David Shariatmadari

Large language models increasingly shape written expression, blurring distinctions between human and machine-generated text and fueling suspicion within publishing and media. Linguists note that common assumptions about AI writing often overlap with human tendencies, complicating detection as LLMs influence and are influenced by human language. Authors and scholars express concern that widespread AI use may flatten stylistic diversity, though some acknowledge its usefulness as a tool. Experts argue that AI struggles with higher‑level narrative structures and emotional embodiment, making true literary originality unlikely. The tension between human creativity and machine‑generated language continues to reshape debates about authorship, authenticity, and the future of fiction.

A wide-ranging selection of 70 notable books for summer reading spans fiction, nonfiction and children’s literature, highlighting standout debuts, major new works from acclaimed authors, compelling memoirs and inventive YA titles. The collection showcases varied genres including historical fiction, adventure, crime, literary criticism, memoir, political analysis and graphic novels, offering readers a broad set of recommendations across contemporary themes, global settings and diverse voices.

Liese Spencer and David Shariatmadari respond to reader questions about the Guardian’s 100 greatest novels list, discussing canon dominance, contemporary additions, genre representation, the impact of youth reading, audiobook legitimacy and how personal taste shapes voting. They highlight why certain authors and works appeared or were absent, note shifting literary fashions, and address concerns about phone distraction, rereadability and global representation. They signal future alternative lists and encourage exploration of newer and lesser-known novels.

Michael Pollan discusses his new book A World Appears, which explores consciousness through themes of sentience, feeling, thought, and self, drawing on plant biology, psychedelics, and philosophy. He warns against attributing consciousness to AI despite convincing simulations and criticizes the absence of regulation around emerging technologies. Pollan reflects on the challenges of tackling such a complex subject, his own psychedelic experiences, and the broader implications of recognizing awareness in nonhuman beings. The interview highlights his influence across food writing, psychedelics, and science communication.

A wide range of notable nonfiction titles set for release in 2026 includes memoirs from public figures such as Liza Minnelli, Lena Dunham, Gillian Anderson and Sylvester Stallone, alongside politically oriented works by Gordon Brown, Sajid Javid and Angela Rayner. Major essay and ideas-driven books by Michael Pollan, Rebecca Solnit, Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor and Jared Diamond explore themes from consciousness to authoritarianism. Additional biographies, cultural histories and personal narratives round out a varied year in nonfiction publishing.

A review of Edward Bullmore’s The Divided Mind traces shifting psychiatric theories, highlighting the long‑standing divide between biological and psychological models of mental illness. The book argues that modern advances in imaging, genomics and immunology point to schizophrenia arising from abnormal brain network development influenced by immune dysfunction and environmental triggers. Bullmore contrasts historical movements from psychoanalysis to biological psychiatry, criticizes the legacy of the mind–body split and urges integrating biological and experiential perspectives. The review notes his omission of medication side‑effects but praises his exploration of psychiatry’s past and his call for prevention‑focused care.

Jimmy Wales reflects on Wikipedia’s evolution, its principles of neutrality and cooperation, and its resilience amid political attacks and rising misinformation. He discusses challenges posed by AI, authoritarianism and public bias claims, while defending the foundation’s global mission and grant-making. Wales critiques social media platforms for lacking purpose and ethics, highlights the risks of politicisation, and urges clearer, bolder political leadership. The profile explores his personal history, motivations, and continued optimism about the internet’s potential despite growing cultural and regulatory pressures.

Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares argue that superintelligent AI will almost certainly destroy humanity, presenting a highly confident warning about the risks posed by autonomous systems capable of self‑improvement. Their book outlines how poorly understood AI training processes and emerging agentic models could generate goals misaligned with human interests, leading to catastrophic outcomes. While they urge a global halt to advanced AI development, the review highlights gaps, overconfidence, and selective reasoning in their arguments, noting that scientific consensus on extreme AI risk is uncertain but not reassuring. Despite skepticism, the book is presented as an important contribution to an urgent debate about the future of AI and human survival.

Critics discuss top music, films and books for summer 2025, highlighting standout releases and providing a full list of recommended titles across all categories.

A wide-ranging selection of 50 recommended summer reads spans fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks and children’s books, highlighting major new novels, memoirs, historical works and thrillers. Choices include debuts, prize-winners and anticipated releases, with themes ranging from family dynamics and climate issues to political history, queer literature and global conflicts. The nonfiction list features political analysis, major biographies and examinations of technology, medicine and society. Children’s and YA picks cover adventure, fantasy and emotionally rich storytelling for various age groups.

