10 AI Models Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Trusted by Gilbert Strang, Van Jones, and 8 more experts, these AI Models books reveal proven strategies and ethical insights.

Gilbert Strang
Van Jones
Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if you could unlock the secrets behind the AI models shaping industries today? AI models aren't just lines of code—they're the engines powering breakthroughs in healthcare, finance, and creativity. As these systems grow more complex, understanding their foundations and real-world applications becomes crucial for anyone aiming to stay ahead.

Leading experts like Gilbert Strang, a mathematician noted for his work bridging theory and practical AI, and Van Jones, a commentator connecting AI to societal impact, have identified key texts that cut through the noise. Their insights stem from deep exploration and firsthand experience deploying and scrutinizing AI models in varied contexts.

While these curated books offer proven frameworks and strategies, you might also consider creating a personalized AI Models book tailored to your background, skill level, and learning goals. This approach builds on expert knowledge, guiding you to the specific facets of AI models most relevant to you.

Best for scalable AWS AI solutions
Olalekan Elesin, Director of Data Science Platform at HRS Group, discovered this book while seeking practical guidance for scaling generative AI applications on AWS. He says, "This is by far the best book I have come across that makes building generative AI very practical. Antje, Chris, and Shelbee put together an exceptional resource that will be very valuable for years—if possible, converted to a learning resource for universities." His experience leading data science platforms lends weight to his assessment that this book delivers actionable insights for complex AI projects. Following his recommendation, Lillian Pierson, founder at Data-Mania, echoes its value for transitioning novices to masters in generative AI development, reinforcing why this book deserves your attention.

Recommended by Olalekan Elesin

Director of Data Science Platform at HRS Group

This is by far the best book I have come across that makes building generative AI very practical. Antje, Chris, and Shelbee put together an exceptional resource that will be very valuable for years—if possible, converted to a learning resource for universities. Definitely a must-read for anyone building generative AI applications at scale on AWS. (from Amazon)

Generative AI on AWS: Building Context-Aware Multimodal Reasoning Applications book cover

by Chris Fregly, Antje Barth, Shelbee Eigenbrode··You?

2023·309 pages·AI Models, Generative AI, Generative Models, Machine Learning, Model Deployment

Chris Fregly's extensive experience as a Principal Solutions Architect for Generative AI at AWS shapes this book’s practical approach to integrating generative AI in real-world applications. You’ll gain deep insights into the full project life cycle—from use case definition and model selection to fine-tuning, deployment, and reinforcement learning from human feedback. The book dives into large language models and multimodal models like Stable Diffusion and Flamingo, offering detailed guidance on applying these technologies effectively. If you’re a CTO, developer, or data scientist aiming to build scalable generative AI solutions on AWS, this book equips you with concrete skills and frameworks to navigate complex AI workflows.

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Best for deep theoretical understanding
Gilbert Strang, a renowned American mathematician, highlights how this book’s physics-trained authors uncovered that feature learning critically depends on the neural network's depth-to-width ratio. His insight stems from deep mathematical expertise, making his endorsement especially meaningful for those serious about AI models. Strang's reflection that the book bridges theory and practical understanding underscores why you might find this text indispensable if you're looking to grasp the mechanics behind deep learning. Likewise, Scott Aaronson, a respected computer science professor at UT Austin, praises the clear prose and fresh ideas, signaling its broad appeal across disciplines interested in AI.
GS

Recommended by Gilbert Strang

American mathematician

'This book’s physics-trained authors have made a cool discovery, that feature learning depends critically on the ratio of depth to width in the neural net.' (from Amazon)

2022·472 pages·Deep Learning, AI Models, Deep Neural Networks, Theoretical Physics, Feature Learning

Unlike most AI literature that focuses solely on empirical results, this book takes a theoretical physics lens to explain why deep neural networks function as they do. Daniel A. Roberts and his coauthors walk you through the core principles of deep learning theory, illustrating complex ideas like feature learning dependence on network architecture with clarity and minimal mathematical prerequisites. You'll gain insights into the effective principles that govern real-world deep learning models, bridging a gap between abstract theory and practical AI research. If you seek a rigorous yet accessible exploration of the foundational mechanics behind neural networks, this text offers a valuable blueprint, especially for students and researchers comfortable with some calculus and linear algebra.

