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I became more curious about using artificial intelligence (AI) after attending the discussion session, “The Future is Here: Navigating the tech landscape,” at Minitex Connect. I also usually have a hard time deciding what to read during the summer. So I asked AI for some recommendations. Read more to find out what they are.

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Summer is nigh, which leads many of us to ponder; “What books should I read this summer?” Well, what also is upon us is artificial intelligence (AI). And no, I don’t think terminators are going to be taking over anytime soon. At least not anymore. I feel more at ease with AI after listening to the discussion session “The Future is Here: Navigating the tech landscape” at Minitex Connect held on May 14th. I was assured that we are in the early days of AI, and there are a lot of exciting possibilities with this new technology in all sorts of industries, including libraries. So, I decided to use AI for a simple library task: I asked ChatGPT, "What are some good summer reads?" Here is the answer:

  1. "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens: A captivating mystery novel set in the marshes of North Carolina, perfect for immersing yourself in the natural world during the summer.
  2. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This classic American novel evokes the glamour and decadence of the Jazz Age, making it a great summer read for its timeless themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
  3. "The Beach" by Alex Garland: Dive into this thrilling adventure novel set in Thailand, exploring the allure and dangers of paradise, ideal for those craving an escapade during the summer months.
  4. "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman: A heartwarming and funny contemporary fiction novel that follows the quirky and endearing Eleanor Oliphant as she navigates life and discovers the importance of human connection.
  5. "The Summer Book" by Tove Jansson: A charming and meditative novel set on a small island in the Gulf of Finland, perfect for those seeking a quieter, reflective read to accompany lazy summer days.
  6. "In the Woods" by Tana French: Dive into this gripping psychological thriller set in the Irish countryside, where a detective investigates a murder that may be connected to his own past, offering an atmospheric and suspenseful summer read.
  7. "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt: Lose yourself in this dark and enthralling tale of a group of classics students at an elite college whose lives become entangled in a murder mystery, blending academia with suspense in a compelling narrative.
  8. "Love and Gelato" by Jenna Evans Welch: For a lighter summer read, indulge in this sweet and charming YA romance set in Italy, where a teenage girl uncovers family secrets and finds love amidst the beauty of Florence and the Tuscan countryside.
  9. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: Step into the enchanting world of a mysterious circus that only appears at night, where two young magicians are bound in a magical competition, offering readers a mesmerizing and atmospheric summer escape.
  10. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho: This timeless fable about following your dreams and discovering the true meaning of life is perfect for a summer read, inspiring reflection and adventure during the long, lazy days of the season.

Not a bad list! If you like any of these recommendations, remember, you can request these books and much more through MNLINK!  

Written by

Katie Huynh
Resource Sharing Specialist - Campus Locations
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