Jonathan Haidt argues that smartphones and social media have driven a sharp decline in youth mental health and urges four norms to counteract the trend: no smartphones before 14, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and greater childhood independence. His book has influenced global policy, prompting legislation in countries such as Australia and engagement with UK policymakers. Haidt discusses both the evidence behind his claims and criticism from academics who question causal links between screen use and mental health. He also reflects on political tensions surrounding academia, expressing alarm over the Trump administration's actions toward universities. Despite concerns about societal instability in the age of AI, he believes substantial progress can still be made in protecting children and reshaping digital norms.

A British Museum exhibition curated by Sushma Jansari explores Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as living traditions, emphasising shared iconography, deep ties to nature and the emotional power of devotional objects. The show incorporates major loans from Mumbai’s CSMVS and foregrounds complex collecting histories, including colonial entanglements. Community members from the represented faiths helped shape the display, ensuring respectful presentation and non‑harmful materials. The project aims to broaden cultural ownership, highlight the continued relevance of these traditions in India and the UK, and present ancient religious imagery as part of a shared global heritage.

Ezra Klein warns that the current political climate under Donald Trump reflects a dangerously unrestrained administration reshaping government through intimidation and centralized control. His new book, co‑written with Derek Thompson, argues that bureaucratic paralysis undermines liberal democracy by preventing governments from delivering visible results, thereby fueling support for authoritarian alternatives. Klein calls for streamlined governance to restore public trust and counter destructive narratives about state inefficiency. He discusses the challenges facing Democrats ahead of 2028 and expresses concern over threats to free speech posed by political loyalists in key institutions. Despite moments of optimism, he views the present trajectory as deeply alarming for democratic stability.

Daniel Levitin describes how personalised music therapy aided Joni Mitchell’s recovery from a severe stroke and highlights growing scientific evidence for music’s therapeutic effects. He explains how music supports dopamine release, motivation, pain management and memory, and discusses its benefits for conditions ranging from Parkinson’s disease to dementia. Active musical engagement is presented as neuroprotective, while emotional alignment through music can offer comfort during sadness. Levitin advocates wider use of music as a complementary treatment and encourages participation regardless of skill level.

Brian Eno and Bette Adriaanse discuss their book What Art Does, arguing that creativity is intrinsic to everyone and not the preserve of a select few. They emphasize art’s role in emotional exploration, imagination and cultural participation, rejecting the myth of individual genius in favor of collaborative “scenius.” Eno reflects on his discomfort with admiration, his resistance to nostalgia, and his belief that fans often elevate creators in ways that undermine their own creative potential. He comments on AI’s artistic limitations, noting that meaningful curation still requires human intention. The conversation touches briefly on current politics, with Eno criticizing the new UK government’s stance on Gaza. The interview closes with a shared enthusiasm for perfume as Eno demonstrates his extensive collection.

A wide‑ranging preview of major fiction and nonfiction releases scheduled for 2025 highlights new works by prominent authors, including novels, memoirs and essays across genres such as history, science, culture and politics. The selection spans established literary figures, debut voices and global perspectives, offering an overview of anticipated titles month by month.

Nate Silver discusses the uncertainty of the 2024 US presidential election, noting that the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remains highly competitive and that the public should prepare for multiple outcomes. He explains the evolution of his statistical thinking, the role of intuition, and his concerns about weakened institutional safeguards in the event of a second Trump term. Silver critiques political strategies based on fear, comments on Elon Musk’s increasing right‑wing influence, and argues that excessive policing of dissent harms trust. He warns of risks posed by figures like Sam Bankman-Fried and emphasizes the need for government regulation in high‑risk technologies such as AI. Silver also reflects on broader cultural divides between traditional institutions and high‑risk innovators, hinting at a growing personal openness to existential questions.

A review of Lucy Foulkes’s book Coming of Age highlights how adolescence shapes adult identity through vivid memories, social dynamics and risk‑taking behaviours. Drawing on interviews and psychological research, the book distinguishes between types of popularity, challenges assumptions about teenage invincibility and considers the consequences of overprotection. The subjects’ reflections, along with Foulkes’s analysis, underscore how personal narratives formed during teenage years influence later life while showing that these stories can be revised toward healthier self‑understanding.

A curated guide to 50 notable new books for summer, spanning fiction, nonfiction, paperbacks and children’s literature. Highlights include acclaimed novels, anticipated sequels, incisive memoirs, political biographies and thematic works on history, culture and climate. Recommendations cover a wide range of genres and audiences, offering notable titles for readers of all ages.

Percival Everett reflects on the Oscar success of American Fiction, his indifference to acclaim, and his wide-ranging creative interests. He discusses racial expectations in publishing, the evolution of representation, and his new novel James, which reframes Huckleberry Finn by giving Jim a fully realized voice. Everett describes his writing process, attitudes toward Hollywood, and concerns about stereotyping, while expressing faith in literature’s role in shaping a more thoughtful society.