machine learning and deep learning, I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll share the 10 best books on AI in 2024—from beginner-friendly reads to advanced technical deep dives.

And don’t worry, I’ll keep things simple, conversational, and even throw in a few jokes along the way (because, let’s be honest—some AI books can be dry).

Ready? Let’s find the perfect AI book for you!

***Disclosure: Links included in this article may be affiliate links. If you purchase products using the links included, I may receive a commission; however, there is NO additional charge to you.***

1. "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" – Melanie Mitchell

If AI feels like a complicated alien language, this is the book that translates it into plain English.

Melanie Mitchell breaks down AI concepts without drowning you in tech jargon, making it the perfect first read if you’re just getting started.

💡 Why I Recommend It:

✔️ You’ll finally understand AI without needing Google every five seconds.

✔️ It explains what AI can actually do (not just Hollywood myths).

✔️ Super readable—like having a smart friend explain things over coffee.

👉 If you want to stop nodding blankly when people talk about AI, check out Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans!

2. "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies" – Nick Bostrom

Okay, this one is for the deep thinkers. If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens when AI gets smarter than humans?”—this book will either blow your mind or keep you up at night (or both).

💡 What’s Inside:

✔️ A deep dive into AI’s potential future—good, bad, and terrifying.

✔️ Why superintelligent AI might not care about humans (uh-oh).

✔️ How we can make AI work for us, not against us.

👉 If you love big “what if” questions, grab a copy of Superintelligence. Just don’t read it before bed.

3. "Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" – Max Tegmark

Ever feel like AI is creeping into every part of life? That’s what this book is about—how AI is already shaping jobs, relationships, and even world politics.

💡 Why It’s Worth Reading:

✔️ It’s not just about tech—it’s about people, too.

✔️ Gives real-life examples of how AI is changing industries.

✔️ Perfect mix of storytelling and science.

👉 Want a glimpse into the AI-powered future? Check out Life 3.0!

4. "Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control" – Stuart Russell

AI is powerful. But the real question is—can we control it? Stuart Russell, one of the leading minds in AI, dives into how we can design AI that actually benefits humanity (instead of, you know, accidentally destroying us).

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why AI’s biggest problem isn’t evil—it’s indifference.

✔️ How to make AI align with human values (and not just optimize for weird stuff like making infinite paperclips).

✔️ A practical look at AI safety.

👉 If you’re interested in AI ethics and safety, Human Compatible is a must-read.

5. "The Master Algorithm" – Pedro Domingos

This one’s for my fellow nerds who love knowing how things work. Ever wondered how AI learns? This book unpacks machine learning in a way that actually makes sense.

💡 What’s Inside:

✔️ The five main ways AI learns.

✔️ Why everything from Netflix recommendations to self-driving cars depends on machine learning.

✔️ Written like a detective story—so it’s not boring!

👉 If you love understanding the “how” behind AI, grab The Master Algorithm.

6. "Prediction Machines" – Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb

AI isn’t just changing technology—it’s changing business, economics, and even the job market. This book is a must-read if you want to understand how AI is shaking things up in every industry.

💡 Who Should Read It:

✔️ Business owners & entrepreneurs.

✔️ Anyone worried about AI taking over their job.

✔️ People who want to use AI to make smarter decisions in business.

👉 If you want to stay ahead of the AI curve, check out Prediction Machines!

7. "Deep Learning" – Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville

Alright, this one is not for casual readers. If you’re serious about building AI models or working in AI, this is the definitive textbook on deep learning.

💡 What You’ll Get:

✔️ A complete guide to neural networks.

✔️ The foundation for actually working in AI.

✔️ Heavy on the math—so prepare yourself.

👉 If you’re serious about AI development, Deep Learning is your bible.

8. "AI Superpowers" – Kai-Fu Lee

China vs. the U.S.—who’s winning the AI race? This book dives into how China is rapidly overtaking Silicon Valley in AI development (and what that means for the world).

💡 Why It’s a Must-Read:

✔️ It’s part tech book, part global strategy lesson.

✔️ Explains how AI is transforming industries like healthcare & finance.

✔️ Written by someone who’s worked at both Google and Microsoft.

👉 Want to understand the global AI battle? Check out AI Superpowers!

9. "You Look Like a Thing and I Love You" – Janelle Shane

AI can be hilarious. No, seriously. This book is filled with real AI fails, ridiculous experiments, and laugh-out-loud moments that show how weirdly unpredictable AI can be.

💡 Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Super easy to read—no prior knowledge needed.

✔️ Packed with funny, real AI stories.

✔️ The most entertaining book on this list.

👉 If you want a fun and light introduction to AI, this is the book for you!

10. "Competing in the Age of AI" – Marco Iansiti & Karim R. Lakhani

For anyone thinking about how to use AI in business, this book lays it all out—case studies, strategies, and how AI is completely reshaping industries.

💡 Perfect For:

✔️ Entrepreneurs & CEOs.

✔️ People interested in business tech.

✔️ Anyone wondering how AI will disrupt industries?

👉 If you want to future-proof your business, grab Competing in the Age of AI.

Conclusion

Which AI Book Will You Read First?

AI is no longer just for tech geeks—it’s for everyone. Whether you want to stay ahead in business, explore how AI is shaping our world, or even learn how to build AI systems yourself, these books will give you the knowledge you need.

The question is: which one will you read first?

Will you start with a fun, beginner-friendly book like "You Look Like a Thing and I Love You," or are you ready to tackle the big ideas in "Superintelligence" or "Deep Learning"? Whatever your goal, there’s a perfect AI book waiting for you.

So, go ahead—pick a book, start reading, and take your first step into the AI revolution!