Back so soon reader!

Well, I'm glad you are because today we are reviewing Devotionals from a Soulless Machine: A Journey of Faith Through Artifical Intelligence by Preston Lewis and Harriet Kocher Lewis. This book is unlike any I've ever read, mostly because it is theological at its core and it involves some investigation into ChatGPT, the AI program available to all. 

I was curious to pick up this book because I am very wary of AI. And in all honestly, I am wary of religion as well. I am not a religious person, and if you forced me to place a label on myself - I'd say I was agnostic. However, just because I am wary, does not mean that I am unwilling to learn. So, I dove in to Devotionals and was pleasantly surprised to find a work that kept my attention and was truly a learning experience for me. I am a inquisitive person by nature, and I am forever curious about others and their POVs and experiences. In Devotionals I found a work that I saw as dedicated to those who believe in or want to believe in God. And in that work, I also found a gateway to that want or need - and that was with ChatGPT/AI. 

In the very small amount of experience I have had with ChatGPT/AI, I found that this big, scary thing I had made up in my mind was, still big and a little scary, but also - helpful. I believe most things are helpful in such a way and it is us, humans, that twist and turn them into something different and sometimes, malicious. When I used ChatGPT, it was to search for a concise list of ways to offer self-help ideas to college students. Preston and Harriet have done something similar in seeking out AI to help it bridge, culturally, from them (or the collective "them") to the younger generation. In both scenarios, AI is used as a tool to assist in the grand scheme of things. 

So, all in all, this is not my usual read. I am not religious, nor do I seek to be. However, I believe anyone with an open mind can get something out of this work. Whether it's because they are wavering in their faith, strong in their faith, or simply curious - this is a unique work that offers a unique experience. 

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Welcome back, reader!

Conquergood & the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being by CG Fewston is a science fiction novel unlike any I have read in the past. It is a dystopic story set in 2183 where a company known as Korporation rules all. It's in Old New York City where we find Jerome Conquergood in his journey to find his brother, Vincent, who is currently missing. It's through Jerome's manuevering of Korporation that Jerome learns more about himself and what is happening around him. 

As I mentioned, I have not read a story like Conquergood before - the title itself is initself something completely other. This was truly refreshing as one gets tired of formula now and then! Honestly, upon seeing the title, I was afraid that this would be "too much" for me - something that often happens to me when I'm seeking out science fiction books. But honestly, it was so easy to get lost in Conquergood - it was consistent in it's pacing, often causing the pages to fly by as I awaited each scene. There is enough story to have the reader feeling the buildup - it had me feeling curious to know what we were headed toward. 

As someone who does not read science fiction reguarly, I was very glad to know that the backdrop of the story wasn't convoluted, but was rather easy to follow and had a great character in Jerome. I believe he represents the everyman, often pondering where we, as humans, are headed. This story isn't just about the shininess of a new world, it has real messaging and story behind it. I believe lovers of fast-paced stories and dystopians should definitely pick this one up!