John Binks’ Bots & Bytes is exactly what the title promises. It’s an engaging and often humorous deep dive into AI, machine learning, and how these technologies shape our world. With an easygoing and accessible style, Binks leads readers through the complex and sometimes intimidating landscape of artificial intelligence without overwhelming them with jargon. From historical roots to future possibilities, the book covers a lot of ground while keeping the reader entertained with analogies, wit, and a conversational tone.

One thing I noticed, and liked from the outset, was how much fun Binks has with his subject. AI and machine learning can be dry topics, but this book never feels like a textbook. In the introduction alone, he likens AI mistakes to a robot mistaking a banana for a toaster. This sets the stage for a lighthearted but informative exploration. Binks makes it feel like an adventure, which I think is a rare feat for a technology book.

While the humor keeps things lively, there are moments when it feels like the book is skimming over deep topics and complex ethical concerns. But I think that’s okay for an introductory book such as this. The book is strongest when it’s explaining technical concepts in a way that feels intuitive. The chapter “Teachable Moments”, which explains how machine learning models train, is a great chapter. The analogy comparing AI training to teaching a dog tricks is great as it makes complex processes easy to understand. The same goes for “A Chat with ChatGPT,” which demystifies conversational AI with clear and digestible examples. Binks excels at making AI less intimidating, which makes this book an excellent starting point for anyone who is curious but unsure where to begin.

Bots & Bytes is a fantastic introduction to AI, especially for readers who might find the subject daunting. I think it is perfect for beginners or casual tech enthusiasts. I also think it would be great for skeptics who want to understand what all the fuss is about. While it doesn’t dive deeply into ethical concerns, it makes up for it with accessibility, humor, and engaging storytelling. If you have ever wanted to understand AI without falling asleep or feeling like you need a computer science degree, then you’ll enjoy this book.

Pages: 104 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJ8BBSVZ