Discover new kitchen selections
$9.99 with 47 percent savings
Print List Price: $18.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $13.08

Save: $5.59 (43%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Melissa Peneycad
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Essentials of AI for Beginners: Unlock the Power of Machine Learning, Generative AI & ChatGPT to Advance Your Career, Boost Creativity & Keep Pace with ... Innovations even if you’re not Tech-Savvy Kindle Edition

by Melissa Peneycad (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 125 ratings

Harness AI's potential quickly and easily for your career and creative endeavors. Gain practical skills that will turn your AI curiosity into confidence!


Are you:
...intrigued about AI but overwhelmed by the jargon and rapid pace of change?
...concerned about being left behind because you don't know AI?
...eager to learn but short on time?
...excited about using AI for work and creative projects but are unsure where to begin?
...worried about AI's potential impact on your life and society as a whole?


If any of this sounds like you, Essentials of AI for Beginners is the guide you need. This book breaks down the complexities of AI in clear, approachable language, making it enjoyable and easy to understand—without taking up all your time.


Why choose this book? Here's what makes it stand out:

  • In-depth yet accessible:Well-curated content offers a comprehensive exploration of AI while remaining beginner-friendly.
  • Choose your path: Four personalized learning tracks let you focus on what matters most to you.
  • Hands-on learning: Step-by-step tutorials and activities help you progress from novice to proficient with practical skills.
  • Easy-to-understand examples: Relatable analogies and case studies make AI concepts easy to grasp.
  • No tech background needed: Dive in with zero prior experience and get the most out of each page.
  • Bonus material: exclusive bonus material to take your learning to the next level.


If you're ready to go from curious to capable, this is the book you need.

Here's a preview of what's inside:

  • AI essentials, simplified: Grasp AI fundamentals like machine learning, deep learning, ChatGPT, and generative AI.
  • Real-world AI applications: See how AI transforms industries like healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment.
  • Experiential and reinforced learning: Put AI concepts into action with engaging activities and quizzes.
  • Boost your creativity: Discover AI tools for writing, gaming, music composition, art, content creation, and more.
  • Future-ready skills: Gain practical strategies to thrive in an AI-driven world and explore career paths.
  • The future of AI: Discover where this powerful technology is headed.
  • AI ethics unpacked: Understand AI's impact on privacy and society.
  • Everyday AI: See how AI shapes our daily lives and influences our routines.
  • ChatGPT basics: harness this powerful tool to generate text, simplify complex topics, and fuel your ideas.


Whether you're a student, professional, entrepreneur, job seeker, lifelong learner, or retiree, having AI literacy is crucial. And this is the book that makes learning AI simple, engaging, and fun!

By the end, you'll feel confident about embracing AI and using it at work, in your hobbies, and in everyday life.

Ready to learn AI quickly and easily? Click "Add to Cart" and start your journey today!

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    148 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 20, 2024
  4. File size
    3.3 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous set of slides
Next set of slides

From the Publisher

Harness the Power of AI banner image

Collage of people

Two people on computers using AI for health diagnostics

Learn AI Tools

AI made simple for everyone image

Real world applications of AI image

Hands-on learning with AI tools image

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Essentials of AI for Beginners by Melissa Peneycad is a guide that demystifies the complex world of artificial intelligence for novices. It offers insights into how AI can serve as both a tool and a transformative element in everyday life. This book breaks down the fundamentals of AI in a digestible format, making them accessible to readers without a technical background. The author adopts a hands-on approach, encouraging readers to directly engage with AI tools through interactive exercises and practical learning segments that cover basic programming and generative AI tools. It is designed to make the reader feel like they are learning from a knowledgeable friend, with clear explanations and supportive guidance.

Melissa simplifies AI concepts using everyday analogies and practical examples, such as making sandwiches or planning a garden. This makes it easy for beginners to grasp AI's potential and functionality. Essentials of AI for Beginners also addresses the ethical implications of AI, balancing the excitement around the technology's capabilities with a thoughtful consideration of privacy, bias, and job displacement issues. This balanced view helps readers appreciate the complexities of AI beyond its practical applications. The book is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the foundational concepts of AI and its real-world applications. As someone who has worked with AI models as an ethicist and editor, I find Peneycad's work an educational tool and an invitation to explore and engage meaningfully with AI. As an added feature, she includes QC codes so readers can test their chapter knowledge. The book is perfect for those curious about this defining technology of our times.

