Field tested for curious humans

AI for the Curious and Confused

A Field Guide

Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere. This book breaks it down in plain language, with no technical background required and no jargon left unexplained.

Cover of AI for the Curious and Confused: A Field Guide by A. Sebesta
01

Summary of the book

For anyone who has nodded along while secretly feeling lost.

AI for the Curious and Confused is a clear, approachable guide to the fundamentals: what AI is, how large language models work, why hallucinations happen, what agents are, and how to begin using AI without getting overwhelmed.

The book uses familiar metaphors and an adult-learning rhythm: anchor new ideas in what you already know, add the next layer, apply it through practice, then continue learning beyond the page.

Compass line drawing from the part-divider pages
  • Part 1
    What Is This Thing? Understanding what AI is and what it isn't
  • Part 2
    Under the Hood Making sense of the concepts everyone keeps mentioning
  • Part 3
    The Big Questions What it means for work, humanity, and the future
  • Part 4
    Not Left Behind How to begin without getting overwhelmed
Line drawing of a person walking with a robot vacuum

Plain Language

Complex AI ideas are translated into ordinary examples you can actually picture.

Line drawing definition of a large language model

Useful Fundamentals

The focus is on concepts that stay helpful even as models, tools, and headlines change.

Line drawing text about helping humans rather than replacing them

Human Judgment

The book keeps returning to a steady reminder: your curiosity and judgment still matter.

A. Sebesta seated outdoors in a green chair
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About the author

A. Sebesta

A. Sebesta is an author and educator driven by curiosity and a love of learning. Her work explores complex topics and turns them into explanations ordinary people can understand.

Curious about the sudden rise of artificial intelligence, she set out to learn how it works and what it means for everyday life. AI for the Curious and Confused is the result of that exploration.

Podcast Interview

Listen to the Launch Interview

A conversation about the book, AI curiosity, and why this field guide starts with ordinary people instead of expert jargon.

Download MP3
03

News & Press

Latest News & Press Materials

Official announcements and media-ready materials for AI for the Curious and Confused: A Field Guide.

May 8, 2026

Local Author Releases AI Guide for Ordinary People

Chattanooga author A. Sebesta introduces a short, conversational field guide for readers who are curious about AI but overwhelmed by jargon and headlines.

For Immediate Release

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes everyday life, local author A. Sebesta hopes to help ordinary people feel a little less overwhelmed.

Sebesta has released a new book, AI for the Curious and Confused: A Field Guide, a short, conversational guide designed for readers who are curious about AI but intimidated by technical jargon and fast-moving headlines.

Rather than targeting engineers or tech experts, the book is written for everyday readers including parents, professionals, educators, and anyone trying to understand what artificial intelligence is and why it suddenly seems to be everywhere.

"There are plenty of books about AI written by experts. This book is for the rest of us, the people nodding along in conversations about AI while quietly wondering if everyone else understands it better than we do."

Using simple explanations, humor, and relatable analogies, the book helps readers understand concepts like large language models, AI hallucinations, and AI agents while exploring how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape work, creativity, and daily life.

Sebesta's background in education and adult learning shaped the approach of the book, which focuses on helping readers build confidence rather than technical expertise.

"We don't need everyone to become AI engineers. But we do need thoughtful, informed people who understand enough to participate in the conversation and adapt to the changes happening around them."

AI for the Curious and Confused: A Field Guide is available now through Amazon in paperback and ebook formats.

Media Add-On

Infographic: A Visual Companion to the Book

A one-page, image-heavy companion that summarizes the book, introduces the author, and gives media contacts a quick visual overview.

The infographic is designed as a fast companion to the press release. It highlights the book's plain-language approach, its audience, a brief author bio, and key themes including practical confidence, relatable analogies, and clear-eyed curiosity.

It can be attached to media pitches, shared with podcast hosts, or used as a quick one-page reference for event organizers and reviewers.

04

Resources

Continue the Learning

The book closes with three recommendations for readers who want to keep learning about AI without drowning in noise.

Line drawing of a person reading with AI tools nearby
Podcast Series

The Last Invention

A highly produced series from Longview that explores AI through reporting, storytelling, history, and the people shaping the field.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Book

Co-Intelligence

Ethan Mollick's readable next step for understanding how to work, learn, and think with AI while staying in the driver's seat.

View the Book
Podcast

The AI Daily Brief

Nathaniel Whittemore's short-form AI news and analysis show for staying current in everyday conversations.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
05

Speaking Request

Curious and Confused about AI?

You're not alone. A. Sebesta would love to share a brief primer on AI with your group or organization.

These talks can be tailored to your group but are typically a 1 hour session, live or over Zoom, that covers foundational ideas in AI and a few hands-on examples of how to get started yourself.

Costs for the workshop vary based on organization size and preparation needs, but don't let cost deter you from submitting a request. A. Sebesta would love to work with you.

If you'd like A. Sebesta to speak to your organization or group, please fill out the form below. We'll reach out to get more details after the initial inquiry.

This opens an email draft addressed to abigail.sebesta@gmail.com.