Whoops! AI Prompt Published in Novel

S. Zainab is a writer who specializes in fantasy and horror genres and is currently working on a manuscript. You can find her on Twitter @sainabwilliams.

Welcome to Today in Books, where we share daily news from the literary world covering various topics like politics, culture, and media.

Readers have uncovered an AI prompt hidden in a novel, creating controversy around the use of artificial intelligence in literature. Lena McDonald’s book Darkhollow Academy: Year 2 included the prompt, sparking discussions on social media. This incident sheds light on the growing trend of AI-generated works and books available on platforms like Amazon, raising concerns about authenticity and originality in literature.

Fraser Horn, founder of the Edinburgh Street Historians, announced the replacement of the Harry Potter tour with an LGBTQ+ history tour. This decision was made in response to JK Rowling’s controversial views, leading to a shift in focus towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling.

Pizza Hut has launched the BOOK IT! app, allowing parents to track their children’s reading progress and reward them with a free pizza. The app coincides with the BOOK IT! Summer of Stories program, encouraging kids to read during the summer months.

In three states, politics now have the power to influence public library collections, as seen in a recent lawsuit in Texas. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that library book selections are considered government speech, potentially setting a precedent for censorship in public libraries nationwide.