eNewspaper | Crosswords | Horoscopes

Books

Thu May 29 2025

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Thursday, booklovers! This is Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY's books reporter, and this week I want to talk about something that's been on many readers' minds.

Artificial intelligence is sweeping through many industries, often with healthy skepticism from creatives. One recent example is an AI-generated summer reading list featuring fake books that made its way into both the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer. This list was part of a large print insert from a third-party content creator, who has since admitted he used AI to create the list.

Then, First Lady Melania Trump announced the audiobook of her memoir "Melania" would be narrated entirely using AI of her own voice. "A NEW ERA IN PUBLISHING," she posted to X.

Many authors and readers are sounding the alarm about how AI could harm the art they make and consume – after all, 41% of employers intend to downsize their workforce due to AI automation, according to a 2025 World Economic Forum survey, as reported by CNN. I wrote about this and more in an opinion piece this week.

AI is antithetical to everything we are as readers, USA TODAY books reporter Clare Mulroy argues.

ElegantSolution, Getty Images

Here's my take: AI will never match the human intimacy of getting a book recommendation from someone who cares about you. AI can never replace the email exchanges with readers, swapping new and old titles we'd never otherwise pick up. It can never capture rage or laughter or grief in an audiobook narration. It can never cry at the end of a meaningful read. It can't connect a love story to the bench in Central Park that reminded you of what it means to be alive. When you read one of our monthly new release recaps, know that each book is pored over and chosen by a human in hopes of being your next great read.

How do you think AI will impact the publishing industry? Let me know at cmulroy@usatoday.com. Thanks for keeping up with USA TODAY Books!

'Never Flinch' lets Holly Gibney prove Stephen King's still got it

Stephen King's novel "Never Flinch" is the latest to feature recurring protagonist Holly Gibney.

Stephen King's the longtime master of horror. He's also an ace mystery author and private eye Holly Gibney continues to be his muse in "Never Flinch."

READ MORE