10 Keras Books That Experts Francois Chollet and Alex Martelli Trust

Discover expert-curated Keras Books praised by Francois Chollet, creator of Keras, and Alex Martelli, Python Software Foundation Fellow.

Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if mastering Keras could unlock your path to building smarter AI models faster? Keras stands out as a user-friendly yet powerful deep learning framework loved by developers worldwide, but navigating the flood of resources can feel daunting. Today, the demand for hands-on, practical AI skills is surging, making it crucial to learn from trusted expert voices.

Leading this charge is Francois Chollet, a deep learning researcher at Google and the creator of Keras himself. His endorsement signals a resource’s credibility. Alongside him, Alex Martelli, a Python Software Foundation Fellow, brings years of experience delivering clear, pragmatic guidance to software engineers. Both have praised books blending theory with real code examples, helping you build reliable models confidently.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific programming background, learning goals, or subtopics within Keras might consider creating a personalized Keras book that builds on these insights. Such customization can bridge gaps traditional books may leave open.

Best for Python developers mastering Keras
Francois Chollet, the creator of Keras, endorses this book as an approachable and well-written introduction that strikes a solid balance between theory and practice. He appreciates how it offers a very enjoyable entry point into machine learning for software developers seeking hands-on experience. His recommendation carries weight given his pivotal role in developing Keras, making his endorsement particularly relevant. Alongside him, Alex Martelli, a Fellow of the Python Software Foundation, was impressed by the book’s practical focus on various neural network types and appreciated the clear, usable Python code examples that serve as a foundation for further experimentation and optimization.

Recommended by Francois Chollet

Creator of Keras

Approachable, well-written, with a great balance between theory and practice. A very enjoyable introduction to machine learning for software developers.

Unlike most Keras books that focus heavily on theory alone, this one blends clear explanations with extensive Python code samples to help you actually build and deploy models using TensorFlow 2.x and Keras. Drawing from the authors' combined expertise in AI research, cloud computing, and semantic search, the book guides you through a variety of architectures—from CNNs and transformers to graph neural networks and reinforcement learning. You’ll learn practical skills like applying Hugging Face transformers, implementing AutoML, and deploying models on mobile devices. If you’re a Python developer or data scientist aiming to deepen your hands-on understanding of modern deep learning with Keras, this book fits that need precisely.

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Best for advanced AI researchers and practitioners
Rowel Atienza, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines with a rich background in robotics and computer vision, brings deep expertise to this book. His experience building intelligent systems and gaze tracking algorithms informs a practical approach to teaching advanced deep learning. The book draws on his research and teaching to guide you through complex AI topics using Keras and TensorFlow 2, making it a resource grounded in real academic and applied knowledge.

When Rowel Atienza first realized the rapid evolution of AI demanded deeper, more practical knowledge, he crafted this guide to advanced deep learning with TensorFlow 2 and Keras. Drawing from his extensive background in robotics and computer vision, Atienza takes you beyond basics into sophisticated techniques like GANs, VAEs, and deep reinforcement learning, illustrating these with hands-on projects. You’ll explore object detection and semantic segmentation, gaining skills to build complex AI models that can analyze and generate data in innovative ways. This book suits those who already know Python and have some machine learning experience, aiming to elevate their expertise to cutting-edge AI development.

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Best for personal deep learning plans
This AI-created book on Keras mastery blueprint is crafted based on your programming background and learning goals. You share which Keras topics and skill areas interest you most, and this book is created to focus on exactly what you need. Personalization makes sense here because deep learning concepts and Keras applications can vary widely depending on your experience and objectives. This tailored approach helps you concentrate on relevant strategies and avoids generic content that might not fit your specific development journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Keras, Deep Learning, Keras Fundamentals, Neural Networks, Model Optimization

This personalized book on Keras mastery blueprint provides a tailored approach to deep learning strategies that align with your unique programming background and objectives. It delivers a focused exploration of Keras techniques, neural network design, and model optimization, cutting through generic advice to fit your specific context. The content offers practical guidance on customizing architectures, tuning hyperparameters, and integrating advanced deep learning concepts, supporting efficient skill development. By concentrating on your goals and skill level, this personalized framework addresses both foundational principles and nuanced implementation challenges, facilitating a more precise and applicable learning experience for mastering Keras.

Tailored Blueprint
Model Optimization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for AutoML enthusiasts using Keras
Drs. Qingquan Song, Haifeng Jin, and Xia Hu bring a rare combination of academic rigor and industry experience to this book, having developed the AutoKeras library used widely in the deep learning community. Their work at LinkedIn, Google, and Rice University informs a practical guide that unlocks AutoML for both newcomers and seasoned engineers. This book lays out how to automate tedious machine learning tasks, making it easier to build efficient pipelines that tune themselves—something many in AI development strive for but few resources explain with such clarity.
Automated Machine Learning in Action book cover

by Qingquan Song, Haifeng Jin, Xia Hu··You?

