Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines
Explore the research exposing widespread racial and gender bias in artificial intelligence—and how we can build an AI for the people.
Welcome to the SciFri Book Club page about Unmasking AI by Dr. Joy Buolamwini. You can read the book, join our community space, attend an event, sign up for our email newsletter, or send us a message via our contact page.
This September, the SciFri Book Club will read Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines by Dr. Joy Buolamwini. In this unique memoir, Dr. Joy lifts the veil on algorithms influencing our world as well as the biases baked into the software by prejudiced humans. Weaving together her stories as a researcher and activist while breaking down complex topics, she reveals the ways in which artificial intelligence systems and facial recognition sometimes let down marginalized groups and people of color. This book goes beyond what needs fixing and highlights the efforts being made to improve the technology and build algorithmic justice. Dr. Joy’s work is reflective, timely, and illuminating as she asks us to consider: Who is this technology actually built for?
Unmasking AI brings together a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, technology, digital equity, and more—and we’ll touch on these ideas throughout this Book Club season. You can get your copy from your local bookstore or on Bookshop.org.
This Book Club season kicks off Monday, September 1, and you can read along with us! We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
- September 1-7: Introduction and Part I: Idealistic Immigrant (Chapters 1-4)
- September 8-14: Part II: Curious Critic (Chapters 5-8)
- September 15-21: Part III: Rising Researcher (Chapters 9-12)
- September 22-28: Part IV: Intrepid Poet (Chapters 13-18)
- September 29-30: Part V: Just Human (Chapters 19-Epilogue)
Plus, we’ll be hosting events throughout the month! Keep an eye out on our website or join our Book Club newsletter to be the first to know.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events.
Grab Your Own Copy
Science Friday, in partnership with Random House, is giving away 10 free copies of Unmasking AI by Dr. Joy Buolamwini. Enter for your chance to win today!
This giveaway will close at 10:00 a.m. ET on Friday, August 29, 2025. Winners will be chosen randomly and notified via email no later than Monday, September 1. Our Book Club for this book officially begins on September 1, 2025!
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have Unmasking AI in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby or OverDrive app, a form on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save The Date(s): SciFri Book Club Events
Unmasking AI: Livestream and Q&A with Dr. Joy Buolamwini
In Unmasking AI, researcher Dr. Joy Buolamwini reveals the negative impacts artificial intelligence and facial recognition technologies have had on society. She discusses “the coded gaze” embedded within AI, the harm it can do, and the bias it perpetuates while calling on each of us to fight for something better.
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick for September 2025. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
SciFri Book Club September community meeting
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in Unmasking AI. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress—come chat with other science-interested folks about artificial intelligence, technology, digital equity, facial recognition, software, and more.
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.