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Best for personalized mastery plans
This AI-created book on AI modeling is crafted based on your existing knowledge and specific goals. By sharing what aspects of AI models you want to explore and your current skill level, you receive a book that targets exactly your learning needs. It focuses on bridging expert knowledge with your personal interests, making complex concepts approachable and applicable. This tailored approach ensures you get the most relevant insights to advance your mastery efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·AI Models, Model Architectures, Training Techniques, Optimization Methods, Performance Evaluation

This tailored book explores the core principles and advanced techniques behind AI models, designed specifically to match your background and learning goals. It provides a personalized pathway through complex topics such as model architectures, training dynamics, and optimization approaches, focusing on your interests to deepen understanding efficiently. The content synthesizes collective knowledge on AI models, blending foundational concepts with cutting-edge developments, helping you navigate the field with clarity and confidence. By addressing the nuances that matter most to you, this book offers a learning experience that feels both comprehensive and relevant. It reveals how AI models function, evolve, and apply across various real-world contexts, making mastery accessible and engaging.

AI-Tailored
Model Mastery Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical ChatGPT applications
Luca Zavarella, Head of Data & AI at iCubed and Microsoft MVP, brings a wealth of expertise in AI application and education. He discovered this book while seeking a clear, practical guide to generative AI that avoids heavy jargon and focuses on usable knowledge. As he puts it, "This book is like a roadmap that will take you from the ABC's of Generative AI to practical applications that can revolutionize the way we work, study, and even market products!" His experience shows that the book effectively bridges foundational theory with real-world use cases, making it an ideal starting point if you want to integrate ChatGPT and OpenAI models into your workflow or projects.

Recommended by Luca Zavarella

Head of Data & AI at iCubed, Microsoft MVP

This book is like a roadmap that will take you from the ABC's of Generative AI to practical applications that can revolutionize the way we work, study, and even market products! Key Highlights: Start your AI journey with a rock-solid foundation. No jargon, just clear and simple explanations! Enhance your daily life with ChatGPT! Imagine having a virtual assistant for tasks ranging from drafting emails to whipping up delicious recipes. Calling all developers and marketers! Gain insight into how ChatGPT can help with code generation, documentation, A/B testing, SEO, and more. Your toolbox is about to get a major upgrade. Go beyond the basics with enterprise-level applications. Discover how ChatGPT can redefine mission-critical tasks like contract analysis and call center metrics, all powered by Microsoft's Azure OpenAI. Don't just take my word for it; this book provides practical Python scripts and user interfaces, making it a hands-on guide for anyone who wants actionable insights. Fair warning: If you're an AI whiz looking for a deep technical dive, this might not be for you. But if you're new to the subject or interested in application-oriented learning, this is a great resource. Don't miss out on unlocking the full potential of generative AI and ChatGPT! (from Amazon)

Valentina Alto's background as an Azure solution specialist at Microsoft, combined with her hands-on experience deploying AI workloads in manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, shapes this book's practical approach. You’ll gain a clear understanding of generative AI concepts, including GPT architectures, and how to harness ChatGPT for productivity—whether crafting better prompts or embedding AI into applications with frameworks like LangChain. The book divides real-world use cases among marketers, researchers, and developers, making it straightforward to apply the lessons to your own projects. If you're looking to move beyond theory into actionable AI model integration without delving too deep into complex mathematics, this book fits well.

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Best for ethical AI governance
Andy McMahon, head of MLOps at NatWest Group and Data Scientist of the Year, found this book invaluable during the emergence of generative AI, a time when questions about AI responsibility became urgent. He highlights its thorough coverage of AI ethics, governance, and practical tools, noting particularly insightful case studies on AI failures and an up-to-date overview of regulations and foundation models. As he puts it, "a focus on responsible AI is not a 'nice to have' but a critical ingredient for future success and positive participation in society." His experience underscores why this book is a key resource for anyone working to embed trustworthy AI in organizations.

Recommended by Andy McMahon

Head of MLOps, NatWest Group; Data Scientist of the Year

I believe that the GenAI wave has brought a lot of important questions around this topic to the fore, so it was great to get my hands on a resource that could help me get to grips with the latest thinking in the space. I was not disappointed! Some highlights for me: - There's a strong message throughout the book that a focus on the responsible use of AI by your organization is not a 'nice to have' but a critical ingredient for future success and positive participation in society. Couldn't agree more! - Chapter 2 has some great case studies of when things have gone wrong, very wrong and extremely wrong. Everyone should study these and their implications! - Other early chapters give good discussion of important concepts like drift, explainability and interpretability, which sets a strong foundation. - Chapter 5 provides a discussion of important existing and upcoming AI regulations and industry standards. This was such a good overview and a chapter I definitely want to keep handy for many future conversations with stakeholders. - Throughout the book there is very up to date information on LLMs and Foundation Models, including a good overview of different model characteristics and the importance of understanding source data and system biases. - The book is rounded off with a series of chapters discussing different toolkits and applications for making responsible AI a reality, which helps to translate the theory into practice. Overall, an excellent resource and one I'd encourage you to look at! (from Amazon)

2023·318 pages·AI Ethics, AI Models, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, AI Governance

While working as an AI architect collaborating with Stanford and MIT, Adnan Masood drew on his rich research and industry experience to tackle the complex challenges around ethical AI deployment. This book equips you with practical insights into model governance, fairness assessment, and bias mitigation, covering tools like FairLearn and InterpretML alongside cloud AI platforms. You’ll learn to build explainable, auditable models and navigate compliance standards, with chapters dedicated to real-world case studies illustrating AI pitfalls and regulatory frameworks. It’s especially useful if you’re an AI practitioner or business stakeholder responsible for integrating responsible AI practices in enterprise environments.

