How I Use AI in My Book Reviews

I want to be transparent about the tools I use behind the scenes.

Reading, reflecting, and sharing honest book reviews is the heart of this Substack newsletter. Every single opinion, critique, rating, and final word you read here comes directly from me. However, to help me organize my thoughts and sharpen my writing, I use AI tools as a research and editing assistant.

Here is what that looks like:

What AI Does:

• Summarizing complex plot structures or historical context to refresh my memory while writing.

• Formatting, proofreading, and double-checking for clarity or typos

• Brainstorming different ways to frame a theme or section header.

What AI Never Does:

• Form opinions: It doesn't read the books for me, or decide whether a book is good, bad, or somewhere in between.

• Write the core review: Every analysis, personal reaction, and recommendation is written, vetted, and polished by me, before being posted by me.

My goal is to deliver thoughtful reviews you can trust. Using AI behind the scenes gives me more time to focus on the part that matters most: reading great books and sharing my genuine take on them with you.

Jay

27 July 2026