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Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI
Do you ever feel like everyone got the AI memo except you?
Six months ago, Wanjiku Kamau was sitting in the Sacramento airport, frantically Googling “What is ChatGPT?” while her dog Champ sighed beside her. After twenty years in tech—at Siemens, Intel, and Google—she’d just lost her job and realized everyone around her was suddenly fluent in AI.
Meanwhile, she was the woman who’d clung to her BlackBerry until 2013.
If you’ve ever nodded along in a conversation about AI, pretending you understood, this book is for you.
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI is part crash course, part personal reinvention story. You’ll learn:
-The surprising reason treating AI like a search engine is completely wrong (and what to do instead)
-The “Times Square Test” that protects your privacy while using AI tools
-Why spectacular failures—like melting dog animations—are actually the fastest path to AI confidence
-The five-category framework that turns AI overwhelm into organized action
-How to keep your authentic voice when everyone says AI will replace human creativity
-The conversation technique Stanford researchers found separates AI beginners from power users
Along the way, Kamau shares the friendship approach that transforms AI from an intimidating technology into a collaborative partner—without losing yourself in the process.
This isn’t another technical manual filled with jargon. It’s a funny, deeply human story about curiosity, burnout, and learning to rebuild a career with help from the very technology that once felt out of reach.
Today, Kamau runs two AI-powered businesses, consults for organizations from political campaigns to beverage brands, and has become the go-to AI guide for friends and executives who swore they were “too old for this tech stuff.”
Grab your copy and discover why being “late to the party” might just be your biggest advantage.
Six months ago, Wanjiku Kamau was sitting in the Sacramento airport, frantically Googling “What is ChatGPT?” while her dog Champ sighed beside her. After twenty years in tech—at Siemens, Intel, and Google—she’d just lost her job and realized everyone around her was suddenly fluent in AI.
Meanwhile, she was the woman who’d clung to her BlackBerry until 2013.
If you’ve ever nodded along in a conversation about AI, pretending you understood, this book is for you.
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI is part crash course, part personal reinvention story. You’ll learn:
-The surprising reason treating AI like a search engine is completely wrong (and what to do instead)
-The “Times Square Test” that protects your privacy while using AI tools
-Why spectacular failures—like melting dog animations—are actually the fastest path to AI confidence
-The five-category framework that turns AI overwhelm into organized action
-How to keep your authentic voice when everyone says AI will replace human creativity
-The conversation technique Stanford researchers found separates AI beginners from power users
Along the way, Kamau shares the friendship approach that transforms AI from an intimidating technology into a collaborative partner—without losing yourself in the process.
This isn’t another technical manual filled with jargon. It’s a funny, deeply human story about curiosity, burnout, and learning to rebuild a career with help from the very technology that once felt out of reach.
Today, Kamau runs two AI-powered businesses, consults for organizations from political campaigns to beverage brands, and has become the go-to AI guide for friends and executives who swore they were “too old for this tech stuff.”
Grab your copy and discover why being “late to the party” might just be your biggest advantage.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 2, 2025
I received an advanced reader's copy of “Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm” by Wanjiku, and I’m thrilled to say this book is a genuine game-changer. Given that my review date is before the official launch, please take my recommendation as a head start and pre-order this book immediately!
Wanjiku has achieved something remarkable: she breaks down the complex world of AI into a structure that is both accessible and actionable. This isn't another book that simply rehashes the basics or offers simple tips like using AI to edit emails or recommend restaurants. Instead, Wanjiku provides practical, high-value insights and use cases that show readers how to move beyond basic utility to truly build a business, and even design a more fulfilling life, using AI as a foundational tool. As someone who works at a tech company and uses AI every day, I was skeptical about whether or not there was more I could learn. Well, I’m happy to report that I still found a ton of valuable and fresh insights sprinkled throughout the book, and I’ve already recommended it to several friends and family members!
What really sets this book apart is the author's refreshing vulnerability and honesty. Wanjiku bravely shares her real-world journey, detailing not only her successes but, more importantly, her failures with AI. This candid approach allows us to learn from her hard-won lessons, saving us from making the same costly mistakes. She makes you feel as though you are right there experiencing these events with her, and her vulnerability is made even more relatable through personal touches, such as mentions of her dog, Champ. I also appreciate that she doesn’t blindly encourage letting AI take over your life, but instead reminds the reader of the value in retaining your creativity and voice while you use AI.
