This image is the cover for the book 12 Bytes

12 Bytes

“Witty [and] provocative” essays on how AI might change us by the New York Times–bestselling author of Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal? (Kirkus Reviews).

When we create non-biological life-forms, will we do so in our image? Or will we accept the once-in-a-species opportunity to remake ourselves in their image? What do love, caring, sex, and attachment look like when humans form connections with non-human helpers, teachers, sex-workers, and companions? And what will happen to our deep-rooted assumptions about gender? Will the physical body that is our home soon be enhanced by biological and neural implants, keeping us fitter, younger, and connected? Is it time to join Elon Musk and leave Planet Earth?

In twelve eye-opening, mind-expanding, funny, and provocative essays on the implications of artificial intelligence that look to history, religion, myth, literature, politics, and computer science to help us understand, Jeanette Winterson tackles AI’s most fascinating talking points, from the algorithms that data-dossier your whole life to the weirdness of backing up your brain.

“Thought-provoking and necessary—and sometimes very funny.” —The Guardian

“Fascinating. . . . Winterson makes granular tech know-how remarkably accessible.” —Publishers Weekly

Jeanette Winterson

Born in Manchester, England, Jeanette Winterson is the author of more than twenty books, including the national bestseller Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, The Passion, and Frankisssstein. She has won many prizes including the Whitbread Award for Best First Novel, the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the E. M. Forster Award, and the Stonewall Award.

Grove Atlantic