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1. Great book
   Very easy to read. Covering important topics

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2. I devoured this fascinating, beautifully written book.
   Wow. Every once in awhile I pick up a book that really makes me think. Allison Pugh’s latest work is one such book—a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between technology and human connection that is both beautifully written and deeply thought-provoking.I’m not a stranger to debates about AI, but I had never considered the issues that this book raises: how does the rise of AI matter to people’s abilities and opportunities to connect to each other? And what do we lose if we surrender what Pugh calls “connective labor” to AI-powered apps and the like?Drawing from hundreds of interviews with therapists, caregivers, doctors, and teachers, etc—those whose very professions are built on connection—she unpacks the profound implications of substituting human interaction with algorithms and automation. There are some surprising moments where she reveals that people sometimes prefer AI-driven apps to humans…but maybe not for the reasons you’d suspect. The book culminates in a thoughtful examination of how we can cultivate more humane spaces in our doctors’ offices, schools, and beyond—places where care and connection thrive so we don’t feel safer with an app instead of, say, a nurse.For a more general reader, this book offers food for thought about the power of connecting with others and what we might lose in an overly-automated future. For those in the sciences (like me), Pugh’s insights are nothing short of revelatory. She encourages a deeper understanding of the social complexities that accompany technological advancements, highlighting issues that demand our attention as we design or engage with AI in our social lives.In short, this is a book for everyone. It not only challenges our assumptions about technology but also reaffirms the irreplaceable value of the human experience. Pugh’s insights linger long after the final page is turned.Also, for fans of audio-books, like me, the narration is fantastic!

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3. A must-read examination of how artificial intelligence reshapes human connection.
   This book is essential reading for anyone curious about artificial intelligence and its impact on our daily lives. The book is easy-to-read (I finished it in less than a week) in part because the argument is delivered through a series of accessible and compelling stories from real-world caring professionals (like teachers, chaplains, nurses, etc.) whose work is being reshaped by the rise of AI. Through these stories, Pugh reveals what it might mean if we as a society turn over “connective labor” to the AI driven apps that are already emerging; ready to help us manage our mental health, medical decisions, and our children’s learning in schools. This is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read in recent years. I highly recommend it.

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4. Such an important and timely book!
   Allison Pugh captures the indispensable, valuable, imperfect work real people do and what we stand to lose when A.I. takes over. This is such an important book for our times. Everyone should read it!

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5. 300 taxis for Tom Friedman
   The book is numerous repetitions of how bean counting is ruining the ability of care providers/educators to truly connect to their patients/clients. There isn’t much in the way of practical solutions.The biggest issue I had was the author filling 80% of the book with transcripts of her 300 odd interviews, which got old pretty quick. It took till page 243 to read a line that said “Drawing from my own research as well as that of others…”. My dear Prof, that’s what you should have done from Page 1. Even in the chapter titled Conclusions, Pugh is busy reelng out anecdotes.Am clearly not the intended audience for this book, but the editor and publisher have failed themselves.

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