Human Again: In the AI Age

by J.D. Macpherson

Human Again: In the AI Age is a fast, reflective narrative nonfiction book about identity, burnout, and the strange experience of talking to a machine in the middle of the night. Part memoir, part cultural commentary, and part “what the hell is happening to us?”, it’s a human story about leveraging AI without losing your soul.

Told with wit, honesty, and emotional precision, Human Again follows journalist J.D. Macpherson as she wrestles with digital overwhelm, self-doubt, the erosion of creativity, and the fear of outsourcing too much of her mind.

Genres: Nonfiction

266 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2025

About the author

J.D. Macpherson is an author and journalist who works in the messy middle, turning complex ideas into stories people want to read. Relentless, jargon-allergic, and unmistakably human, she cuts through hype with a reporter’s instinct. A Canadian with a background in theatre and philosophy, Macpherson loves people-watching and finding beauty in unexpected places. She has an especially soft spot for chicken katsu.

Reviews

[Piper Laksari-Minenco]

I’ve chosen not to review this with any particular star amount on Goodreads because the last thing I would ever want to do is discourage a new author, and I don’t believe this is deserving of a negative rating. I would also like to express that I did not go into this book with the intention of disliking it. I genuinely found the premise interesting. Many people are already losing their sense of self due to AI and I was intrigued by the idea of a book that helps people regain their humanity and remember what makes them so incredible in the first place.

Unfortunately, I did not agree with much of the book. Despite being called ‘Human Again’, there is a great deal of erasure of soul. The author mentions that AI cannot think, and there are sections speaking about the importance of human experiences – e.g travel, taste, and our ‘weirdness’ (in the author’s words) – but this sentiment does not seem consistent throughout the book and is always spoiled by mentions of how you can use these experiences to help refine AI’s suggestions. This continues nearing the end of the book also, as the author suggests that improving what AI gives you takes skill and does not ‘eliminate effort’. This, to me, misses the entire point of why human experiences are as valuable as they are: discovery. We are constantly learning new things about ourselves and the way in which we think, every time we try. I truly do not see why someone would want to refine a machine’s ideas as opposed to creating something of their own and growing from it. We leave so much of ourselves in our work and in what we do. I have rewritten several sentences in this review in order to express myself better, and I’ve learned how I use certain words and phrases in doing so. Everything I have ever read, every conversation I have ever had, has helped shape my opinions and ideas. If I gave an AI a list of my thoughts, it would be able to write this review in a few short seconds, but it would ultimately change the heart of those thoughts in the process. I could read through what AI has given me and add personal touches, but it would never be enough. Every word I am choosing is intentional, whether I realise it or not. AI cannot be shaped by its experiences because it doesn’t have them. It can only take from what is publicly available online, which I do consider to be plagiarism, despite what the writer may think. More than that, if an AI can immediately spit out the answers, what is the point in doing anything at all? What is the point of being alive if not to learn and grow and discover new information and ideas you hadn’t previously considered, over time? There is something distinctly human about finding yourself in a confusing and difficult world. We are bettering ourselves every day just by being conscious and having unique thoughts, and that is wonderful.

At multiple points throughout the book, the author suggests the use of AI to analyse movements, particularly in reference to sports or other physical activities. One example given is using AI to analyse golf swings so that the AI can correct your movements so that you don’t have to try as much or as many times to get it right. To me, this ignores what makes success feel so rewarding – the trying, the failing, the figuring things out for yourself. I don’t want a robot to tell me exactly how to make a perfect golf swing; I want to keep attempting until I actually find the best angle and the right amount of pressure, because that is what will make me feel pride in my abilities. I don’t want a soulless piece of technology directing my body when it comes to any kind of sport because perfection is not passion, and passion is what makes an activity worth it. I think the best example I can give you is the film, ‘The Life of Chuck’. For those who haven’t watched the movie, there is a scene in which Chuck - played by Tom Hiddleston - begins dancing to a drum beat on his way to work. Yes, an AI could have analysed Tom Hiddleston’s movements and told him how to make them look absolutely flawless. But the reason that scene is so incredible is because it’s not perfect. It’s spontaneous and beautiful and real, and an AI cannot make that happen. It is pure devotion and effort. It is feeling so motivated to create something special that Tom Hiddleston quite literally burned holes in his shoes due to dancing. It is humanity, plain and simple.

The suggested AI uses also get quite concerning at points. For example, the author outlines how AI can be used in the context of therapy to generate personalised dialogues and scenarios. This is a serious privacy concern, and I truly do not understand why this is framed as a benefit of AI. Patient details are confidential and an AI should not have access to them. There have already been cases of AIs suggesting methods of self-harm and suicide to those who have opened up to it, and this is not something to be taken lightly. AI has caused people to lose touch with reality. It has groomed them into believing impossible ideas, because an AI is trained to tell you exactly what you want to hear. The author highlights that interactions with AI can leave individuals with a feeling of self-satisfaction, and that is exactly why AI can be so dangerous. It will not prioritise your safety over your ego. AI should not be used in therapy. AI should also not be used as a friend, lest you want to exist in an echo chamber.

