This is one of the most important, powerful, and passionate books I have ever read. It’s not just about AI and writing; it’s about what it means to be human. The book articulates in an engaging, accessible way what I deeply believe about writing and teaching. Warner argues that if a task can be completed without any thought or feeling (that is, completed by ChatGPT), it’s usually not worth doing. Indeed, such tasks will kill our students’ interest in writing.

The book discusses the damage done by ChatGPT and other LLMs, but just as importantly, it explains with hope and humor what writing IS for. It should help students assert their identity through developing ideas and processing feelings.

If you are a teacher, student, parent, or writer in any capacity, you need to read this book! I am recommending it to all of my colleagues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Basic Books for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and Instagram, and will also be posted on retail sites upon the book’s publication.