How to read a classic novel with AI to guide me

Digital reading platforms, such as e-readers, have never been my speed. I enjoy the tactile quality of printed magazines and books, leaving light fingerprints on the pages as you flip through them. Then I came across Retiewhich bills itself as an “AI-native publisher” for classic books, using artificial intelligence to extend the e-reader experience (using pre-recorded, expert-led commentary). I had to learn more.

The platform is incredibly new: it was launched just a few days ago, at the end of October, by the enterprising and creative collaboration of Johannes Kaag And Johannes Dubuque. This gives you access to standalone titles ($30) or you can sign up for an annual subscription ($120 per year).

The first five books you can choose from on Rebind are:

• Dubliners by James Joyce
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Thus spoke Friedrich Nietzsche’s Zarathustra
• Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Rebind’s process involves choosing a book from the library, discussing the book with an AI-powered chatbot, and watching video content from the company’s Rebinders – a hand-picked collection of writers, philosophers, and commentators (mostly white men) who guiding the reading process for hours. of pre-recorded video commentary, woven into each chapter.

I chose Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, which I could explore in conversation with Rebinder Pulitzer Prize finalist Chloé Cooper Jones. This was a reread for me, chosen for its timely and familiar themes – plus Jones’ gender and cultural identity. In total, I spent three days immersing myself in three chapters, eleven discussions and seven videos on the Rebind platform.

The Rebind Process

Once I opened Heart of Darkness, I was presented with a video on the right side of my computer screen of Jones introducing herself and explaining her connection and response to the book. Below that the first chapter was placed before me. When I highlighted a section, I could add comments, start an AI-powered chat about the section, or take notes, highlight the text, and copy it. There is also an option to change the text size, theme colors, font and page customization. (To reduce eye strain, I opted for a black theme and the Arial font.)

Each title has a table of contents that allows you to navigate to different videos and discussions within each chapter. I was immediately drawn to the first discussion, entitled ‘Darkness Vs Light’. Good news for my self-esteem: the AI-powered discussion chatbox (which responded with commentary from hours of pre-recorded content from Jones) loved my take on this first discussion point. If no one else validates your intellect, Rebind might be a place to spend a few days.

It was a bit like a next generation picture book. I found myself searching for Jones’ face for her video commentary — and a way to break the monotony of words streaming across my computer screen. I believe that all books should read like a book of essays, with each chapter connected to another, but not chronologically – nor necessarily to be read in a linear format.

Without the physical element of turning pages, I found my eyes glazed over as I read (and eventually skimmed) subsequent pages – especially as I reread sections that my brain deemed familiar. So, just as I approach physical reading, I skipped chapters. However, on Rebind I had the ability to swap in and out of videos, discussions, and suggested questions that arose in each chapter. This is inevitably where I felt most stimulated.

The process provided a nice balance between my curiosity and understanding of the book. While I believe Rebind’s mission was to delve into the rich psychological versions of each classic’s chapters, its structure helped me focus on certain aspects of the title rather than forcing myself to read the entire book to search.

Has Rebind possibly solved the challenge of reading for people who are easily distracted but creative and curious? (Seventeen-year-old high school AP English-me would have voted for Rebind’s approach, rather than the chunks of reading assigned each night.)

Should you (re)read classics with Rebind?

For those who are looking to interact without having to find a personal community, or who want to present a new topic to a community that already exists, I can see Rebind as a way to navigate your own thoughts and questions, without having to subject to overwhelming or exhausting personalities. (Although that might be a good mental exercise.)

I half expected to be dissatisfied with Rebind in some way, but it offers the opportunity to learn something about yourself – which reflects Rebind’s mission to think deeply and read beyond the words on the page.

I was pleasantly surprised by the interactive nature of Rebind, even though it taps into aspects of the reading experience I normally avoid: e-readers and book clubs. What I realized is that Rebind clears away the experiences or tools needed to find a classic book, have a discussion about it, find new connections and meaning for its themes and motifs, and not have to go outside to go.

While I find $120 for annual access pricey, I might opt ​​for a $30 standalone title knowing you’re paying for access to experts and AI integration within the platform. Personal preference aside, I’m in favor of a platform that uses AI to keep books safe and accessible — even if that means navigating them on a digital screen, talking to yourself and algorithms toiling in the background.