The author describes using AI for small tasks as being akin to using electricity for a desk lamp and nothing else. Based on everything outlined in this book, I’m inclined to disagree. Using AI for something very small – like to find synonyms, a use the writer admits to – seems to be the equivalent of giving in to the temptation to smoke a cigarette for the first time. Once you’ve had a taste, you start to use AI for more and more tasks that it doesn’t need to be used for. It’s like taking another and another cigarette until you’re up to smoking a full pack a day. Yet that isn’t quite enough for you now that you know how much it helps. You start to use AI for bigger tasks and you stop working hard and stop thinking for yourself. Suddenly, you’re addicted. AI being used to this extent is harmful to the individual and harmful to the environment. It is not a light in the darkness; it is a fire that can do nothing but consume.

The future outlined in ‘Human Again’ is incredibly bleak, and it is one I refuse to accept. Resistance to AI is not, as the author claims, self-sabotage. AI may have uses in the field of medicine (which is briefly referenced nearing the book’s conclusion), but its presence in regular life is questionable at the very best. Ultimately, the way we can maintain our humanity in future is not by embracing AI. Maintaining humanity is achieved by choosing to keep discovering even when you’re told there’s nothing left to. Maintaining humanity is choosing to keep doing, because every activity is a lesson and a way to remind yourself that you’re doing something incredible. You’re responding to that email you’ve been putting off for ages instead of asking a robot to write it for you, because you know you’ll be proud of yourself for getting through it. You’re reading over that long research article instead of asking an AI to summarise it because you know that every word of it is valuable, and you know you’ll end up finding an interesting idea you hadn’t thought about along the way. You’re putting in the effort to go and search for a damn thesaurus so you can read and remember the synonyms instead of just copying and pasting an AI response. This is what living is, and it’s the hardest and most rewarding thing you can ever do.

Thank you for reading my review.

[Alexandre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and found it to be a fresh, engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt take on what it means to live in the age of AI. The author is very good at turning big ideas into clear, vivid stories, and the result is a book that feels both practical and deeply human.
Despite my own apprehensions about AI (brain rot, job disruption, and energy concerns), I appreciated the author’s unique pov. This isn’t a book about how to use AI. It's about reframing how we think, create, and make decisions in a world where AI is suddenly everywhere. The reflections on creativity and the ways we use (or misuse) AI are sharp without sounding alarmist.
There are also honest, funny moments that make the book read like a conversation with someone who has already asked all the uncomfortable questions I've been wondering about. A very timely, smart, funny, and genuinely thought-provoking book. I recommend it to those curious about AI and looking for a grounded, human-focused way to make sense of it.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Books on the many facets of AI have been on my reading list for a while now. Generally speaking, they fall into two major categories: the hand-wringing writings of those who fear the changes AI will impose upon humanity, and those gleefully cheering the wonders that AI will bring. This book falls squarely in the latter camp.

J.D. MacPherson has presented a book that at times reads like a very competent collection of how-to articles for working with AI tools, and at others feels suspiciously like a sales promo for ChatGPT et al. There were times I definitely felt like I was reading AI-generated prose. I do appreciate the supporting links to articles and outside information sources, but, again, I found those to be largely skewed to the positive.

Since MacPherson did make the attempt to address the dangers of working with the box, I feel justified in taking one step back and looking at the box itself. AI does not run on the power of your laptop’s processor. Huge data centers consuming city-sized amounts of fossil fuel-produced electricity and guzzling reservoirs of cooling water are required to support a single AI. Until AI helps us truly master clean energy, it will remain a net drain on our energy resources.

The other area where I felt the book fell short in its coverage of AI challenges is in human capital. Many references were made to how AI will make the motivated more productive, and those that are displaced can be refocused in other areas. However, our society is not comprised primarily of young movers and shakers, and AI adoption has the potential to displace human workers far faster than they can be “repurposed”. The speed at which AI is capable of changing our society far exceeds that of any previous technology, and we need to keep that ever in mind as we make decisions on where, when, and how we adopt and integrate it.

Honestly, I would have liked this book better if it were stripped down and refocused specifically as a user manual for integrating AI into your writing and professional practices. (MacPherson has clearly taken the leap to incorporate AI into many of the aspects of her life and seems quite happy with it.) While her enthusiasm in highlighting the potential of AI was thorough, her attempt at fairly representing the downside risks of AI, in my opinion, fell short of equitable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iread this as a NetGalley ARC and this is my honest review.