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Best for hands-on generative AI coding
Joseph Babcock, who holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins University and has extensive experience in AI applications across e-commerce, digital streaming, and genomics, leverages his expertise to guide you through generative AI models. His background in machine learning for drug discovery informs the practical approach of this book, enabling you to explore creative AI projects using TensorFlow 2 with confidence.

Joseph Babcock brings over a decade of experience in big data and AI across diverse fields like e-commerce and genomics, which grounds this deep dive into generative AI. You’ll explore how to build and adapt models such as VAEs, GANs, LSTMs, and transformers using TensorFlow 2, with hands-on code examples you can run in Google Colab. The book unpacks a variety of creative AI applications, from composing music with MuseGAN to crafting deepfakes with autoencoders, giving you practical insights into how generative models function and intersect across text, image, and audio domains. This is ideal if you have programming basics and want to experiment with cutting-edge AI creativity tools yourself.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on AI model proficiency is crafted based on your current knowledge, interests, and learning goals. By focusing on the specific areas you want to improve, it offers a clear, personalized path through the often complex world of AI modeling. The tailored guidance helps you zero in on the techniques and concepts that matter most for your progress, making the learning process more effective and engaging. With this custom AI book, you'll explore a focused plan designed to build your skills efficiently within just one month.
2025·50-300 pages·AI Models, Model Training, Evaluation Metrics, Data Preparation, Feature Engineering

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step plan designed to elevate your proficiency in AI models within one month. It guides you through essential concepts and hands-on practices, matching your background and interests to create a learning experience that feels both relevant and engaging. By weaving together the core elements of AI modeling with your specific goals, this personalized resource helps you navigate complex topics without overwhelm. Throughout the journey, it examines key techniques, model evaluation, and practical applications, ensuring you build confidence and skill rapidly. The tailored approach uncovers insights that align precisely with your learning path, making advanced AI concepts accessible and actionable.

Tailored Guide
Model Proficiency Boost
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for designing transparent AI models
Amita Kapoor brings over 25 years of AI expertise, including international accolades and a prolific publication record. After decades teaching at the University of Delhi and founding an AI consultancy, she turned her focus to democratizing AI education globally. Her deep knowledge of ethical AI drives this book’s thorough approach to building transparent, fair, and private machine learning models, making it a valuable resource for those wanting to understand and implement responsible AI practices.

What started as a need to address the opaque nature of AI algorithms became a detailed guide on building transparent, ethical machine learning models. Amita Kapoor and Sharmistha Chatterjee offer practical methods for assessing risks and mitigating bias while ensuring privacy and fairness in AI systems. You’ll learn how to design and deploy resilient models across cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, with chapters dedicated to explainability tools, hyperparameter tuning, and sustainable deployment practices. This book suits experienced machine learning professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of responsible AI design without oversimplifying complex challenges.

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BookAuthority, a respected publication known for curating top-tier literature, highlights this book as "One of the best Generative AI books of all time." Their endorsement reflects the book's deep dive into enterprise-scale generative AI solutions, born from Suvoraj Biswas's extensive experience at firms like IBM and Thomson Reuters. This recognition underscores how the framework presented reshapes understanding of AI adoption, helping you navigate complex architectural decisions with confidence.

Recommended by BookAuthority

One of the best Generative AI books of all time (from Amazon)

During his nearly two decades in enterprise IT architecture, Suvoraj Biswas faced firsthand the complexity of integrating generative AI into large-scale systems. This experience fueled the creation of a detailed framework that guides you through designing generative AI solutions tailored for enterprises. You'll learn to differentiate architectural patterns for adopting large language models, weigh when to use Retrieval Augmented Generation versus fine-tuning, and master practical skills like prompt engineering and embedding. The book lays out these concepts clearly, making it particularly useful if you're an architect, engineer, or leader aiming to implement generative AI responsibly and effectively at scale.

