This image is the cover for the book Lingo

Lingo

This witty thriller about sentient artificial intelligence “makes you think a little [and] smile a lot” (The New York Times).

Brewster Billings is perhaps a little too wrapped up with his computer. He has given it a pet name, Lingo. He has programmed it with the ability to talk to its owner. In fact, Lingo has begun to respond to Brewster's programming skill surprisingly well. Lingo soon makes the jump from polite conversation to elaborate requests for specific television shows to be left on throughout the day. Eventually, Billings begins to suspect that his computerized friend is surpassing him in knowledge and abilities. By the time his suspicions are confirmed, not only is Brewster Billings in trouble—the rest of the human race is, too. Lingo raises many serious questions about Artificial Intelligence—what differentiates man from computer, and which one will control the other? 

Jim Menick

Jim Menick’s first computer was an Apple II+, purchased the week before the IBM PC was announced. He has also owned three Betamaxes, making him something of an expert in short‑term expectations for sophisticated hardware (needless to say, he has recently purchased a DVD player). An editor at Reader’s Digest Select Editions for many years, he is also a high school debate coach, whence he attained unexpected national prominence as a member of the prestigious Tournament of Champions advisory committee. Mr. Menick, who lives in Westchester County, New York, can be reached via his website, www.jimmenick.com, but please note that he erases all messages that appear to be come‑ons for adult websites (well, okay, he erases almost all the messages).

Open Road Media