About the Author

Melissa Peneycad brings over two decades of leadership experience from organizations in the private and non-profit sectors across Canada and the United States. Throughout her career, she has worked with clients and partners worldwide, helping them achieve their goals by strategically applying industry best practices and the latest innovations. Her professional journey spans industries such as education, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, real estate, government, and regulation, providing her with a unique perspective on how technology and modern innovations can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different sectors. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in business focusing on management, information technology, and marketing, a master's degree in environmental studies, and a graduate diploma in business and the environment. She is passionate about exploring a wide range of subjects, including business, science, travel, food, and technology, and is committed to lifelong learning. As the founder of Clover Lane Publishing, Melissa focuses on making complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Over the years, she has taught hundreds of professionals and graduate students across North America and Europe, sharing her expertise and insights. When not working, Melissa enjoys traveling, art, history, and hiking. She lives in Halifax with her husband, two cats, and a dog. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DKG3PN3H
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clover Lane Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 20, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 148 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 125 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Melissa Peneycad

Melissa Peneycad

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Melissa Peneycad is an author, entrepreneur, public engagement strategist, and consultant dedicated to making complex ideas accessible through engaging, well-researched writing. With a background spanning business, education, technology, infrastructure, regulation, and sustainability, she has spent over twenty-five years working with private, public, and nonprofit organizations to navigate change, develop and implement strategies, and drive innovation. Her diverse experience gives her a unique ability to identify patterns, draw unexpected connections, and translate complex ideas across disciplines—an approach that informs her writing on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to food, travel, and beyond.

Melissa began her career as a management consultant before transitioning into sustainability, where she played a key role in shaping projects and frameworks with lasting impact in infrastructure and real estate. Over time, her passion for writing, teaching, and distilling complexity into clear, actionable insights led her to establish Clover Lane Publishing. Through this venture, she provides consultation services to aspiring authors and publishers while continuing to write expertly crafted books that aim to inform and inspire.

She is the author of "Halifax Food Scene," the Amazon bestselling "Essentials of Artificial Intelligence for Beginners," and the newly released "Generative AI Basics & Beyond." Melissa’s work reflects her belief in lifelong learning, curiosity, and the power of knowledge to drive meaningful change.

She holds advanced degrees in business and environmental studies and is based in Halifax, where she lives with her husband, their two cats, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Beyond writing and publishing, Melissa enjoys traveling (she has been to nearly 50 countries), great food, art, history, and hiking.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
125 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this AI book to be a great beginners guide that breaks down complex concepts like machine learning into digestible explanations without overwhelming jargon. They appreciate its readability and creativity, with one customer highlighting the numerous hands-on practical exercises. The book receives positive feedback for its chapter-end assessments, with one customer noting the end-of-chapter recaps.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

43 customers mention "Introduction to ai"43 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a great beginners guide to understanding AI, explaining complex topics like Machine Learning and ranging from fundamentals to practical applications.

"Great has the basics to get you going. AI is moving fast...." Read more

"...This is a strongly substantive book, ranging over AI from fundamentals and practical applications; to hands-on technical learning emphasizing coding..." Read more

"...Whether it’s boosting creativity, improving productivity, or understanding how AI tools are shaping the world, the examples felt relatable and..." Read more

"...The author is a little shallow on details, but the book is intended as a primer...." Read more

37 customers mention "Clarity"37 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's clarity, noting how it breaks down complex ideas into digestible explanations without overwhelming jargon.

"...the author’s long involvement with AI reduced to practical, demonstrable perspectives and hands-on activities, and for beginners - readers who may..." Read more

"...understanding how AI tools are shaping the world, the examples felt relatable and relevant. I love the self assessments at the end of each chapter...." Read more

"...The author does an impressive job of breaking down complex ideas into digestible explanations, making it an ideal resource for beginners eager to..." Read more

"...It’s both informative and accessible, making it a great starting point for beginners. I look forward to the next book!" Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read, with one customer noting it is excellent for non-tech-savvy readers.

