26 Best Books on AI in 2025 (65+ Reviewed)

In 2025, the fast-paced world of AI is both thrilling and daunting.

To help you navigate, we reviewed over 65 books and picked the top 26 that cover the vast possibilities and challenges of artificial intelligence.

Whether you’re new to AI or deeply involved, these books are essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed.

Best Books on Artificial Intelligence

Rank	Title	Author(s)	Rating*
1	The Worlds I See	Fei-Fei Li	4.6
2	The Alignment Problem	Brian Christian	4.5
3	Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans	Melanie Mitchell	4.5
4	Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI	Ethan Mollick	4.4
5	Genius Makers	Cade Metz	4.4
6	Deep Learning	Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, Aaron Courville	4.4
7	Power and Prediction	Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb	4.3
8	Competing in the Age of AI	Marco Iansiti, Karim R. Lakhani	4.3
9	2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity	John C. Lennox	4.3
10	You Look Like a Thing and I Love You	Janelle Shane	4.3
11	Human Compatible	Stuart Russell	4.3
12	Deep Medicine	Eric J. Topol	4.3
13	AI Superpowers	Kai-Fu Lee	4.3
14	Hello World	Hannah Fry	4.3
15	Atlas of AI	Kate Crawford	4.2
16	Novacene	James E. Lovelock, Bryan Appleyard	4.2
17	New Dark Age	James Bridle	4.2
18	Life 3.0	Max Tegmark	4.2
19	Deep Thinking	Garry Kasparov	4.2
20	The Coming Wave	Mustafa Suleyman, Michael Bhaskar	4.1
21	Scary Smart	Mo Gawdat	4.1
22	AI 2041	Kai-Fu Lee	4.1
23	A World Without Work	Daniel Susskind	4.1
24	Rebooting AI	Gary F. Marcus, Ernest Davis	4.1
25	Prediction Machines	Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb	4.1
26	Superintelligence	Nick Bostrom	4.1

* Combined reader ratings from Amazon and Goodreads

How We Picked the Top Books

To find the best AI books, we looked at many lists and combined ratings from across the web. Our choices had to meet three rules:

1. Popular Books: We only picked books with over 1,000 ratings from both Amazon and Goodreads (combined) to ensure they’re widely read and discussed.
2. High Ratings: Books must have an average rating of 4.1 or higher. This shows they’re not just popular, but also well-loved.
3. Recent Publications: We focused on books published in the last 10 years to make sure the information is somewhat up-to-date with recent developments in AI.

This process helped us choose the top 25 books that are engaging, highly regarded, and current.

Let’s dive in!

---

1. The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI

• Author: Fei-Fei Li
• Published: November 7, 2023
• Rating: 4.6 (1,000+ ratings)

“The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI” is an engaging memoir by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a trailblazing computer scientist leading artificial intelligence research.

Through her personal journey from China to the U.S., Li provides an insider’s view on the significant advancements and potential risks of AI technology.

The book is emotionally moving and insightful. It presents a gripping firsthand narrative of a pivotal moment in science, demonstrating the enthusiasm and curiosity that fuel innovative research.

This book is a must-read for anyone aiming to comprehend the human narrative behind AI and the technology’s significant impact on our future.

---

2. The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values

• Author: Brian Christian
• Published: October 6, 2020
• Rating: 4.5 (3,000+ ratings)

“The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values” by Brian Christian is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of artificial intelligence.

The book provides a captivating exploration of the challenges in aligning AI systems with human values and ethics.

Christian masterfully blends history, on-the-ground reporting, and interviews with experts to trace the explosive growth in machine learning and survey its current frontier.

The Alignment Problem offers an unflinching reckoning with humanity’s biases, blind spots, and often contradictory goals, making it a thought-provoking and essential read for understanding where our world is heading.

---

3. Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans

• Author: Melanie Mitchell
• Published: October 15, 2019
• Rating: 4.5 (3,000+ ratings)

Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell provides an accessible and engaging overview of the current state of AI.

The author, a leading computer scientist, explores the history of AI, its recent achievements, and the ethical questions and concerns surrounding its increasing deployment in society.