When Drs. Qingquan Song, Haifeng Jin, and Xia Hu first explored the potential of automating machine learning pipelines, they created a resource that demystifies complex AutoML processes using accessible language and practical examples. You’ll learn how to automatically tune hyperparameters, select optimal pipeline components, and harness tools like AutoKeras and KerasTuner to accelerate your projects. The book balances foundational ML knowledge with advanced automation techniques, making it suitable whether you’re just starting or aiming to streamline existing workflows. Chapters such as customizing search spaces and scaling AutoML reveal how to remove manual guesswork from model building effectively.

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Best for R users exploring deep learning
François Chollet is a deep-learning researcher at Google and the author of the Keras library. J.J. Allaire, founder of RStudio, adapted Keras for R, making this collaboration uniquely qualified to introduce deep learning through the R language. Their combined expertise offers you a clear path into deep learning concepts and practical use with Keras, even if you haven't worked with machine learning before.
Deep Learning with R book cover

by Francois Chollet, J.J. Allaire··You?

2018·360 pages·Keras, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Computer Vision

When François Chollet first realized the potential of deep learning beyond Python, he teamed up with J.J. Allaire to adapt the Keras framework for R users. This book guides you through deep learning fundamentals and practical applications using Keras in R, covering topics like image classification, natural-language processing, and generative models. You'll build skills in setting up neural networks and applying them to real data, with chapters dedicated to both theory and hands-on practice. It's ideal if you have intermediate R skills and want to explore deep learning without prior machine learning experience.

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Best for R programmers advancing Keras skills
François Chollet, software engineer at Google and creator of Keras, teamed up with Tomasz Kalinowski and J.J. Allaire from RStudio to bridge deep learning and R programming. Their combined expertise brought this book to life, making advanced neural network techniques accessible to R users. Their goal was clear: to equip you with the tools and insights to implement deep learning models confidently using R and Keras, leveraging their deep experience in software engineering and data science.
Deep Learning with R, Second Edition book cover

by Francois Chollet, Tomasz Kalinowski, J. J. Allaire··You?

2022·568 pages·Keras, Deep Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks

Unlike most AI books that lean heavily on Python, this one translates deep learning into the R language, thanks to François Chollet's collaboration with RStudio engineers. You gain hands-on skills in building neural networks for image recognition, text processing, and time series forecasting, guided by clear examples and intuitive explanations. The chapters on neural style transfer and generative models stand out for their practical depth, appealing especially if you already know intermediate R but are new to Keras or TensorFlow. If you want to bring deep learning into your R projects with solid theoretical grounding and actionable code, this book fits the bill.

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Best for daily practical mastery
This AI-created book on Keras learning is tailored to your specific goals and skill level. By sharing your background and what you want to achieve in mastering Keras, the book crafts a daily action plan focused on practical exercises and core concepts. Personalizing this journey makes sense because Keras offers vast possibilities, and a targeted, stepwise plan helps you avoid overwhelm and learn efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·Keras, Deep Learning, Neural Networks, Keras Basics, Model Building

This personalized book provides a focused, step-by-step plan designed to guide learners through mastering Keras within one month. It offers a tailored approach that cuts through generic tutorials by delivering daily actionable exercises and practical coding tasks aligned with your current programming background and learning objectives. The content covers foundational neural network concepts, hands-on model building, optimization techniques, and real-world applications, ensuring each day builds upon the last for cumulative skill growth. This personalized framework fits your specific context, emphasizing efficient skill acquisition, practical implementation, and overcoming common learning hurdles unique to your experience level.

Tailored Blueprint
Skill Progression
3,000+ Books Created
Best for NLP developers leveraging Keras 3
Steven Hay is a passionate programmer and writer who thrives on exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. Whether it's delving into the complexities of new programming languages or dissecting the latest frameworks, he loves sharing insights with readers. His goal is to empower readers with clear, up-to-date guides and explanations, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve in the exciting landscape of coding.
2024·138 pages·Natural Language Processing, Keras, Deep Learning, Transformers, Large Language Models

Unlike most Keras books that focus solely on basic implementation, Steven Hay takes you from fundamental NLP concepts to the forefront of Large Language Model (LLM) techniques using Keras 3. Drawing from his deep programming expertise, he offers detailed tutorials on text processing, transformer architectures, and deploying models, with precise code examples that demystify complex topics like sentiment analysis and question answering. You’ll find practical insights into optimizing and fine-tuning NLP models, making this a solid resource if you’re comfortable with Python and eager to deepen your machine learning skills. If you want a bridge between theory and hands-on Keras applications in NLP, this book fits the bill.

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Best for beginners in R neural networks
Michael Harris holds a master's degree in applied statistics and general psychology and runs statswithr.com. His expertise in statistics and psychology motivated him to write this guide that eases you into neural networks using R and Keras. Harris’s background ensures you get an accessible introduction tailored for practical predictive modeling starting with fundamental R skills.
Neural Networks with Keras in R: A QuickStart Guide book cover

by Michael Harris, Samantha Langley··You?

2022·101 pages·Keras, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, R Programming, Regression

When Michael Harris first realized the gap between R programming and neural network implementation, he authored this guide to bridge that divide. Drawing on his master's background in applied statistics and psychology, Harris introduces you to R programming essentials before guiding you through building neural networks with Keras specifically for regression and classification tasks. You’ll find clear examples showing how to handle multiple outcome variables, making this a solid stepping stone if you're venturing into predictive modeling. This book suits anyone wanting a practical entry point into neural networks using R but isn't aimed at those ready for convolutional or NLP models yet.