"I enjoyed the light tone which made the topic more enjoyable. The author is a little shallow on details, but the book is intended as a primer...." Read more

"...It is especially well-suited for readers who want to keep pace with technological advancements without feeling overwhelmed by jargon or technical..." Read more

"...It really starts at square 1 and then builds from there. It was an enjoyable ready compared to a boring textbook." Read more

"...The book does a great job of discussing the present applications of AI in common industries...." Read more

12 customers mention "Creativity"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book boosts creativity, with one customer highlighting its numerous hands-on practical exercises and educational approach to complex topics.

"...with AI reduced to practical, demonstrable perspectives and hands-on activities, and for beginners - readers who may continue after building a..." Read more

"...Whether it’s boosting creativity, improving productivity, or understanding how AI tools are shaping the world, the examples felt relatable and..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the one chapter with hands on exercises and the end-of-chapter recaps." Read more

"...Machine Learning, Generative AI & ChatGPT to Advance Your Career, Boost Creativity & Keep Pace with Innovations even if you’re not Tech-Savvy is an..." Read more

4 customers mention "Chapter-end assessment"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the chapter-end assessments in the book, with one mentioning that the chapter-end quizzes are a nice touch.

"...I enjoyed the one chapter with hands on exercises and the end-of-chapter recaps." Read more

"...The inclusion of QR codes for tutorials and chapter-end quizzes was a nice touch, making it easy to stay engaged...." Read more

"...Chapter 3 is a highlight, offering numerous hands-on practical exercises that help deepen comprehension...." Read more

"...This is a relatively short read with end of chapter assessments and practical exercises." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mike Nottingham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good basics
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great has the basics to get you going. AI is moving fast. So you need to learn the basics now so that you can be a advanced user for your job or creating a new job.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ali
    5.0 out of 5 stars Broad coverage and practical value, well developed and organized by reader purpose and interest
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    (Amazon cites "Ali" as source of this review. Ali is my wife Alison Steiner. I am David Reynolds, RCFM, consulting in Facility Management as part as an international consortium. I posted from our family Amazon account, thus Ali.)
    This is a strongly substantive book, ranging over AI from fundamentals and practical applications; to hands-on technical learning emphasizing coding and libraries; to ethics, governance, and creativity; to taking up a career and lifelong learning; to future roles, impacts, and limitations of AI. Essentials? For beginners? Yes to both: essentials, in view of the author’s long involvement with AI reduced to practical, demonstrable perspectives and hands-on activities, and for beginners - readers who may continue after building a preliminary understanding of what may come of their efforts and initiatives. In recognition of the diverse interests of readers, the Introduction presents four learning tracks: Practical Applications, Career Enhancement, Creative Applications, and Theoretical Foundations. Each sorts the nine chapters into essential, recommended, and optional categories, in accord with reader purposes. Although suited for self study, the book could serve just as well as curriculum anchor for a 300/500 level academic course in a wide range of disciplines. The learning tracks mentioned would help guide the syllabus.
    My interest in AI arises as a facility manager and consultant concerned with the roles and performance of the built environment throughout its life cycle. Whether for new development or renovation, facility management figures in areas from strategy and policy to facilities concepts, design, engineering, and construction, to operation & maintenance emphasizing performance, and finally to retirement or disposal. Individually and together, the use of models, digital twins, platforms, networked peripheral sensors and controls, and occupant activities and wellbeing can enhance facility performance, safety, security, and economy – when applied using valid and sufficient data. Feasibility and effectiveness in sustainability depend heavily on obtaining, managing, and interpreting facility data. To perform, AI must be “trained” (pertinent data of all kinds made available) on engineering and technical, occupant well being, compliance, risks, strategy, policy, financials... AI puts organizational success in serving built environment stakeholders more in play, even - especially - as complexity of creating and managing the built environment compounds.
    The contents, organization, and style adopted by the author and publisher bring understanding and further interest in portions sized right for a busy reader trying to make time for learning.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kim Brooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with Great Information!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up this book because I kept hearing about AI and ChatGPT from my grandchildren and I felt like an idiot because I had no clue what they were talking about. I’m not a tech person at all, and the idea of learning about artificial intelligence felt overwhelming. Thankfully, this book breaks everything down into easy-to-understand pieces. It explains things like machine learning, generative AI, and ChatGPT in a way that made sense to me, without using confusing jargon. I finally felt like I could grasp the basics without needing a tech background.
    What I really appreciated was how the book showed me practical ways AI can be useful in everyday life and work. Whether it’s boosting creativity, improving productivity, or understanding how AI tools are shaping the world, the examples felt relatable and relevant. I love the self assessments at the end of each chapter. That let me know that I really did grasp the information. I also really, really loved the activities that are included. My grandson and I have done a few and plan to do them all.
    If you’re someone who feels intimidated by AI but is curious and wants to understand it, this book is a great starting point. It’s straightforward and encouraging, making you feel like you don’t need to be a genius to understand the basics. By the end, I felt very confident about exploring AI more and I am even trying out some AI tools myself. It’s amazing how something that once felt so complicated now seems like an opportunity I can actually take advantage of.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Robert Madsen
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Overview of a Broad Topic
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the light tone which made the topic more enjoyable. The author is a little shallow on details, but the book is intended as a primer. I enjoyed the one chapter with hands on exercises and the end-of-chapter recaps.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Robert James Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely informative book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Essentials of AI for Beginners: Unlock the Power of Machine Learning, Generative AI & ChatGPT to Advance Your Career, Boost Creativity & Keep Pace with Innovations even if you’re not Tech-Savvy is an excellent guide for those looking to grasp the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, regardless of their technical background. The book offers a comprehensive introduction to core AI concepts, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, while keeping the language simple and approachable. The author does an impressive job of breaking down complex ideas into digestible explanations, making it an ideal resource for beginners eager to understand AI's potential and real-world applications.

