Am I the Asshole For Thinking Books Are… Over?

The article is part of a satirical advice column titled Am I the Literary Asshole? (AITLA), hosted by Kristen Arnett. The column blends humor with lighthearted advice, framed as a therapy session for literary burnout. It is published biweekly on Literary Hub (a literary website) and adopts a casual, conversational tone, often referencing wine consumption as part of the experience. The column explicitly states it is not a serious advice column but a comedic one, encouraging readers to reflect on their relationship with literature without taking the content literally. The host reminds readers that the column prioritizes entertainment over practical guidance.

A reader writes to the column expressing frustration with contemporary literature, citing concerns about poor editing, trend-chasing, and the influence of AI in publishing. They note that influencers are often solicited for book deals, and even major publishers are using AI to streamline workflows due to understaffing and low salaries. The reader also observes that their most avid reader friends no longer seem to enjoy books, and the global political climate makes literature feel irrelevant. The host responds by rejecting the idea that AI can produce quality writing, calling AI-generated text slop and arguing that it is entirely inadequate. She encourages the reader to reconsider their pessimistic view, suggesting that burnout may be distorting their perception of literature's value.

The article addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern publishing. AI is described as a tool used by some major publishers to assist with workflows, particularly in contexts of understaffing and financial constraints. The host strongly opposes this trend, arguing that AI-generated content is inherently flawed and cannot match human creativity. The term AI-on-AI refers to the cyclical use of AI tools by publishers to compensate for AI-driven inefficiencies, which the host frames as a doom mentality. She emphasizes that while AI is infiltrating many industries, it is not an irreversible or all-encompassing force in literature.

The host counters the reader's pessimism by affirming the continued importance of books. She argues that literature serves as a foundation for engagement with the world, helping people stay rooted, care about issues, and remain motivated to enact change. The host acknowledges that not every book is poorly edited or trend-driven, and that jealousy among writers is not universal. She encourages the reader to rediscover their love for reading by revisiting older or familiar works that once excited them, fostering a sense of possibility rather than despair.

A second reader asks if they are being inconsiderate for not reading friends' newly published works immediately. The reader explains that they struggle with reading on command, preferring to save the best for last, which has led to a growing pile of unread books by friends. While no one has explicitly criticized them, they feel guilty about neglecting these works. The host reassures the reader that this is a common experience, especially among those with many writer friends. She suggests setting aside dedicated time weekly or biweekly to read these works, framing it as a habit that can become rewarding.