Pereira O’Dell and Silverside AI Address America’s Reading Crisis

The decline in reading among Americans poses a sobering reality. A staggering 48% failed to read a single book in 2023, according to the Washington Post, citing reasons ranging from busy-ness to the cognitive challenges posed by neurodiversity, or simply, a waning interest in books. The consequences are dire: struggling bookstores, authors battling for visibility, and the gradual erosion of literature's cultural significance.

Enter 'Hypnovels', a collaborative endeavour between Silverside AI, Pereira O'Dell, and Serviceplan Group, poised to revolutionise the reading experience.

At its core lies generative AI, technology wielded by Silverside AI founder PJ Pereira with a vision to leverage technology to enhance the reading experience and make books more compelling for reluctant readers everywhere.

“This project unites my two worlds into one. My passion for writing and my experience in advertising. And when I saw how interesting the results were, I knew I couldn’t hold this just for myself,” said PJ. 

'Hypnovels' marry literature and technology, offering authors a canvas to animate their narratives, enriching comprehension and engagement. Its four-step process empowers creators to infuse their tales with dynamic visuals and narration, while a hypnotic movement, inspired by the text itself, ensnares readers without spoon-feeding imagery. This delicate balance fosters immersive experiences, allowing imaginations to flourish while journeying through a narrative landscape.

Silverside AI is inviting anyone to sign-up for the beta version to test it out themselves by visiting here.

Beyond mere storytelling, 'Hypnovels' is a harbinger of change in the publishing realm. By democratising access to premium animated content, it empowers creators to transcend traditional boundaries, reaching new audiences and rekindling a love for literature. Its scalability beckons to diverse genres and demographics, heralding a new era in storytelling consumption.

“A lot of the discussion around Artificial Intelligence has been tainted by the myopic view that its most important contribution is reducing costs. I believe the real big opportunities lie in how we can use this new kind of technology to create new things that don’t necessarily compete with what was there before, but open a new world of possibilities,” said Silverside AI partner & managing director, Rob Wrubel.

Already, 'Hypnovels' has sparked intrigue. From the successful prototyping of The Girl from Wudang (PJ’s book he launched last year under the pen name Caldas) to a burgeoning beta launch, early indicators hint at its transformative potential. 

Because great visuals work only if they are seen, Silverside AI is partnering with BookTrib, a leading online literary platform for readers and a marketing engine for authors and publishers. With 30 years in the business of book publishing and promoting authors’ works, Meryl Moss, creator of BookTrib as well as president and founder of Meryl Moss Media Group, a literary media relations and marketing firm, sees 'Hypnovels' as a gamechanger in the sharing and promoting of literary works. 

“Through the magic of AI, authors and publishers have an entirely new way of attracting and engaging readers to their content,” Meryl said. “Readers will lose themselves in new literary works through this innovative melding of words and visuals. And classics will receive a whole new life that will delight existing fans and attract new ones to these fresh interpretations.” 

Looking ahead, 'Hypnovels' aspirations extend far beyond revitalising reading habits; it aims to broaden literary horizons and reshape storytelling conventions. With steadfast support and a commitment to innovation, 'Hypnovels' stands poised to redefine the very fabric of literature consumption and America’s reading habits.