I was curious about this book because the premise felt timely. JDM sets out to guide readers through the confusing emotional and practical territory of living and working alongside artificial intelligence. At its heart, the book wants to reassure us that our creativity and our choices still matter, even as new tools reshape the way we write, think and work. That intention comes through clearly, and it gives the book an encouraging and accessible tone. That she has used AI is another facet of the entire discussion.

One of the strengths of Human Again is its focus on practicality. JDM offers simple frameworks, everyday examples and conversational explanations that make the topic feel approachable. Instead of leaning into technical language, the author opts for real world guidance about how to think with AI rather than worry about being replaced by it. Readers who want quick starting points and a sense of direction may find these sections particularly helpful, and at times the book reads almost like a friendly companion for beginners exploring new digital tools.

That said, the book does not always deliver the depth it hints at. Certain ideas are repeated in slightly different forms, and some chapters feel more like quick lists of advice rather than fully developed arguments. The balance between personal reflection, practical exercises and broader commentary is uneven, and readers who are hoping for more rigorous analysis or a deeper exploration of limitations and risks may come away unsatisfied. The book shines when it focuses on human emotion and personal guidance but feels thinner when it gestures toward bigger discussions without fully pursuing them.

Overall, this is a warm and encouraging introduction to the intersection of people and technology. It will suit readers who want reassurance and practical tips as they step into the world of AI. It may feel less substantial for those searching for complex debate or a more scholarly perspective. For me, it landed right in the middle. Helpful in parts, surface level in others, and ultimately a thoughtful but uneven guide.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Human Again” is a non-fiction book by JD Macpherson. I thought about letting ChatGPT write this review, but decided to give my “human” side do the work. Yes, that may sound a bit tongue in cheek, but Ms. Macpherson herself notes that she used AI to write her book.

This book’s strengths are that the chapters are short and concise, with numerous footnotes. Ms. Macpherson tries hard to make AI less frightening, reminding readers that most are using it daily without realizing it. I found the section about the darker sides of AI, such as deep fakes and hallucinations, to be interesting and informative. I also appreciated Ms. Macpherson’s suggestions about asking deeper questions of AI, giving numerous examples, such as reframing the question “what is a good stock?” to “what information am I missing about this stock price?” The second query gets the AI (and us) thinking more deeply - exactly the “human again” approach Ms. Macpherson advocates throughout the book.

Where this book falters is in the presentation and flow of the information. For instance, there’s a section about stocks and bonds and while I’m not a financial person, I didn’t have her same struggles over financial basics. While maybe a stylistic choice, at times this book read as a collection of short articles instead of a longer piece of work. This book also needed an editor to go through it. Missing words and awkward phrasing made it read, at times, like it was written by AI without a final human review.

I think that “Human Again” is best suited for readers just beginning to explore AI - those who feel both curious and cautious. It’s less for tech insiders and more for everyday readers looking to understand what AI means in their daily lives. While this book didn’t change how I personally feel about AI, I can see how this book would reassure those who find the topic a bit overwhelming.

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

This nonfiction book on human-computer interaction and AI semantics is centered on understanding and utilizing AI. The author presents AI as a tool, a partner, a co-thinker, an assistant, a force multiplier, and more. The author, a journalist first and foremost, delved into AI use as part of the research for this book. Along with personal experience, the author combines thorough research, providing citations throughout.

Although the author says they aren’t explicitly pro-AI or anti-AI, the tone of the book is distinctly AI-forward. The author challenges readers to keep an open mind and offers a wide range of examples showing how AI is already useful, and increasingly necessary to understand and adopt. The concept the author returns to most often is intention in the use of AI.

This book is a journalist’s take on AI. The questions the author poses are uniquely searching and deep, often reading more like a research paper, complete with references at the end of each chapter.

Intertwined with the philosophy and nature of AI in our current moment are practical tips and tools such as avoiding the “AI ick,” creating an AI profile, and having deeper conversations with AI. The book’s real strength lies in the broader context it provides. Rather than a step-by-step guide, it functions as an instruction manual for what thoughtful use of the paid version of ChatGPT can look like and how to achieve that outcome.

The author makes a compelling case for AI’s real-world applications: AI tutoring can increase student engagement, AI brainstorming can help creatives become more innovative, and AI tools at work can improve both enjoyment and focus. The examples are concrete and easy to imagine applying to your own use of tools like ChatGPT and adopting them into your own life.

The core argument, that the future belongs to those who can balance AI efficiency with human insight, appears in different forms throughout the book. This repetition reinforces the idea that AI defines the current era, but meaning still belongs to humans. As the author puts it, “You’re not just shaping text, you’re curating meaning. Welcome to your new role: You, The Editor.” The book argues that AI doesn’t replace who you are but amplifies it. But as AI filters into everything technological and its competitive advantage erodes, intention becomes the true differentiator. Or perhaps, as Syndrome from The Incredibles famously said, “When everyone’s super, no one will be.”

