AI Book Club: An Illustrated Guide to AI Agents
Decembers book is "An Illustrated Guide to AI Agents"!
This is a casual-style event. Not a structured presentation on topics. Sometimes, the discussion even drifts away from the chapters, but feel free to grab the mic to help steer it back.
Feel free to join the discussion even if you have not read the book chapters! :)
Want to discuss the contents during the reading week? Join the Flyte MLOps Slack group.
-------------------------------------------------
About the book:
Title: An Illustrated Guide to AI Agents
Authors: Maarten Grootendorst, Jay Alammar
Published: September 2026
O'rielly platform: https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/an-illustrated-guide/9798341662681/
Chapters:
Introduction
Large Language Models
Reasoning Large Language Models
Memory
Tool Usage, Learning, and Protocols
Planning and Reflection
Evaluating Agents
8. Multi-Agent Systems
Multi-Modal Understanding
Code Agents and Code LLMs
Book Description
Artificial intelligence is entering a new phase. AI agents can now reason, plan, and act with increasing independence. From accelerating scientific breakthroughs to supporting creative work, these systems are quickly reshaping industries and everyday life. This book provides the conceptual foundation and practical insights you need to understand—and effectively work with—this emerging technology.
Through hundreds of clear graphic illustrations, Maarten Grootendorst and Jay Alammar explain how AI agents are built, how they think, and where they're heading. Designed for professionals, students, and curious learners alike, this guide goes beyond the buzz to reveal what's actually happening inside these systems, why it matters, and how to apply the knowledge in real-world contexts. An Illustrated Guide to AI Agents is your essential reference for navigating the next frontier of artificial intelligence.