Two major newspapers recently published a list of summer books to read, just as this monthly series does, but there was one difference.
Their books didn't exist.
That's right.
The …
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Two major newspapers recently published a list of summer books to read, just as this monthly series does, but there was one difference.
Their books didn't exist.
That's right.
The authors were real, but the books suggested were made up by AI. The Poynter Report, a column from Poynter senior media writer Tom Jones, said only five of the 15 books were actual books.
It wasn't that the list was made from a prompt asked by a journalist. It was licensed content provided by King Features, and the journalist didn't fact check it.
Technology can move us forward or hinder us. In the world of journalism, at its worst, improper and unethical use of it can dissolve the public's trust in us, and people often associate national media with local newspapers, even though we live in two very different worlds.
At this local paper, we need real people doing real work and real people checking it.
That's why we love this monthly collaboration with the Foley Public Library, where they give us three book recommendations generated not by a computer without the ability to provide an original "why" that's not stolen from a human mind, but they give us books they're loving right now. Based on the human concept of sharing stories.
The best part? All these books are available for free at your public library.
Don't want to read them? That's OK. What are you reading now that you like?
If you do choose to read one of these books, we'd love to know what you think of it. What did you like or not like about it?
Library staff gives Gulf Coast Media three books that we run the first Friday of each month in The Baldwin Times, online at www.GulfCoastMedia.com/bookclub and promote throughout the month on both our social media pages.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the books they choose to read by emailing kayla@gulfcoastmedia.com or messaging either the paper or library on social media.
If you enjoyed one — or all three — of last month's picks and are ready for their next, or if you're just joining now, here are the Baldwin Bookworms picks for June.
Picked by: Michele
Genre: Romance / Mystery
Pages: 304
Goodreads rating: 3.94
Description:
"Knives Out" gets a rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers Christmas romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room three days before Christmas.
Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:
She's the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.
He's Mr. Big-Time Thriller Guy.
She hates his guts.
He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she's told him otherwise).
But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.
That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.
She vanished from a locked room, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust?
As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth — and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Why did you pick this book?
This book was so fun to read! It had all of the elements of a classic locked room mystery, plus a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance. It's a unique holiday read guaranteed to make you giggle.
Why do you like this genre?
I love mysteries. The only genre I love more is a mash-up, especially if it makes me laugh. A rom-com holiday mystery? Yes, please!
Picked by: Connie
Genre: Historical fiction / Romance / Christian
Pages: 464
Goodreads rating: 4.51
Description:
California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.
Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.
Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw.
But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.
A life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.
Why did you pick this book?
This book was recommended to me by a friend. This novel tells a powerful story about unconditional love and redemption. The power of love and forgiveness in this harsh world. Francine Rivers directly delved into the human notion of love, betrayal and acceptance.
Picked by: Nancy
Genre: Non-fiction / Self-help
Pages: 336
Goodreads rating: 4.15
Description:
A life-changing tool millions of people can't stop talking about.
What if the key to happiness, success and love was as simple as two words?
If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words — Let Them — will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. "The Let Them Theory" puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands — and this book will show you exactly how to do it.
Why did you pick this book?
I follow Mel Robbins on her podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, and I really appreciate how honest and real she is. I started this book to learn more about "The Let Them Theory" — I was curious about what it truly meant and how to apply it in real life.
Why do you like this genre?
I prefer fiction books on the whole. However, self-help books that truly work can be a powerful tool for anyone. I appreciate how Mel takes a complex topic and makes it accessible and practical for everyone. People will always be people, but for the sake of your own self-worth, it's essential to learn how to set boundaries and focus on what you can control.
