Top 5 Books to Learn About AI in 2026
- Angela Novelli
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
As 2026 rolls around, many of us are setting up brand new goals and strategies to implement and achieve during these coming months. For businesses both big and small, we are exploring innovative ways to expand and grow, by reaching more clients, enhancing efficiency and productivity, introducing new services, and/or contributing more to our communities. There is much to learn and to adapt into company operations across industries, and this new year provides a great opportunity to move forward with new knowledge.
Knowledge can be found from several different sources, whether it be colleagues and mentors or through online forums, though one of the most traditional ways is by reading books. Studies show that 42% of college graduates never read another book after college, though reading has the potential to improve mental focus, emotional intelligence, writing skills, and concentration overall. Through books, authors can share their knowledge and experiences via guides, stories, and manuals that are stocked with knowledge that is waiting to be absorbed.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a huge part of every industry around the world, transforming businesses in innovative ways and enhancing the work of human employees. However, there is still much to learn, whether you are considered an expert in the field or a beginner. There is a strength in knowing that our minds can continue to take in additional knowledge in order to help build and shape these technologies to grow our businesses.
We have listed five excellent examples of the top books to add to your reading list for 2026 if you are interested in learning more about AI and how it can help you and your company grow.
AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand
Author: Adam Brotman and Andy Sack
AI is set to become a major part of the future of business, leading many different companies to adopt an “AI first” strategy for growth and innovation. This book, written by Adam Brotman, former chief digital officer at Starbucks as well as Andy Sack, tech visionary and former adviser to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, guides the reader through what it means to be “AI first.” There are several insights from industry leaders including Sam Altman, Bill Gates, and Reid Hoffman, as well as different case studies highlighting the potential of adapting AI into the core of company operations.
This Playbook is a great resource for companies that might be behind in embracing AI, or those that have completed their implementation but wish to learn more about the future of AI in business. As AI continues to grow, it is important to keep up with the latest developments and trends in order to remain competitive and achieve the most benefit from innovative technologies. This is an insightful read when it comes to planning for an AI-powered future.
More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead
Author: Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter
The potential within technology tools and systems lies in how people use it. Business leaders have the power to enhance their work and automate different administrative tasks in order to focus more on human-centered activities and strategies. The authors of this book, founder and managing partner of Potential Project Rasmus Hougaard and senior partner Jacqueline Carter, delve into insights and experiences from more than a hundred CEOs and executives across a range of industries and top AI experts which add to this guide on transforming leadership through AI.
The focus of this book is on using AI as an augmentor – one that allows leaders to strengthen human qualities like awareness, wisdom, and compassion in order to enable their organizations to be more human. This helps those that fear that AI will only decrease the human connection that comes out of businesses that embrace technology, explaining how AI can enhance the opposite.
Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence
Author: Kate Crawford
In this book, award-winning scholar Kate Crawford talks about her journey through the mining sites, factories, and vast data collections needed to make AI function. Using over a decade of research and experiences, she delves into how the AI infrastructures used by big tech companies are negatively impacting the environment and putting hard work onto low-wage employees. In addition, Crawford’s findings have shown that these companies have increased their water consumption by 40% with the use of generative AI.
John Thornhill of the Financial Times calls Atlas of AI “a valuable corrective to much of the hype surrounding AI and a useful instruction manual for the future.” Readers can explore the hidden costs of AI and learn more about the importance of implementing AI that is responsible and ethical, focusing on the betterment of people and the planet. Atlas of AI was named one of the best books on technology in 2021 by the Financial Times.
The Scaling Era: An Oral History of AI, 2019–2025
Author: Dwarkesh Patel
The author compiles in-depth interviews with leading AI researchers and company founders including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, DeepMind cofounder Demis Hassabis, OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever, MIRI cofounder Eliezer Yudkowsky, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in this recently released book on AI. Artificial intelligence is growing at a rapid rate, and author Dwarkesh Patel writes about many different relevant definitions, visualizations, and explanations to paint a comprehensive portrait of this technology that is shaping much of the world today.
In this book, navigate how large language models (LLMs) work and the implications they have for economic growth and societal impact. Explore how AI has scaled and will continue to do so over the years to come as well as future concepts including AGI and superintelligence, and what they could mean for the future of technology.
Generative AI in Practice: 100+ Amazing Ways Generative Artificial Intelligence is Changing Business and Society
Author: Bernard Marr
This book is written by renowned futurist Bernard Marr who takes the reader on a journey through the world of generative AI and its impact. It is a great option for those that wish to learn more about GenAI and explore 100 different ways it is affecting society and business, shaping different industries on a grand scale. The trajectory of GenAI will continue to evolve and expand with new advancements and innovative strategies, and much of that influence will be covered in this comprehensive guide.
In 2026, many leaders and business owners are going to be looking for new ways to drive change in their businesses, and this book is an excellent tool to help them understand how GenAI can be used to do so. In addition, readers can learn about the risks and challenges associated with this technology, so that they are well-informed and prepared to integrate GenAI in a responsible manner.
Books are a great way to expand our knowledge on technology and what the future could hold in terms of their integration into the world. Join the discussion on our LinkedIn as we continue to share weekly insights on the latest in AI and more.
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
– Jim Rohn, Author & Entrepreneur