AI is everywhere – in phones, workplaces, healthcare, and even household gadgets. But most explanations are full of jargon. These five books cut through the noise and explain AI in plain English.

1. AI Superpowers – Kai-Fu Lee

A clear, engaging overview of how AI works today and how it’s shaping the world. Lee focuses on real-world impact rather than technical detail, making it ideal for beginners.

2. The AI Advantage – Thomas H. Davenport & Rajeev Ronanki

A business-friendly guide to what AI can and can’t do. It explains how organisations use AI in practical ways, without diving into algorithms or maths.

3. Life 3.0 – Max Tegmark

A thoughtful exploration of how AI might evolve in the future. Tegmark avoids technical jargon and instead focuses on big-picture questions about society, work, and human choices.

4. Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans – Melanie Mitchell

A balanced, plain-English explanation of modern AI. Mitchell cuts through hype and fear, helping readers understand what AI is genuinely capable of – and what remains science fiction.

5. Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine – Hannah Fry

A warm, witty introduction to how algorithms affect everyday life. Fry uses stories, not equations, to explain how automated systems shape decisions around us.