Axios Publisher Nicholas Johnston Uses AI to Read 1826 Novel, Drawing Backlash
Updated
Updated · Futurism · Aug 15
Axios Publisher Nicholas Johnston Uses AI to Read 1826 Novel, Drawing Backlash
1 articles · Updated · Futurism · Aug 15
Summary
Nicholas Johnston said he used AI as a chapter-by-chapter "reading buddy" for James Fenimore Cooper's 1826 novel "The Last of the Mohicans," arguing dense books can make readers lose the thread.
In his Axios post, Johnston said the chatbot provided spoiler-free recaps and clarifications, though he acknowledged AI answers can be wrong and suggested uploading the full book for better accuracy.
Bluesky users mocked the article, and author Jane Rosenzweig said this kind of AI-assisted "reading" turns books into something to optimize and conquer rather than experience.
The backlash also reflected a broader objection: critics noted traditional study guides for the often-assigned novel are already widely available, making Johnston's AI workaround look unnecessary as newsrooms keep testing AI tools.