This book is for anyone who hasn't been paying attention to AI beyond headlines and social media rants. This book is for anyone wanting to start using Chat, level up their game using Chat, or level the playing field with intention.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good, I must admit. I’m not a big fan of AI, seriously, I find it stilted and lacking originality. So when I saw the blurb for this ARC I thought it would be a good book to review, and I write this review voluntarily, and (mostly) AI free. The author takes us on a journey of discovery. AI is pervasive, somewhat invasive even, but it’s here to stay, and learning how to utilize it for our own benefit and growth is not only a helpful skill, is almost survival. And this book guides us in how to use the generalized AI to fit our very personal and unique needs. I loved how the author “humanizes” this technology, and gives us tools so we can wield it more efficiently. Yes, there is an overuse of AI in our society today, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot use it for our own benefit. It’s like someone saying they refuse to use the wheel when invented it, because it isn’t natural. Inventing the wheel was the beginning of many great inventions, but people had to use it and come up with those inventions. And in this book, the author is giving us a glimpse into the possibilities that AI opens for us, we just have to learn how to wield it to our advantage. The author’s personal experience with AI is raw and thought provoking, and it took me on an unexpected journey, one that I’m glad I began.

[Vanessa Valenzuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I picked up this book as a challenge for myself as I am NOT a fan of AI, but wanted to take in someone else’s opinion on it. I will start with the positive aspects of this book. I appreciate the transparency that the author used AI to assist in the writing of the book. I like that each chapter ended with their sources. I like how current the information is. I like the theme of “AI is nothing without human input”. I like how they addressed counter arguments. I agree that the rising use of AI will make human connection more important and sought after.

A few not so great things I’d like to address would be that a lot of the talking points were repetitive. I felt like I was reading the same thing said differently for a good portion of the book. I also feel like *of course in my opinion* they downplay the negative effects of AI on users mental health. Kind of a “guns don’t kill people” approach.

Overall, I know I’m not the target audience for this book, and I applaud the author for writing a book on something that is such a hot topic!

[Jais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Again: In the AI Age quietly challenges how we create, decide, and stay human in a tech-saturated world.
J.D. Macpherson doesn’t write from a place of hype or fear. She writes from lived experience. The book explores how AI is already shaping the way we think, work, and create, but it keeps coming back to one central question: how do we stay human while using these tools?
What really stood out to me was the focus on judgment, creativity, and intention. This isn’t a book about shortcuts or automation for the sake of speed. It’s about asking better questions, thinking more clearly, and using AI as a collaborator rather than a crutch.
The writing is clear, engaging, and personal. Even when the ideas get big, they never feel overwhelming. I found myself pausing often—not because it was hard to understand, but because it made me reflect on my own habits with technology.
If you’re curious about AI but don’t want a dry manual or a fear-driven narrative, this is a thoughtful and refreshing read. Highly recommended for creatives, thinkers, and anyone trying to navigate the AI age without losing themselves in it.

[Rare Finds · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all thank you to the author for an advanced copy.

I’m skeptical towards AI in general so I appreciated a fresh perspective on the topic. I found quite a few parts of this book to be helpful. There are some interesting through lines between philosophy broadly and the use of AI. This is a great book for anyone interested in the topic who wants to learn how to use it.

Using AI in daily life is going to become the norm. The great question of how to use it ethically and intentionally is at the heart of this book. I feel like I’m now much better at spotting AI use, particularly the “lazy” use of AI. Rather than being afraid of AI use, taking the first few steps of making it work for you has been gratifying. Once you train it to help you the way you want it to it makes it much more powerful, something the book communicates very well.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human Again: In the AI Age by J.D. Macpherson is a timely, thought provoking exploration of creativity, consciousness, and authenticity in a machine dominated era. Both philosophical and practical, it delivers a powerful message AI may be evolving fast, but humanity’s ability to question, create, and feel remains irreplaceable. Macpherson bridges personal insight with cultural observation, guiding readers to navigate technology not with fear, but with intention and integrity.

This book isn’t just about artificial intelligence, it’s about rediscovering what makes us human amid the noise of automation. A deeply resonant and necessary read for creators, thinkers, and anyone striving to stay authentic in a synthetic world.

[Bube Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human Again in the AI Age by J.D. Macpherson is a concise, human-focused guide to staying grounded and authentic in a world shaped by AI. Instead of technical analysis, it offers practical reflections on how to remain creative, aware, and truly human amid rapid technological change. Warm, accessible, and thought-provoking—ideal for readers seeking clarity rather than complexity