    One of the standout aspects of this book is its practical approach. Each chapter is filled with real-life examples and easy-to-follow exercises that help readers see how AI can be applied to various fields, from creative arts and business strategy to personal productivity. It not only demystifies how technologies like ChatGPT and machine learning models function but also offers hands-on tips to incorporate AI tools into daily tasks. This makes the book particularly useful for professionals looking to leverage AI for career growth and creativity, even if they don’t come from a tech-oriented background.

    Overall, Essentials of AI for Beginners is both engaging and informative, offering a friendly roadmap for those new to AI. It is especially well-suited for readers who want to keep pace with technological advancements without feeling overwhelmed by jargon or technical depth. By the end of the book, readers will have a solid understanding of AI’s capabilities and the confidence to explore AI tools to enhance their personal and professional lives. Whether you are a career professional, a curious learner, or someone looking to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world, this book is a worthwhile read.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Amanda Loeffen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mind opening
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Everything I didn’t know, and that I ought to know about AI! It really is a helpful guide to understanding this overwhelming area of technology that is now a part of our daily lives. Melissa has done a fabulous job of making the complex into an understandable read. I dare you to ignore it.
    Report
  • Anne Wedler
    5.0 out of 5 stars I want an easy-to-follow, broad and enlightened overview to understand Artificial Intelligence
    Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Author, Peneycad immediately drew me in by illustrating how AI is already embedded in my daily life—without my realising it (even now, as my writing is being edited in real-time).

    This book is designed by someone who understands that we have different interests, motives and learning preferences. I read everything and could have gone further by exploring the several strategically placed QR codes. Those QR codes direct the reader to explore topics in-depth and to self-assess their understanding of each chapter.

    I learned why and how AI can outperform humans. I learned about “sentiment analysis” -- or why I hate that chatbot (my translation). I learned a lot about AI outside my immediate interests, in the arts, but was engaged throughout the book. Peneycad wrote that, for entrepreneurs “... AI can be considered a business co-founder”, yet explains why “humans still matter”.

    If I wanted to write programs for AI, this book points me in the right direction. QR codes direct me to hands-on programming, tutorials, and toolkits. I never knew about the Google Colab platform.

