I Read 100 Books Annually, Yet Meta AI Has Difficulty Providing Fresh Suggestions
Discovering Books Through AI Recommendations
Introduction to My Reading Journey
Growing up as a reserved child, I often found solace in the pages of books, especially with an older sibling who dominated our TV time. The adventures penned within novels were infinitely more fascinating than spending lunch alone or rewatching "The Wonder Years." My initial spark for reading was ignited by science fiction, particularly Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, which introduced me to the world of artificial intelligence. However, my reading tastes are broad; I enjoy everything from classic literature by Shakespeare to the quirky tales found on cereal boxes.
My reading habit is voracious, often juggling multiple books at once. I immerse myself in different characters and narratives, much like friends binge-watch their favorite shows. Besides a mountain of physical books, I also have an extensive collection of audiobooks that accompany me on long runs or during drives. As a dedicated book lover, I frequently seek recommendations, whether from Amazon or my local librarian. However, more often than not, I’ve already devoured the suggestions. This time, I decided to challenge an AI to provide new reading options.
Testing Meta AI for Book Recommendations
I confronted Meta AI with a list of my five most recently read books to see if it could suggest something new. My list included:
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
- Roctogenarians by Mo Rocca
- Eat and Get Gas by J.A. Wright
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
This selection represented an eclectic mix of genres, from romantic comedies to insightful essays. To my delight, the AI not only complimented my book choices but also generated a variety of recommendations.
Round One: The First Try
The initial suggestions were commendable, featuring a blend of both newer and older titles; unfortunately, I had already read them all. This prompted me to ask the AI for fresh options, curious to see if it could rise to the challenge.
Round Two: A Second Attempt
In my follow-up prompt, I mentioned enjoying The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and requested five more recommendations. The AI’s response was encouraging, incorporating my favorites while generating a new list. However, much to my dismay, I had read every suggestion once again, except for one title.
Round Three: Digging Deeper
Still determined, I sought to refine my request, opting not to provide feedback on what I had read. Instead, I requested a list based only on my initial five titles. Meta AI, recognizing my reading preferences, produced a list again filled with familiar names, significantly limiting my options. Yet, more books covered the topics of identity, creativity, and connection—these are essential subjects, but diversity across genres is what I crave.
Round Four: Simplifying Feedback
To ensure clarity, I requested a list without mentioning any previous reads, simply stating, “Please recommend 5 more books based on my original list.” The AI mixed suggestions I had already read with new titles and some that didn’t quite resonate with my interests. This brought me closer to my goal but still left gaps in my reading list.
Round Five: Final Recommendations
In my fifth attempt, I conveyed a sense of urgency. I expressed my desire for a few more options directly tied to the authors and themes of my initial selections. This time, Meta AI offered a combination of familiar titles alongside a couple of new recommendations that piqued my interest.
Books suggested included:
- Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
- The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
These two titles seemed promising and were not on my already-read list.
Looking Ahead
Throughout this experiment, I learned that while AI can provide insightful recommendations, its responses are often influenced by the user’s previous comments and choices. There’s a charm in the flattery and personalization of suggestions, but it also reveals limitations in diversity when it comes to genres and themes. I appreciate the technology’s efforts and find value in its suggestions. With newfound titles added to my reading queue, I’m excited to explore these novels and possibly find a lasting new favorite. Given this experience, I would not hesitate to consult Meta AI for book recommendations again, eager to discover more literature along my reading journey.