I recommend this book to anyone that is curious to learn more about AI and how to incorporate it into their lives, but I also recommend it to those that think they’ve learned all there is to know. Give it a read and see how it inspires you to get outside your comfort zone and into the algorithm! 😉
Wanjiku has achieved something remarkable: she breaks down the complex world of AI into a structure that is both accessible and actionable. This isn't another book that simply rehashes the basics or offers simple tips like using AI to edit emails or recommend restaurants. Instead, Wanjiku provides practical, high-value insights and use cases that show readers how to move beyond basic utility to truly build a business, and even design a more fulfilling life, using AI as a foundational tool. As someone who works at a tech company and uses AI every day, I was skeptical about whether or not there was more I could learn. Well, I’m happy to report that I still found a ton of valuable and fresh insights sprinkled throughout the book, and I’ve already recommended it to several friends and family members!
What really sets this book apart is the author's refreshing vulnerability and honesty. Wanjiku bravely shares her real-world journey, detailing not only her successes but, more importantly, her failures with AI. This candid approach allows us to learn from her hard-won lessons, saving us from making the same costly mistakes. She makes you feel as though you are right there experiencing these events with her, and her vulnerability is made even more relatable through personal touches, such as mentions of her dog, Champ. I also appreciate that she doesn’t blindly encourage letting AI take over your life, but instead reminds the reader of the value in retaining your creativity and voice while you use AI.
I recommend this book to anyone that is curious to learn more about AI and how to incorporate it into their lives, but I also recommend it to those that think they’ve learned all there is to know. Give it a read and see how it inspires you to get outside your comfort zone and into the algorithm! 😉
November 1, 2025
I was fortunate to be given an advanced reader's copy of Out of the Loop and read it in one afternoon. I wasn't expecting it to be so interesting or readable/relatable. The subject is AI and the author's journey as she realized she hadn't taken the time to learn and grow with AI as it was learning and growing. She gives us her raw, unfiltered experience as she faces her feelings and fears of having been left behind. We accompany her and her little dog Champ as she journeys into the strange new world of AI and learns, with real life experiences and failures, how it can and should be used and how it doesn't.
Like many people, including the author, I had a very limited view of how AI could be effective in my everyday life. And I was quite happy to leave it there. That is until I read this book. Through following the author's story, I gained a newfound appreciation for the possibilities of AI in my life. And lost a lot of my own fear of trying to experiment with it. I am happy and proud to say that I have actually used AI to write a song to show my appreciation for a loved one!
If you're curious about AI at all or feeling like many of us that it's a tool for 'everyone else' except you, then I recommend you read this book. It's insightful in a meaningful way and written in a compelling format that won't bore you to tears the way so many 'how to' books do. Obviously AI is here to stay, so we may as well learn to incorporate it into our lives in a constructive way. Pick up Out of the Loop and begin your journey with AI, just as the author did.
Like many people, including the author, I had a very limited view of how AI could be effective in my everyday life. And I was quite happy to leave it there. That is until I read this book. Through following the author's story, I gained a newfound appreciation for the possibilities of AI in my life. And lost a lot of my own fear of trying to experiment with it. I am happy and proud to say that I have actually used AI to write a song to show my appreciation for a loved one!
If you're curious about AI at all or feeling like many of us that it's a tool for 'everyone else' except you, then I recommend you read this book. It's insightful in a meaningful way and written in a compelling format that won't bore you to tears the way so many 'how to' books do. Obviously AI is here to stay, so we may as well learn to incorporate it into our lives in a constructive way. Pick up Out of the Loop and begin your journey with AI, just as the author did.
October 23, 2025
I received an Advance Reader Copy and highly recommend this book for anyone interested in AI.
In Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm, Wanjiku Kamau invites readers into a personal exploration of feeling left behind with AI and the anxiety it creates. What makes this book so impactful is the way the author draws from real-life experiences (wins and losses) and her real relationships to illuminate her learnings along her journey.
Rather than presenting teachings in a distant or technical way, Wanjiku weaves in real life moments of stories of growth, challenge, and human connection; that make her journey feel both relatable and genuine. It feels less like being taught and more like being guided by a trusted friend. Ironically, this becomes one of her main lessons for engaging AI successfully.
The book takes you through relatable stories and thoughtful reflections, breaking down meaningful concepts into practical learnings. Each chapter leaves you with ideas you can immediately apply in personal life, professional settings, or self-development.
