What I'm reading about A.I., the 'Wet Hot American Summer' of 'Columbo,' and a new album from a folk-rock legend

Roundup 06/02/2023

Greetings from Read Max HQ and welcome to our weekly roundup column, in which I pick out some worthwhile and often overlooked books, articles, movies, and music to recommend to paying subscribers.

A reminder: I’m still seeking stories and anecdotes about horrible A.I.-related interaction at work, and that Read Max caps are still available from the store.

For this week’s round-up I’ve got:

• Another roundup of smart essays, articles, columns, and threads about A.I.;

• a hilarious new parody-homage to Columbo and other great 1970s TV mysteries; and

• a new album from the late-career renaissance of a folk-rock legend.

If any of that sounds interesting -- and if you want to support Read Max in its continuing mission of explaining the future to relatively normal people -- please subscribe below. Subscribers get access to these weekly emails and to the comprehensive Read Max Master Lists of Good Movies to Watch and Good Books to Read--as well as preferred pricing on merchandise like the Read Max “EMAIL SUPPLY” caps. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you.

I love to hear from readers who want to recommend a cool book or movie (or whatever!) to me, or from readers who are looking for specific kinds of recommendations. Just leave a comment or drop me a line at maxread@gmail.com.

Finally, please note that I may receive a small commission if you purchase books via links in this email.

Now, the roundup. First, as always, a dispatch from the future: