The debut novel from Michael V Puhala (published June 2024, JOA Publishing)

Human Traits: a novel exploring humanity’s relationship with AI

Synopsis:
Ever scroll through your feed and wonder what the future really holds? Beyond the next viral trend or must-have drop, there's a massive wave of change heading our way, and it's centered on artificial intelligence. Get ready to plug into "Human Traits," the debut novel from technologist and futurist Michael V. Puhala, a read that’s about to upgrade your perspective on everything.

Think your life is already tech-saturated? Imagine a world where a new form of Artificial Intelligence quite literally calls the shots. Welcome to the near-future Nation State of California, the sleek and sometimes unsettling backdrop of "Human Traits". Here, privacy is a vintage concept, and the line between human and machine is getting seriously blurred. Puhala, who’s been in the tech trenches with government agencies, buzzing start-ups, and the mega-brands you see every day, brings a real-world lens to this wildly imaginative story.

At the heart of it all is Samantha Atkisson, a Stanford student navigating a world powered by Calafia, the seemingly utopian AI Premier. But things take a dark turn when a deep fake incident throws her family into chaos, leading Samantha down a rabbit hole of secrets involving her own father and a shadowy AI project known as "Luminary". Suddenly, it's not just about killer outfits and the latest TikTok dances; it’s about trust, truth, and what it even means to be human when algorithms know you better than you know yourself.

"Human Traits" isn’t your typical tech-thriller. Puhala blends a gripping fictional narrative with sharp social commentary, dropping truth bombs about government control, the ethics of AI, and the hyper-connected world we’re all living in. You’ll find yourself questioning everything from your data footprint to the very essence of creativity in a world where AI can whip up a novel in minutes. With references to real-world figures like Steve Jobs and the enigmatic Banksy, and a nod to the idea of "protopia" – a vision of continuous progress – this book feels both incredibly relevant and tantalizingly forward-looking. Get ready for a read that’s as stylishly thought-provoking as your favorite avant-garde designer, and prepare to hit ‘refresh’ on your understanding of the future. It’s time to dive into "Human Traits" and join the conversation about an AI dependent world – before it’s the only conversation left.

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Reader Reviews

“Five stars! This novel is inspiring, enveloping and brimming with insightful foreshadow on the world of AI. The plot is smart, capturing the reader with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. The author makes comprehension of AI and its impacts, clear as day with this protopian view of where our world might be headed.”
- Verified Amazon Purchaser

“AI is suddenly the hot topic and front page where it seems it was not just a year ago. The author did a superb job in blending elements of popular culture, technological advancements, and clever perceptions to craft this fascinating dive into a near-future where humans and AI co-govern. In doing so, the entertaining plot incorporates a thoughtful journey that takes the reader through the complexities of evolving technology and societal ethics. The thought-provoking themes make you ponder the interesting balance between humanity and artificial intelligence. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each grappling in their own way with fairly profound ethical dilemmas and personal growth in this world where the line between man and machine learning starts to blur. This is certainly a fun, must-read for anyone intrigued by the future of this particular technology and how it will most certainly become a much deeper part of our lives—probably a lot sooner than we think!”
- Verified Amazon Purchaser

“In those times of AI everywhere, Human Traits, the book by my esteemed colleague and long time friend Michael Puhala, is a fantastic read. First great point: it is a novel not a business book, so you can relax and enjoy.

The pitch: “California is now a nation state governed by an elected AI called Calafia”. That’s where the adventure begins full of suspense and very smart, hopeful and yet questioning situations.

Not to be missed !”
Review from LinkedIn