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm is a genuine and insightful read that bridges wisdom with lived experience. Anyone looking for real, applicable guidance on how to get started with AI, shared through honest human stories, will find this book inspiring, entertaining and transformative.
In Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm, Wanjiku Kamau invites readers into a personal exploration of feeling left behind with AI and the anxiety it creates. What makes this book so impactful is the way the author draws from real-life experiences (wins and losses) and her real relationships to illuminate her learnings along her journey.
Rather than presenting teachings in a distant or technical way, Wanjiku weaves in real life moments of stories of growth, challenge, and human connection; that make her journey feel both relatable and genuine. It feels less like being taught and more like being guided by a trusted friend. Ironically, this becomes one of her main lessons for engaging AI successfully.
The book takes you through relatable stories and thoughtful reflections, breaking down meaningful concepts into practical learnings. Each chapter leaves you with ideas you can immediately apply in personal life, professional settings, or self-development.
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm is a genuine and insightful read that bridges wisdom with lived experience. Anyone looking for real, applicable guidance on how to get started with AI, shared through honest human stories, will find this book inspiring, entertaining and transformative.
November 10, 2025
I received an advance copy of this book, and I’m really glad I did. It’s a refreshing, down-to-earth introduction to AI for people who want to understand what all the hype is about but don’t know where to begin.
If you’ve ever felt like AI is only for tech experts, this book proves that’s not true. The author explains things in a friendly, conversational way that makes the concepts easy to grasp. It feels like you’re sitting down with someone who’s already done the heavy lifting and wants to help you do it more efficiently and confidently.
I especially appreciated the real-world examples of how to use AI. They make it easy to imagine how these tools can fit into everyday life, whether at work or at home. The ideas are practical and approachable, and they take the mystery out of it all.
This is a short read! You can get through it quickly, but it still manages to be inspiring and full of useful takeaways. The final chapter includes a simple, actionable plan to help you start putting AI to work right away.
Overall, this is a friendly, motivating guide for anyone who’s curious about AI but is struggling with where to start. It makes the whole topic feel less intimidating and more exciting.
If you’ve ever felt like AI is only for tech experts, this book proves that’s not true. The author explains things in a friendly, conversational way that makes the concepts easy to grasp. It feels like you’re sitting down with someone who’s already done the heavy lifting and wants to help you do it more efficiently and confidently.
I especially appreciated the real-world examples of how to use AI. They make it easy to imagine how these tools can fit into everyday life, whether at work or at home. The ideas are practical and approachable, and they take the mystery out of it all.
This is a short read! You can get through it quickly, but it still manages to be inspiring and full of useful takeaways. The final chapter includes a simple, actionable plan to help you start putting AI to work right away.
Overall, this is a friendly, motivating guide for anyone who’s curious about AI but is struggling with where to start. It makes the whole topic feel less intimidating and more exciting.
November 11, 2025
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI by Wanjiku Kamau. Simply stated - Wanjiku nailed it!
Out of the Loop into the Algorithm is that rare blend of practicality and heart — a book that not only teaches but connects. I loved how it balances genuinely useful insights with personal storytelling and vulnerability, making the lessons feel lived-in rather than theoretical. The author doesn’t just talk about navigating the digital age — they show what it means to evolve, to stay curious, transform and to find authenticity amid the seemingly intimidating world of algorithms.
With all the “alarms” in the media about the disruptive nature of AI - Wanjiku shows you how to face the fear and embrace the change. AI may have been the disruptor but for Wanjiku it was also the driver of reinvention.
This book is a must read. If you’re new to technology, let Wanjiku become your trusted voice creating the bridge between you and technology. If you spent a lifetime in tech (like I have) allow Wanjiku to inspire you to take action and embrace the next wave of change.
Out of the Loop into the Algorithm is that rare blend of practicality and heart — a book that not only teaches but connects. I loved how it balances genuinely useful insights with personal storytelling and vulnerability, making the lessons feel lived-in rather than theoretical. The author doesn’t just talk about navigating the digital age — they show what it means to evolve, to stay curious, transform and to find authenticity amid the seemingly intimidating world of algorithms.
With all the “alarms” in the media about the disruptive nature of AI - Wanjiku shows you how to face the fear and embrace the change. AI may have been the disruptor but for Wanjiku it was also the driver of reinvention.
This book is a must read. If you’re new to technology, let Wanjiku become your trusted voice creating the bridge between you and technology. If you spent a lifetime in tech (like I have) allow Wanjiku to inspire you to take action and embrace the next wave of change.