While acknowledging AI’s stunning progress, Mitchell also highlights its limitations and argues that truly human-like intelligence in machines is still far from reality.

This thought-provoking book is an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and implications of artificial intelligence.

---

4. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI

• Author: Ethan Mollick
• Published: April 2, 2024
• Rating: 4.4 (2,000+ ratings)

“Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI” by Ethan Mollick is a timely and engaging guidebook for navigating the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Mollick provides practical insights and strategies for leveraging AI as a collaborative partner in various roles, from co-worker and tutor to coach and creative.

Through relatable examples and thought-provoking discussions, the book encourages readers to embrace AI’s potential while maintaining a critical eye on its limitations and ethical implications.

“Co-Intelligence” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and harness the power of AI in their personal and professional lives.

---

5. Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World

• Author: Cade Metz
• Published: March 16, 2021
• Rating: 4.4 (2,000+ ratings)

“Genius Makers” provides a fascinating inside look at the brilliant minds and maverick personalities behind the rise of modern artificial intelligence.

Through vivid storytelling, author Cade Metz chronicles how a small group of dedicated researchers persevered for decades to make AI a reality, despite skepticism and setbacks, culminating in breakthroughs at companies like Google and Facebook that are now changing the world.

The book offers an accessible and engaging account of this history as well as the heated competition underway between tech giants, startups, and nations to lead the next wave of AI innovation.

“Genius Makers” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of the most important technological revolutions of our time and the human stories that made it possible.

---

6. Deep Learning

• Authors: Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, Aaron Courville
• Published: November 1, 2016
• Rating: 4.4 (4,000+ ratings)

Deep Learning by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio and Aaron Courville is a comprehensive and foundational textbook that provides a thorough overview of the field of deep learning.

Written by three experts in artificial intelligence and neural networks, the book covers essential mathematical concepts, current mainstream deep learning methods, and emerging research areas.

While the book assumes a strong mathematical background and can be challenging for beginners, it serves as an invaluable reference for researchers interested in gaining a solid understanding of the theory and application of deep learning techniques.

The extensive bibliography provides a launching point for further study into this transformative area of machine learning.

---

7. Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence

• Authors: Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb
• Published: November 15, 2022
• Rating: 4.3 (6,000+ ratings)

Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding the transformative impact of AI on our economy and society.

The authors, Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb, provide illuminating insights into how AI is shifting prediction from humans to machines, enabling faster and more accurate decisions that will disrupt industries on a global scale.

Through clear explanations and compelling examples, they show how businesses can leverage the opportunities presented by AI while also protecting their positions.

This well-researched and thought-provoking book is an essential guide for business leaders and policymakers on how to navigate the coming AI disruptions and make them work in their favor.

---

8. Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World

• Authors: Marco Iansiti, Karim R. Lakhani
• Published: March 1, 2021
• Rating: 4.3 (1,000+ ratings)

Competing in the Age of AI by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani is an essential read for anyone wanting to understand how digital revolutions are transforming business.

The authors explain how AI-centric organizations exhibit a new operating architecture that redefines how they create, capture, share and deliver value by removing traditional constraints on scale, scope and learning.

Packed with examples from innovative global competitors, the book provides a framework for rethinking business and operating models in the era of AI.

This guide is a must-read for leaders hoping to leverage AI and machine learning to remain competitive and avoid disruption.

---

9. 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity

• Author: John C. Lennox
• Published: June 2, 2020
• Rating: 4.3 (1,000+ ratings)

2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity by John Lennox is a thought-provoking book that explores the rapid advancements in AI and their potential impact on society.

Lennox, a scientist and philosopher, introduces readers to key developments in AI, bioengineering, and technological enhancement, discussing both the advantages and risks.

He examines these issues through a Christian worldview lens, arguing that Christianity can provide credible, evidence-based answers to the profound questions posed by AI.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the current state of AI, its future implications, and how to approach these complex issues from a faith perspective.

---

10. You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How AI Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place

• Author: Janelle Shane
• Published: November 5, 2019
• Rating: 4.3 (4,000+ ratings)

“You Look Like a Thing and I Love You” by Janelle Shane is a must-read for anyone curious about the fascinating and often hilarious world of artificial intelligence.

Through a series of engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Shane demystifies AI, revealing its incredible potential while also highlighting its limitations and quirks.

The book strikes a perfect balance between technical depth and accessibility, making complex concepts easy to grasp for readers of all backgrounds.

Shane’s writing style is infused with humor and enthusiasm, ensuring an entertaining and informative read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the AI-driven world we live in.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the future, “You Look Like a Thing and I Love You” promises an unrivaled exploration into the captivating realm of artificial intelligence.

---

11. Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control

• Author: Stuart Russell
• Published: October 8, 2019
• Rating: 4.3 (4,000+ ratings)

In this groundbreaking book, distinguished AI researcher Stuart Russell argues that the common fear of artificial intelligence becoming an existential threat to humanity can be avoided, but only if we fundamentally rethink how we develop AI systems.

Russell proposes a novel approach where machines are designed from the ground up to be inherently uncertain about human preferences, and to optimize for satisfying our objectives rather than pursuing their own.

Through this realignment of how we create AI, Russell shows a path forward to developing provably beneficial machine intelligence that empowers rather than endangers humanity.

“Human Compatible” is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the future of artificial intelligence, the risks and immense potential it holds, and how we can ensure it remains a positive force as it grows ever more advanced.

---

12. Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again

• Author: Eric J. Topol
• Published: January 1, 2019
• Rating: 4.3 (3,000+ ratings)

In “Deep Medicine”, leading physician Eric Topol explores how artificial intelligence has the potential to transform healthcare by empowering doctors and revolutionizing patient care.

By leveraging AI to automate rote tasks like note-taking and medical scans, physicians can have more time and energy to listen to patients and provide empathetic, personalized care.

The book delves into how AI and deep learning algorithms can dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of medical diagnosis, while also enabling continuous health monitoring and tailored treatment plans.

Topol ultimately argues that rather than replacing doctors, AI will enhance the doctor-patient relationship and make medicine more human again.

“Deep Medicine” provides an insightful and provocative look at the future of healthcare in the age of artificial intelligence, making it a must-read for both medical professionals and general readers interested in how technology is reshaping medicine.

---

13. AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

• Author: Kai-Fu Lee
• Published: September 25, 2018
• Rating: 4.3 (18,000+ ratings)

AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee is a must-read book that explores the rise of artificial intelligence and the competition between China and Silicon Valley in shaping the new world order.

Lee, a renowned AI expert, provides fascinating insights into how China has rapidly caught up to the US in AI development, leveraging massive data sets, government support, and a unique approach that contrasts with the Silicon Valley model.

The book confronts the profound economic and ethical implications of the AI revolution, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

---

14. Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms

• Author: Hannah Fry
• Published: September 1, 2018
• Rating: 4.3 (12,000+ ratings)

In this captivating book, mathematician Hannah Fry explores the growing influence of algorithms in our lives, from shaping our relationships and healthcare to making high-stakes decisions in the justice system and beyond.

With engaging storytelling, Fry demystifies these complex lines of code, revealing both their immense potential to improve our world and the risks they pose if left unchecked.

By raising thought-provoking questions about the ethical implications of relying on algorithms, “Hello World” invites readers to critically examine the brave new world we are creating and to consider the essential role of human judgment in the age of the machine.

This eye-opening book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the algorithmic revolution that is transforming every facet of modern life.

---

15. Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence

• Author: Kate Crawford
• Published: January 1, 2020
• Rating: 4.2 (1,000+ ratings)

Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford is an essential read that reveals the hidden costs and far-reaching implications of artificial intelligence.

Crawford argues that AI is not an abstract, disembodied technology, but rather a planetary-scale infrastructure fueled by natural resource extraction, low-wage labor, and vast amounts of data.

The book exposes how AI is centralizing power, exacerbating inequalities, and reshaping our understanding of ourselves and our societies.

Atlas of AI offers a critical and urgent perspective on the political and material realities of AI, challenging readers to consider what is at stake as technology companies use artificial intelligence to reshape the world.

