Google’s NotebookLM is an AI-powered tool designed to assist users in managing their notes. Its primary function allows users to upload their own documents, from which it can generate summaries, answer questions, or organize useful information. Recently, I heard that NotebookLM has added support for generating Chinese podcasts and has received widespread acclaim. Intrigued, I decided to test it out by uploading Hermann Hesse’s novel The Last Summer of Klingsor, which I had recently read, to see how it performs in practice.

Creating a Notebook and Uploading Files

Visit the NotebookLM official website at https://notebooklm.google.com/. Once there, click on “New Notebook” and give it a name—I simply used the book title, The Last Summer of Klingsor.

Next, in the “Sources” section on the left side of the page, click the “+ Add” button. Select “Upload File,” locate the PDF file of The Last Summer of Klingsor stored on your computer, and upload it.

After uploading, NotebookLM automatically processes the file and quickly provides a content summary of the notes, along with a list of key themes it identifies and potential thought-provoking questions. This feature helps users gain a general understanding of the material.

Asking Questions About the Document

Additionally, users can engage in deeper analysis of the notes by conversing with the model.

“What themes does the work explore, such as death, art, nature, or the meaning of life?” I asked. NotebookLM searches the document for relevant information and provides a well-structured response. It also uses numbered references to indicate which parts of the original text the answer is based on, making it easy for users to verify.

Beyond free-form questioning, NotebookLM can generate other content, such as mind maps, study guides, summaries, FAQ lists, and timelines. For users who need to systematically organize document content, these features can save a significant amount of time. Below is a portion of a mind map I generated using NotebookLM.

# Generating Chinese Podcasts

NotebookLM can now generate Chinese podcasts, a feature that truly “speaks to the heart”! In the “Studio” section, simply click the “Generate” button, and it will create an AI-hosted simulated dialogue podcast based on the content I uploaded, such as The Last Summer of Klingsor. By switching the language setting to “Chinese (Simplified)”, a well-articulated discussion centered around the novel’s themes unfolds effortlessly.

Here is the podcast audio I generated using NotebookLM. Its style and content align seamlessly with the novel, offering a thought-provoking listen that is well worth your time.

Conclusion

NotebookLM is a revolutionary note-taking tool. With the power of AI, static text transforms into dynamic conversations, immersive learning experiences, and even audible wisdom. NotebookLM has already demonstrated immense potential in reshaping how we process knowledge, allowing us to move beyond traditional reading methods and actively explore new information.

For me, since my biology teacher’s teaching style doesn’t quite suit my learning preferences, I hope to leverage NotebookLM in the future to study biology in a more proactive and engaging way. This might just be my new strategy for coping with external academic pressures.