October 25, 2025
I was lucky to receive an advance reader copy of 'Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI' by Wanjiku Kamau.
What I love most about this book is its tone, it feels like you’re having a relaxed conversation with a friend over coffee. That approach makes it incredibly accessible, especially for readers who might never pick up a book about algorithms or large language models.
At the same time, Wanjiku doesn’t oversimplify the subject. She captures the complexity of our evolving relationship with AI while sharing what has personally worked for her. The message about building confidence, stepping off the treadmill of comparison, and finding your own way with new technology is both inspiring and empowering.
Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting with multiple tools, this book offers relatable insights and practical ideas. It’s full of creative ways to make personal and professional goals more achievable, and maybe even a little more fun, with the help of AI.
What I love most about this book is its tone, it feels like you’re having a relaxed conversation with a friend over coffee. That approach makes it incredibly accessible, especially for readers who might never pick up a book about algorithms or large language models.
At the same time, Wanjiku doesn’t oversimplify the subject. She captures the complexity of our evolving relationship with AI while sharing what has personally worked for her. The message about building confidence, stepping off the treadmill of comparison, and finding your own way with new technology is both inspiring and empowering.
Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting with multiple tools, this book offers relatable insights and practical ideas. It’s full of creative ways to make personal and professional goals more achievable, and maybe even a little more fun, with the help of AI.
November 5, 2025
I was intrigued by the title as I too was out of the loop on AI. Now I am excited to explore the possibilities of using the various tools.
This was a fun read and very educational read!
This was a fun read and very educational read!
October 30, 2025
I received this book via an ARC. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm feels like having coffee with a smart, funny friend who’s been through the tech chaos and lived to tell the tale.
Wanjiku writes with so much honesty about feeling behind. Twenty years into a big corporate career, she suddenly realizes the world has gone all “AI and algorithms,” and she’s figuring out how to catch up without losing herself in the process. It’s part memoir, part pep talk, and part practical guide, all rolled into something that’s actually enjoyable to read.
What stood out to me was how real she is. No tech jargon. No “you must learn to code” pressure. Just simple, encouraging ideas about staying curious, learning new tools, and finding your voice in a fast-changing world.
It’s hopeful without being cheesy, funny without trying too hard, and genuinely useful for anyone who’s ever thought, “Wait, did I miss the memo on all this new tech stuff?” She outlined an approachable way to incorporate AI into your life to organize and complete your goals. Highly recommend this if you’ve ever felt out of your depth at work, or just want to understand how AI fits into everyday life without feeling overwhelmed.
Wanjiku writes with so much honesty about feeling behind. Twenty years into a big corporate career, she suddenly realizes the world has gone all “AI and algorithms,” and she’s figuring out how to catch up without losing herself in the process. It’s part memoir, part pep talk, and part practical guide, all rolled into something that’s actually enjoyable to read.
What stood out to me was how real she is. No tech jargon. No “you must learn to code” pressure. Just simple, encouraging ideas about staying curious, learning new tools, and finding your voice in a fast-changing world.
It’s hopeful without being cheesy, funny without trying too hard, and genuinely useful for anyone who’s ever thought, “Wait, did I miss the memo on all this new tech stuff?” She outlined an approachable way to incorporate AI into your life to organize and complete your goals. Highly recommend this if you’ve ever felt out of your depth at work, or just want to understand how AI fits into everyday life without feeling overwhelmed.
November 11, 2025
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm by Wanjiku Kamau is that rare nonfiction book that feels like a conversation with a close friend—one who happens to deeply understand both AI and how humans actually learn.
Full disclosure: I know the author personally. But I’m reviewing this as an avid reader who devours ~400 books a year—fiction, nonfiction, business, tech. Few manage to make complex topics this approachable and fun.
What really makes this book special is Wanjiku’s ability to blend practical lessons with vivid storytelling. I loved her “spectacular failures,” not just for their humor but their honesty. It’s rare to see someone talk about trial and error so openly—it makes the learning process feel less intimidating and more real. The “Times Square Test” as your litmus test for sharing information online? Brilliant. The way she compares prompting AI to texting a friend “restaurant” and expecting them to read your mind? That one definitely registered.
This book doesn’t just teach AI—it empowers you to use it thoughtfully, confidently, and creatively. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time, reinventing your career, or just want to understand where tech meets human connection, this book delivers.