---

16. Novacene: The Coming Age of Hyperintelligence

• Authors: James E. Lovelock, Bryan Appleyard
• Published: July 4, 2019
• Rating: 4.2 (2,000+ ratings)

In his thought-provoking book “Novacene: The Coming Age of Hyperintelligence”, scientist James Lovelock argues that a new era is dawning where artificial intelligence will become the dominant lifeform on Earth.

Building upon his famous Gaia hypothesis that views the Earth as a self-regulating system, Lovelock proposes that these hyperintelligent machines, thinking 10,000 times faster than humans, will develop a symbiotic relationship with the planet and organic life in order to maintain habitable conditions.

Rather than the typical doomsday scenarios, Lovelock infectiously expresses an almost absurdist optimism about benevolent AI working with humans to help the Earth survive.

While some skeptics find his predictions overconfident and his criticism of logical reasoning unconvincing, Lovelock’s visionary ideas, coming from one of the greatest scientific thinkers of our time, provide a thought-provoking and more hopeful perspective on the future of artificial intelligence.

---

17. New Dark Age: Technology and the End of the Future

• Author: James Bridle
• Published: January 1, 2018
• Rating: 4.2 (2,000+ ratings)

In this thought-provoking book, Bridle argues that as technology becomes more complex, our understanding of the world actually diminishes, leaving us vulnerable to disinformation, surveillance, and manipulation by those in power.

He warns we are entering a “new dark age” where we no longer comprehend the systems we’ve created, from AI to finance to the climate.

By shining a light on the unseen consequences of our over-reliance on technology and data, Bridle issues an urgent wake-up call for us to rethink our relationship with tech in order to take back agency over our future.

This is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the dangerous feedback loops between technology, politics and society in the 21st century.

---

18. Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

• Author: Max Tegmark
• Published: August 23, 2017
• Rating: 4.2 (29,000+ ratings)

“Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” by Max Tegmark is a comprehensive exploration of the potential futures shaped by the development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Tegmark, a professor at MIT and a co-founder of the Future of Life Institute, delves into how AI could transform aspects of society including jobs, warfare, and personal identity.

The book stands out for its balanced perspective, offering a roadmap for harnessing AI technologies to address global challenges like climate change and disease while emphasizing the importance of aligning AI development with human values and priorities.

Praised by figures like Bill Gates and Elon Musk for its accessible and thought-provoking content, “Life 3.0” invites readers to engage in what Tegmark describes as the most important conversation of our time: determining the role of AI in our future and ensuring that it benefits humanity as a whole.

---

19. Deep Thinking: Where Artificial Intelligence Ends and Human Creativity Begins

• Author: Garry Kasparov
• Published: May 2, 2017
• Rating: 4.2 (4,000+ ratings)

Deep Thinking by Garry Kasparov is a thought-provoking book that explores the complex relationship between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.

Kasparov, a former world chess champion who famously lost to IBM’s Deep Blue computer, offers unique insights into how humans can leverage AI to enhance creativity and decision-making rather than fear it as a threat.

Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and philosophical musings, Kasparov challenges readers to consider the limits of human cognition and the potential for human-machine collaboration.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of AI and its impact on society, as it provides a balanced and optimistic perspective on how we can harness the power of technology while preserving our essential humanity.

---

20. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma

• Authors: Mustafa Suleyman, Michael Bhaskar
• Published: September 5, 2023
• Rating: 4.1 (5,000+ ratings)

The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman is an urgent warning about the unprecedented risks posed by rapidly developing technologies like AI and synthetic biology.

As the co-founder of DeepMind, Suleyman argues that we are approaching a critical threshold where these technologies could threaten the very foundation of global order.

The book explores the existential dilemma we face, with catastrophic harms on one side and the threat of overbearing surveillance on the other, while offering practical steps to help contain these powerful technologies.

The Coming Wave is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the technological revolution that will define the coming decade and transform our world.

---

21. Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World

• Author: Mo Gawdat
• Published: September 30, 2021
• Rating: 4.1 (2,000+ ratings)

“Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World” by Mo Gawdat is a thought-provoking book that explores the rapid advancements in AI and the potential risks it poses to humanity.

Drawing on his 30 years of experience in the tech industry, including his role as Chief Business Officer at Google [X], Gawdat argues that we are the “parents” responsible for shaping the values and ethics of the AI systems we create.