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Best for no-code custom ChatGPT
Saif Hussaini, with a foundation in Mechatronics Engineering and experience in aerospace and medical device industries, wrote this book to open AI model creation to non-technical audiences. His engineering rigor carries over, providing clear guidance on crafting custom ChatGPT models while emphasizing ethical use and practical applications. This book reflects his commitment to making AI accessible and empowering professionals and hobbyists alike to engage with AI technology confidently.
2023·150 pages·AI Models, Chat Bots, GPT, GPT-3.5, Custom AI

Drawing from his engineering background and work in aerospace and medical devices, Saif Hussaini crafts an accessible guide to creating custom ChatGPT models without any coding. You’ll learn not only how to build and train AI models but also how to apply them ethically across business and personal projects, demystifying complex AI concepts along the way. The book breaks down the barriers around AI development, making it approachable for hobbyists, professionals, and curious minds eager to engage directly with this technology. Chapters cover everything from the basics of ChatGPT to practical deployment, offering a clear path for those who want to harness AI’s potential without a technical background.

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Best for mastering neural network design
Charu C. Aggarwal, a Distinguished Research Staff Member at IBM's T. J. Watson Research Center, brings decades of pioneering research and over 350 publications to this textbook. His leadership in data mining and machine learning, along with numerous patents and editorial roles, positions him uniquely to guide you through the complexities of neural networks and deep learning. His experience ensures the book not only covers theoretical foundations but also highlights practical applications across diverse domains, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of AI models.

Charu C. Aggarwal's extensive experience as a Distinguished Research Staff Member at IBM and his prolific contributions to data mining and machine learning inform this textbook's depth. You get a thorough exploration of neural networks—from classical models and their relation to traditional machine learning methods to advanced architectures like convolutional and recurrent networks. The book dives into why neural networks perform as they do, the challenges in training them, and how architectures adapt across domains like image recognition and text analytics. This detailed yet application-focused approach benefits graduate students, researchers, and practitioners aiming to grasp both theory and practical design concepts in deep learning.

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Best for human-AI collaboration insights
Van Jones, a CNN commentator and three-time New York Times bestselling author, praised this book as a must-read, highlighting its timely relevance in understanding AI's role in society. Jones discovered the book amid growing conversations about AI’s societal impact and found Reid Hoffman's interactive approach with GPT-4 illuminating. He notes that the book challenges common fears by portraying AI as a partner to humanity, expanding your outlook on technology’s future possibilities. "A NEW MUST-READ BOOK -- from the one and only @reidhoffman." This endorsement underscores why you should consider this book to deepen your grasp of AI models and their human implications.
VJ

Recommended by Van Jones

CNN Commentator, 3X NYT Bestseller Author

A NEW MUST-READ BOOK -- from the one and only @reidhoffman. More info in his thread below ⬇️⬇️⬇️ (from X)

2023·248 pages·Artificial Intelligence, AI Models, GPT-4, Human-AI Interaction, Ethics

When Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a seasoned entrepreneur, teamed up with GPT-4 to write this book, he crafted a unique dialogue showcasing AI's potential and pitfalls. You’ll witness firsthand how AI, especially large language models, can enhance creativity, education, and business, rather than replace human insight. The book’s chapters alternate between Hoffman's reflections and interactions with GPT-4, offering concrete examples of collaboration between human and machine intelligence. If you're curious about AI’s practical integration into society and want to explore ethical and innovative approaches, this book will broaden your perspective without overselling AI’s promises.

Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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Conclusion

This collection of AI Models books reveals three clear themes: a strong foundation in theory, practical deployment insights, and a commitment to ethical AI design. If you're seeking to master neural networks, start with Neural Networks and Deep Learning for a solid theoretical base. To implement scalable AI in business, combine Generative AI on AWS with Enterprise GENERATIVE AI Well Architected Framework & Patterns for architecture and execution.

For those tackling AI ethics and governance, Responsible AI in the Enterprise and Platform and Model Design for Responsible AI provide frameworks grounded in real-world challenges. Alternatively, you can create a personalized AI Models book to bridge general principles with your unique context.

These books can accelerate your journey, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to navigate AI models confidently and responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with 'Generative AI on AWS' if you're interested in practical AI implementation, or 'Neural Networks and Deep Learning' for theoretical grounding. Both are highly recommended and accessible entry points.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to AI Models?

Some books like 'Create Your Own ChatGPT' cater to beginners with no coding needed, while others delve deeper. Choose based on your current skills and goals for a smoother learning curve.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like 'Neural Networks and Deep Learning,' then explore application-focused books such as 'Modern Generative AI with ChatGPT and OpenAI Models' before tackling ethical and enterprise topics.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests—practical coding, theory, ethics, or enterprise design. Each offers unique value, but together they provide a rounded understanding of AI models.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

'The Principles of Deep Learning Theory' and 'Neural Networks and Deep Learning' emphasize theory, while 'Generative AI on AWS' and 'Modern Generative AI with ChatGPT' focus on practical use cases and deployment.

How can I get AI Models knowledge tailored to my specific needs?

While these expert books are valuable, personalized learning can bridge the gap to your unique goals. You can create a personalized AI Models book that adapts expert insights to your background and objectives, making your study more efficient and relevant.

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