Full disclosure: I know the author personally. But I’m reviewing this as an avid reader who devours ~400 books a year—fiction, nonfiction, business, tech. Few manage to make complex topics this approachable and fun.
What really makes this book special is Wanjiku’s ability to blend practical lessons with vivid storytelling. I loved her “spectacular failures,” not just for their humor but their honesty. It’s rare to see someone talk about trial and error so openly—it makes the learning process feel less intimidating and more real. The “Times Square Test” as your litmus test for sharing information online? Brilliant. The way she compares prompting AI to texting a friend “restaurant” and expecting them to read your mind? That one definitely registered.
This book doesn’t just teach AI—it empowers you to use it thoughtfully, confidently, and creatively. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time, reinventing your career, or just want to understand where tech meets human connection, this book delivers.
November 11, 2025
For individuals who find artificial intelligence intimidating or who feel it is a concept reserved for others, this book offers a refreshing and vital perspective. The author, Wanjiku, chronicles her personal journey of discovering and engaging with AI.
I found this book to be highly accessible, filled with relatable experiences in Wanjiku's discovery of AI. Wanjiku's engaging and often humorous writing style transforms her story into a valuable resource for anyone who has hesitated to explore the world of AI due to uncertainty.
This book is not a technical "how-to" manual. Instead, the book serves as a candid journal of one person's path toward gaining comfort and confidence in using AI. She openly shares her process, including the inevitable challenges and setbacks, making the journey feel authentic and attainable.
I highly recommend this book. It is an enjoyable and insightful read that successfully demystifies artificial intelligence, making it approachable and relevant for a broader audience.
I found this book to be highly accessible, filled with relatable experiences in Wanjiku's discovery of AI. Wanjiku's engaging and often humorous writing style transforms her story into a valuable resource for anyone who has hesitated to explore the world of AI due to uncertainty.
This book is not a technical "how-to" manual. Instead, the book serves as a candid journal of one person's path toward gaining comfort and confidence in using AI. She openly shares her process, including the inevitable challenges and setbacks, making the journey feel authentic and attainable.
I highly recommend this book. It is an enjoyable and insightful read that successfully demystifies artificial intelligence, making it approachable and relevant for a broader audience.
November 17, 2025
Making Friends with A.I was a delightful and inspirational read. You’ll find humor, honesty, and a resonant story of about being faced with a life changing event and read how the author turned it into a pathway of learning, moving from a student to teacher, or as the author states, from surviving in learning a brand-new unknown, to a place of thriving.
You’ll be invited along this authentic journey and will find yourself cheering for the author throughout and be presented yourself to explore the options of these tools that are reshaping the world. The author includes practical strategies and processes to consider, alongside thoughtful reflections on the ethics of A.I and maintaining your own voice when utilizing, giving readers both guidance and perspective throughout this true story.
You’ll be invited along this authentic journey and will find yourself cheering for the author throughout and be presented yourself to explore the options of these tools that are reshaping the world. The author includes practical strategies and processes to consider, alongside thoughtful reflections on the ethics of A.I and maintaining your own voice when utilizing, giving readers both guidance and perspective throughout this true story.
October 28, 2025
This book is for anyone who is Al curious! Maybe interested, maybe a little scared, or maybe feeling a little anxious about learning something new. I received an advanced readers copy and was quickly introduced to Wanjiku who walks us through her Al journey with her dog Champ. She makes it so relatable that I actually wanted to dive into Al and I am a huge skeptic. She gives the reader tools to be brave enough to stick a toe in the unknown waters of AI. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to learn more about AI from a very practical approach or if you want to just read a story of someone trying something completely new to change their life and future.
November 12, 2025
If you have ever felt sidelined by technology, unsure how to engage with AI, or simply curious about what leaning in might look like, this book is a strong pick. It gives you the mindset, the language, and the confidence to say, “I can work with this and shape how it works for me.” The author’s honesty makes her story deeply relatable, and her message is clear that you do not need to be a tech genius to adapt.
November 7, 2025
I was sent the audio version to preview- no notes! It was so good. Like a girlfriend sharing how to employ the new and intimidating tools of AI, over coffee! The storytelling approach is brilliant and inspires you to jump into AI without intimidation. Also as audio Wanjiku’s narration cadence is calming, engaging, and simply a pleasant listen!
November 22, 2025
i lived this book. informative and digestible. a great introspective and introduction to both author and AI. great read and i felt like a truly learned something!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews