Exploring Science Fiction and Artificial Intelligence in 'Queen of Angels'

This year has sparked an interest in AI and science fiction literature, with works like '2001: A Space Odyssey' by Arthur C. Clarke, 'The Life Cycle of Software Objects' by Ted Chang, and 'I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream' by Harlan Ellison. However, one particularly compelling novel is 'Queen of Angels' by Greg Bear, which defies a brief summary. The book features an LA police officer investigating a crime, intertwining plots involving poets and individuals with the ability to see inside others' minds, and a subplot set on the island of Hispaniola. Notably, the novel delves into the concept of an alien space probe developing self-awareness, presenting one of the most remarkable visions of AI becoming self-aware in science fiction literature.