Work in Progress
James Martin W82
HarperCollins Publishers
In his self-described “spiritual memoir from a different angle,” Martin — a priest whose writing and life have been covered by Wharton Magazine — takes us from his boyhood to his future. His jobs in the 1960s through the 1980s, including stints as a busboy and a factory worker, taught him compassion toward others. For anyone interested in religion, personal anecdotes, or even life in the 20th century (the book has an accompanying playlist of music), Martin’s memoir is a humorous, thought-provoking journey through time.
What Art Is Now: Creativity in the Age of AI
Michael Jones WG74 and Michael Caballes
Bloomsbury Publishing
In the AI era, it seems we can generate everything from emails to even art almost instantly. What need is there for creative work from humans? This book dives into that question, exploring such disciplines as history, law, and neuroscience as well as investigating issues like whether AI itself can actually utilize original thinking and whether or not AI-generated art constitutes copyright infringement. At a time when creativity seems under threat, this book makes a case for the value of human artistry.
Mommy, Do You Love Me Always?
Karina Castagna WG10
Castagna Press
“Do you love me always?” asks a young girl named Gianna in happy times, sad times, and confusing times. She learns that no matter what emotions she may be feeling, her mom’s love for her remains constant. Inspired by questions from the author’s daughter, this fun picture book, with vibrant watercolor illustrations supplementing the story, is a comforting reminder of familial love for young and old.
AI Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, & Our Future
Benjamin Shiller GRW11
Turing Press, LLC
Shiller, an associate professor of economics at Brandeis University, explores how AI impacts many different facets of society, including job security, education, research, and travel. Supplemented with hard data and entertaining anecdotes, the book explains where work and technology have been, where they may be going, and ultimately what humans can do now to improve their world for the AI-enhanced future.
Under the Crucian Sun: A Memoir of Place
Cynthia McVay G88 WG88
Living in a Place
In a sequel to her previous memoir, A Field of My Own, McVay details her arrival on St. Croix in 2018. She bought a midcentury house, then spent a year renovating it and exploring St. Croix — everything from crabs to snorkeling — along the way. McVay’s memoir includes hundreds of photographs and life lessons, both personal and practical, that she learned while trying to renovate the house and follow the sun.
Visualizing Generative AI: How AI Paints, Writes, and Assists
Priyanka Vergadia GEN11 WG25 and Valliappa Lakshmanan
O’Reilly
The authors explain the practical uses of generative artificial intelligence in this introduction to the technology, exploring a variety of concepts, from coding with AI to using it for data analysis and marketing. Their insights are supplemented with research, anecdotes, and engaging illustrations recapping key concepts. This informative guide is useful for all those looking to improve their knowledge of AI.
The Startup Squad: One for the Dogs: A Graphic Novel
Brian Weisfeld WG97 and Bonnie Bader
Philomel Books
In this graphic novel for kids — part of Weisfeld’s series The Startup Squad — a young, ambitious girl named Resa helps out at her grandma’s shop in New York. When her ideas seem unappreciated, she learns about friendship, planning, and being flexible. Partly fiction and partly business advice, the book includes practical tips for aspiring founders to help them make their visions a reality.
Jessica and the River Fairies: A Story of Love, Loss, and the Magic of Healing
Jeffrey Blander W93 and Ann Blander
Independently published
When a young girl named Jessica first experiences the grief of loss, she finds a path forward with help from a spotted toad and some river fairies. This novel, developed from a story that Jeffrey Blander’s mom wrote for him when he was a child, teaches kids about love and resilience and helps them see that we can always hold onto loved ones. To augment the book’s mission of bringing healing and hope, all proceeds from sales support charities that help people cope with loss.