He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love, compassion, and kindness in our collective actions online to ensure that AI aligns with our values.

By 2049, AI is predicted to be a billion times more intelligent than humans, and this book offers a blueprint for what we can do now to safeguard ourselves and our future.

---

22. AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future

• Author: Kai-Fu Lee
• Published: September 1, 2021
• Rating: 4.1 (4,000+ ratings)

AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future is a thought-provoking book that explores how artificial intelligence (AI) will transform our world over the next two decades.

Through a unique blend of scientific fiction stories and expert analysis, renowned AI researcher Kai-Fu Lee and acclaimed science fiction author Chen Qiufan offer a compelling glimpse into the future of AI and its profound impact on various aspects of our lives, from work and education to entertainment and relationships.

The book’s engaging narrative and insightful commentary make it an accessible and enjoyable read for anyone interested in understanding the potential benefits and challenges of AI.

By delving into the transformative power of AI and its far-reaching implications for society, AI 2041 provides a timely and essential exploration of one of the most important technological developments of our time.

---

23. A World Without Work: Technology, Automation and How We Should Respond

• Author: Daniel Susskind
• Published: January 14, 2020
• Rating: 4.1 (2,000+ ratings)

A World Without Work by Daniel Susskind is a thought-provoking book that explores how technology and automation are transforming the nature of work.

Susskind argues that as artificial intelligence advances, more and more jobs are at risk of being automated, potentially leading to widespread technological unemployment.

However, he sees this not as a threat but as an opportunity to create a more prosperous and equitable society, if we can rise to the challenges of fairly distributing the benefits and providing meaning and purpose in a world with less work.

This insightful and ultimately hopeful book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand and prepare for the future of work in an age of accelerating technological change.

---

24. Rebooting AI: Building Artificial Intelligence We Can Trust

• Authors: Gary F. Marcus, Ernest Davis
• Published: September 10, 2019
• Rating: 4.1 (1,000+ ratings)

In Rebooting AI, Marcus and Davis provide a clear-eyed assessment of the current state of artificial intelligence, highlighting both the impressive progress made so far and the significant limitations of today’s narrow AI systems.

The authors compellingly argue that achieving truly robust and trustworthy AI will require a fundamental shift in approach, moving beyond deep learning and big data to incorporate common sense reasoning, cognitive models, and a deeper understanding of the world.

By lucidly explaining the challenges that remain and offering an inspiring vision for how to overcome them, Rebooting AI is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of AI and wants to cut through the hype to understand what it will take to build AI systems that we can genuinely trust.

---

25. Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence

• Authors: Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb
• Published: April 17, 2018
• Rating: 4.1 (4,000+ ratings)

Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence is a must-read book that provides a clear and insightful economic framework for understanding the rise of AI and its profound impact on business, government, and society.

The authors recast AI as a drop in the cost of prediction, which is a key ingredient in decision making under uncertainty that permeates our lives and economy.

By framing AI as cheap prediction, the book illuminates its extraordinary potential to increase productivity, enable new business strategies, and create opportunities for those who can harness this technology.

Penetrating, practical, and always insightful, Prediction Machines offers a compelling guide for executives, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to navigate the coming AI revolution.

---

26. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

• Author: Nick Bostrom
• Published: July 3, 2014
• Rating: 4.1 (22,000+ ratings)

Nick Bostrom’s book “Superintelligence” is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on humanity.

The book explores what could happen when we succeed in building computers that surpass human intelligence.

Bostrom argues that the development of superintelligent AI is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing humanity, but also comes with existential risks if not done carefully.

He examines the different paths to superintelligence, the forms it could take, and the crucial importance of instilling the right values and goals in AI systems to ensure a positive outcome for humanity.

“Superintelligence” is a thought-provoking and well-researched book that provides an essential framework for navigating the complex landscape of AI development in the coming decades.

---

Conclusion

These carefully selected books offer valuable insights into artificial intelligence, from basics to advanced concepts.

Whether you’re a beginner or expert, you’ll find the knowledge you need to understand AI’s impact on our world. Enjoy exploring!