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Best for software engineers new to Keras
Jojo Moolayil, a research scientist at Amazon Web Services with extensive experience in AI, machine learning, and decision science, brings a practical perspective to deep learning through this book. His background working with Fortune 50 clients and startups alike informs a balanced approach that combines theory with hands-on programming. This book reflects his commitment to helping engineers transition smoothly into deep learning by focusing on Keras as a user-friendly yet powerful tool.

When Jojo Moolayil first realized the potential to bridge practical programming with deep learning theory, he crafted this book to demystify Keras for software engineers and data practitioners. You’ll find a structured approach that starts with foundational concepts, then moves through real-world Kaggle datasets to build regression and classification models, tackling hyperparameter tuning along the way. Chapters like the introduction to the Keras ecosystem and the hands-on case studies provide concrete skills you can apply directly to enterprise projects. This book suits those with basic programming experience eager to transition into deep learning without getting lost in dense mathematics or abstract theory.

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Best for experimental data scientists
Michael Wayne Harris jr., holding a master's in applied statistics and general psychology and creator of statswithr.com, brings a fresh perspective to applying Keras in R for neural cryptography. His background in statistics grounds the book's technical depth, while his passion for innovative data science projects drives its unique focus. This combination makes the book an intriguing resource for those interested in blending machine learning with cryptographic methods.
Neural Cryptography Using Keras in R book cover

by Michael Wayne Harris jr., Samantha Langley··You?

2023·96 pages·Keras, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Cryptography, Data Science

When Michael Wayne Harris jr. discovered the potential of neural networks beyond conventional applications, he co-authored this exploration of neural cryptography using Keras in R. The book dives into encoding secret messages within matrices that appear as random numbers, which can then be hidden inside images — a novel intersection of cryptography and machine learning. You'll learn how to implement multi-class classification models with Keras in R to create these encoded messages, opening up creative project possibilities in data science and security. This book suits curious programmers and data scientists eager to experiment with non-traditional neural network use cases rather than those seeking standard deep learning tutorials.

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Best for Python coders deepening neural networks
Antonio Gulli brings deep expertise in cloud computing and AI, holding over 20 patents and multiple published books. His passion for innovation and technical execution drove him to write this guide, which leverages his experience to help you build and understand neural networks with Keras. This book connects advanced theory with practical coding examples, making it a solid resource for programmers aiming to advance their skills in deep learning architectures.

The breakthrough moment came when Antonio Gulli, drawing on his extensive background in cloud computing and deep learning, challenged conventional neural network teaching methods with this book. You’ll learn to implement a variety of deep learning models using Keras, from foundational multilayer perceptrons to advanced convolutional and recurrent networks, detailed through real-world examples like image recognition and reinforcement learning for game AI. The chapters on Autoencoders and Generative Adversarial Networks offer practical insights into cutting-edge unsupervised learning techniques. This book suits data scientists and AI programmers who already know Python and want to deepen their hands-on expertise with neural networks in Keras.

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Conclusion

Across these 10 books, a few clear themes emerge: the importance of balancing theory with hands-on coding, the power of Keras in both Python and R ecosystems, and the rising influence of automation and NLP in modern AI workflows. If you’re just starting with Keras, begin with approachable titles like "Learn Keras for Deep Neural Networks" to build foundational skills.

For those aiming to push boundaries, combining "Advanced Deep Learning with TensorFlow 2 and Keras" with "Mastering NLP with Keras 3" offers a path to mastering cutting-edge AI techniques. And if your focus is on practical deployment and automation, "Deep Learning with TensorFlow and Keras" and "Automated Machine Learning in Action" provide actionable insights.

Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Keras book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailored learning can accelerate your journey from curious learner to confident practitioner in Keras.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Learn Keras for Deep Neural Networks" for a clear, practical introduction that balances theory and programming. It’s designed for those new to Keras, easing you into deep learning concepts with hands-on examples.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Keras?

Not all. Titles like "Neural Networks with Keras in R" and "Deep Learning with TensorFlow and Keras" cater to beginners and intermediate learners, while others dive deeper for advanced users. Choose based on your current skill level.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational books to grasp basics, then progress to advanced topics like GANs or NLP. For example, start with "Deep Learning with Keras," then move to "Advanced Deep Learning with TensorFlow 2 and Keras" and "Mastering NLP with Keras 3."

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

You can pick based on your goals. If you want broad knowledge, multiple books help. For focused skills, select titles matching your interest, like NLP or AutoML. Quality over quantity matters more than reading all.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Keras changes?

These books range from foundational to recent releases, with some covering Keras 3 and TensorFlow 2 updates. Staying current with newer editions ensures you learn the latest practices and APIs.

How can I get Keras learning material tailored to my specific needs?

Great question! While expert books offer solid foundations, personalized Keras books can address your unique background and goals. You can create a custom Keras book that distills key insights exactly suited to your learning path and interests.

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