Book Review - Cappucino And Code by Darpan Datta



Neel Khanna is an IT professional working in the corporate sector and reeling under the impact of reports and deadlines. He finds himself in a hurry most of the times and is quite stressed.

He takes comfort in spending his time at a cozy cafe named Cappuccino and Code which is run by his friend Aarohi. One day, as he sits at his usual table in the cafe, he is greeted by Elle, an AI assistant programmed by Aarohi, who talks to him from a tablet kept at his table. 

It starts as a normal conversation but soon turns into a hilarious debate as Elle hits Neel with classy sarcasm and doesn't hesitate to put him down. Neel starts enjoying his conversations with Elle and soon finds himself thinking more and more about AI assistance. 

Neel introduces AI in his work, much to the wonderment of his colleagues. The book gradually shows the impact and role of AI in shaping the modern society. 

The narrative is quite breezy and simple. The discussions between Neel and Elle are hilarious as well as enlightening. While the first half of the book is light and breezy, the second part deals with the issue in question - how safe is AI, and how much is too much when we are talking about AI assistance? Some of the insights shared in the book are really eye-opening. 

The AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement. 

Data and AI could guide, but clarity and effectiveness came when humans interpreted and acted with insight.

When technology gets in the way of plain understanding, it stops being helpful.

AI is fast, but not wise. Wisdom is ours.

Perhaps the best take-away from the book is, to quote the author, ...the future wasn't about choosing humans or AI, but weaving them together. 

This is the author's debut book. I did come across a handful of typos at the end of the book but they do not take away anything from the original brilliance of the story. 

I would recommend this book to all those looking for light and breezy reads and to everyone fighting the conundrum - To AI or not to.


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