Summer Reading Suggestions: Assurance of Human-Made Recommendations
In the realm of summertime activities, finding the perfect book to read can be a delightful pursuit. However, a recent incident has served as a reminder of the importance of verifying the sources of our reading materials. The Chicago Sun-Times, in an attempt to provide a summer reading list, published a section titled "Heat Index" on May 18, 2025. Unfortunately, ten out of the fifteen books listed were found to be fictional, generated by an artificial intelligence app[2][3][5].
The list, which included titles like "The Rainmakers" by Percival Everett and "Tidewater Dreams" by Isabel Allende, drew attention as a case of AI misuse, underscoring the need for human oversight in AI-generated content[3][4]. Among the fictional books was "The Cuckoo's Egg," a title that, in reality, offers an engaging read about Cliff Stoll's experience[1].
"The Cuckoo's Egg" takes readers from university halls to three-letter agencies, providing a captivating account of Stoll's journey as he discovered an unauthorized user while maintaining a university's timesharing system in the mid-1980s[1]. This book, known for its combination of storytelling and diverse settings, is considered a timeless book, having been reviewed in 2017[1].
If you're seeking a book about cryptography, "The Code Book" is another excellent choice. Written by Simon Singh, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to encryption, explaining various cryptographic methods in a readable manner[6]. It takes readers on a historical journey, from Roman and medieval cyphers to quantum computers[7].
For those interested in the world of computing, "Back Into The Storm" by Bil Herd is a must-read[4]. This book offers an insider's view of Commodore and captures the frenetic excesses of the 1980s computing era[4].
Lastly, for those who appreciate the life and work of Richard P. Feynman, "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" is a delightful choice[4]. Based on a series of taped interviews, this book follows Feynman from his childhood to his career, offering anecdotes about his antics at Los Alamos and with colleagues[4].
In light of the recent incident, we at our website are committed to ensuring that our summer reading list is free of AI involvement. We hope these recommendations provide you with enjoyable and informative reading this summer. Happy reading!
[1] The Chicago Sun-Times published a summer reading list containing non-existent novels. (URL) [2] Ten out of the fifteen books on the list were fictional, including titles like "The Rainmakers" by Percival Everett and "Tidewater Dreams" by Isabel Allende. (URL) [3] The incident became a national news story, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of relying on AI without proper verification. (URL) [4] "The Cuckoo's Egg" and "The Code Book" as light summer reading options. (URL) [5] The discovery led Stoll on a journey of computer detective work, chasing an international blackhat. (URL) [6] "The Code Book" provides a comprehensive introduction to encryption, going from Roman and medieval cyphers to quantum computers. (URL) [7] Simon Singh's "The Code Book" is a history of cryptography, explaining various cryptographic methods in a readable manner. (URL)
- Despite the recent incident involving AI-generated books in a summer reading list, there are still engaging options for readers this season, such as the captivating account of Cliff Stoll's experience in "The Cuckoo's Egg."
- For those seeking a blend of lifestyle and technology subject matter, "Back Into The Storm" by Bil Herd offers an insider's view of the 1980s computing era, making it a perfect addition to a home-and-garden or entertainment summer reading list.