    Ethics is a major topic in AI. It involves bias, privacy, transparency, individual rights, inequalities, social discord, and trust. Peneycad has a whole chapter on this. She lists the ten principles of ethical AI developed by the United Nations (UN). I learned about the AI Act in the European Union.

    Of special interest to me was the role of AI in creativity -- in visual arts, music, writing, game development, innovating and more. “The art of the prompt” resonated with me. Was I truly an artist when I input three keywords into an AI program and have it generate a “watercolour masterpiece”? Peneycad offered many AI models in each creative art to lead the reader toward further exploration.

    So you want a career in AI or a related field or keep up to date in AI? There are chapters for you. Essential AI skills are listed (along with the end-of-chapter QR code). The lifelong learning chapter introduced me to several AI podcasts, such as AI Alignment and Data Skeptic.

    Where is AI headed? Peneycad writes about preparing for the AI future, understanding the myths about AI, and building resilience. To help me understand the AI future, she describes emerging trends and in many applications.

    This is an essentials-of-AI-for-beginners book and cleverly covers the world of AI. The author encourages me to explore, to be curious, to adopt life-long learning, to create, to experiment and to embrace AI.

    With over 100 references and all those self-directing QR codes, I have so much more to discover and enjoy.
    Report
  • Zoe.K
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read, very educational and fun!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I never realized how much AI was embedded into our daily lives until now, very eye-opening. It was intriguing to see someone's first-hand experience on how AI has benefited or improved their life. I appreciate the breakdown of the book's content at the start to better understand what's going on.

    Despite my prior knowledge in IT, I did learn quite a lot from this book. I’ve always wondered how AI works and this is a great insight into it. This is all still bizarre to me. I appreciate the use of real-world examples to help simplify the inner workings of AI. It was also interesting to learn the history of how AI came to be. The quizzes were a great touch, really made it fun and interactive. I enjoyed reading through the case studies. Not only did I learn more about AI but also learned more about programming with languages such as Python, awesome! This was such an exciting experience. You can’t begin to understand how much this has helped me as a student going into the IT world, especially with the section on Career pathways. I appreciate the idea of not having AI completely eradicate or take over human tasks but in fact focus on things we aren't good at.

    It also talks about ethics in AI, which is super important. It's scary to think about all the dangerous things it can do in the wrong hands. I don't think AI is bad per se, it's just that bad people can take advantage of it. Overall, this book is very educational and a great intro to the world of AI, even if you know nothing about tech. The bonus materials at the end made this book worth so much more. I’m so ready to begin trying out all these different tools, in fact, I’ve already been using a few not knowing they were AI. Highly recommend!
    Report
  • Audrey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Hepful
    Reviewed in France on November 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I highly recommend it
    Report
  • Psychbite
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very useful book for people who want to know how to get more involved with AI
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is on how to utilize the power of machine learning; inescapable in today's world. While many of us have been blissfully unaware and getting on with our lives, artificial intelligence programs (AI) have been quietly and efficiently dealing with human problems for years. For example, this might be:

    Monitoring stock sales in a supermarket and buying replacements.
    Monitoring our buying habits and making predictions based on these habits.
    Identifying potential hotspots of criminal behavior and advising authorities accordingly.
    Monitoring our bank accounts for unusual activity.  

    The author of this book explains in detail how AI functions using machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning. These terms describe very different processes and are not interchangeable.

    People are now using AI more than ever. The author gives a lot of helpful advice on how to get on board with this 'runaway train' of AI, whether it is to learn to program your own artificial intelligence, for example, using TensorFlow to construct a basic neural network or to make the best use of Python.

    In later chapters, the author expertly dispels misconceptions about AI and looks at its future. I envisaged AI monitoring my conversations over time and learning to respond for me, even using my voice if I was otherwise engaged. (This may be happening for some people already.)

    This book is not really for a beginner to AI, as some of the terminology and concepts will be lost even to the most intelligent lay people. It has useful links to quizzes so that readers can test their retention of information provided in the book. It also has links to step-by-step tutorials and popular AI programs/ tools. For many, accessing these useful links will be worth the purchase price alone of this book alone.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report