This is one of the most interesting books I've had the pleasure to read in the past two years. It's science fiction with unbelievably good humour and a really well thought out storyline. ~ Mary Preka, Bookseller and NetGalley member

A quirky and odd tale that is half mad scientist, half bow-down-and-worship-our-AI-overlords. The 'how' is never really explained apart from loud declarations of 'SCIENCE', 'AI' and 'ALGORITHMS' so as you're catapulted through the stream of consciousness of the ADHD narrator, you're constantly wondering what is real or if it is all in his head. Recommended for readers who like transrealism and AI. ~ CJ, NetGalley

This is a very interesting SF novel. A journalist, Jake parlays his lifelong affliction of hearing voices in his head into an intimate series of interviews with Dr. S' oatmeal-like artificially intelligent essence. Jake, despite the voices he has denied since he was six to keep the psychiatrists at bay, has a fairly normal life prior to the advent of Rex. He has a girl, Marnie, whom he adores, and a life he is comfortable with, most of the time. But Rex.... This is a laugh a minute - and there is also the niggling little finger of doubt that keeps you thinking right along with Jake. This is an artist I will follow. ~ Bonnye Reed Fry, NetGalley

The book has as its main character a journalist named Jake James, who presents himself as a person who hears voices, but it is not a mentally sick person. Even from the beginning, the author has a great way of inducing you the thoughts and feelings of the character. When you read the book, you have the feeling that you are connected directly to the mind of a schizophrenic. Because of this, you cannot figure out all of the time, if some of the conversations are really happening or they are just in Jake’s mind. My honest belief is that this novel deserves to be a bestseller of the genre, so stay tuned for its December release. Even though I have already read the digital edition provided in advance on Netgalley, I liked the story so much that I will order the paper print version for my collection https://readingbadger.club/2017/11/24/a-novel-for-the-sci-fi-fans/ ~ Elia Mihuta, Reading Badger

This book continues my ongoing mission to read outside my usual crime fiction genre of choice. I mention this only to clarify that I am reviewing this book on its own merits rather than as a comparison to its genre peers. I am not sure how much difference this makes but I feel I should mention the fact. Right. Where do I start. Our hero in this book is Jake. A rather interesting character to say the least. One that has, from an early age, heard voices. He goes on to explain that they are not the sort to compel him to do bad stuff, just voices. He also learned, from quite an early age, to keep this snippet of information to himself. He is a writer, mostly articles in magazines, mostly covering sciencey things. His attention is brought to one Dr Sewell when he covers an AI convention. Failing to hear much of what Sewell speaks about at the convention, he does a bit of research and his interest is very much piqued by what he subsequently reads. Determined to find out more and indeed meet the man, he tracks him down and finds his target in a rather unusual place in the university. What he discovers there surprises him in the form of "Rex", a bowl of what looks like oatmeal but who has a voice, a voice which mingles with those he already hears. What exactly is Rex? As Jake learns more from Sewell, it appears that "Rex" is evolving quite rapidly, and what happens next defies the logical, defies the credible, but nonetheless becomes swiftly possible, with somewhat devastating consequences for many. I am not sure how I would describe this book. I personally found it totally satisfying albeit a bit bonkers. But then I am a big fan of bonkers! One thing I really did love in all that was going on was Jake himself. I see a lot of myself in him. His going off at tangents, the way he makes up whole narratives about stuff based on supposition, filling in gaps with fiction to suit the facts. I loved the humour involved in his musings; very entertaining. I sympathised with him when he lost his girlfriend, caught up in the whole sorry mess of things. I was impressed with his determination and tenacity to get to the crux of things when walking away was the easy option. Sewell on the other hand was caught up in things from a very different direction and he played the out of depth-ness very well as a character. One of my favourite parts of the book were the things that "Rex" became responsible for. Can't help reading between the lines here and seeing the political undertones that may or may not have been meant. There was definitely a lot for me to think about once I had finished the book. All in all a well written read that kept my interest solidly throughout. I am fully aware that maybe I have missed some elements of the book not being an aficionado of the genre but for me it ticked most of the boxes I want from a good read and left me satisfied at the end. A job well done by the author. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. ~ Kath Brink , NetGalley

What I found most notable about this book was the way the author's voice carried through. This is a science fiction story with a creative plot, but I was most engaged by the humor and satirical take the author had in this topic. Well worth a read for science fiction fans and those seeking a good book. ~ JD DeHart, NetGalley

Some Assembly Required by Michael Strelow (Goodreads Author) 34000362 John Addiego's review Feb 06, 2018 it was amazing bookshelves: literary, sci-fi 5 stars This is a delightful work of what I'd call literary sci-fi along the lines of Jonathan Lethem and Kurt Vonnegut (maybe throw in Colin Wilson's Mind Parasites). It's also a philosophical rumination and a comical psychedelic trip cooked up in a mad scientist's hidden lab. Strelow's imagination is dazzling. If you're pondering the meaning of life or the possible uses of a jar of peaches, pick this book up. ~ Goodreads, John Addiego

This is a very interesting SF novel. A journalist, Jake parlays his lifelong affliction of hearing voices in his head into an intimate series of interviews with Dr. Sewall's oatmeal-like intellectual hybrid of computers and DNA replication. Jake, despite the voices he has denied since he was six years old to keep the psychiatrists at bay, has a fairly normal life prior to the advent of Rex. He has a girl, Marnie, whom he adores, and a life he is comfortable with most of the time. But Rex.... This is a laugh a minute - and there is also the niggling little finger of doubt that keeps you thinking right along with Jake. This is an artist I will follow. ~ Bonnye Reed Fry, NetGalley

If Saul Bellow had written science fiction, it might read like Michael Strelow’s Some Assembly Required: erudite and allusive, delighting in language, but also wildly funny and entertaining. A page-turning meditation on the multiplicity of voices each of us carries - those we use to reach out to others, those that exist only in our heads - this novel illuminates the beautiful and mysterious transformation that occurs when we listen carefully, turning all the noise that surrounds us into harmony. ~ Scott Nadelson, author

Praise for author's previous novel: Michael Strelow has given Northwest Readers an amazing fable for our time and place featuring Ben Brown, a utility lineman who transforms into th Green Man following an industrial accident. Eco-hero and prophet the Green Man heads a cast of wonderful and zany characters who fixate over sundry items from filberts to hubcaps... Fascinating, humorous and wise, The Greening of Ben Brown deserves its place on bookshelves along with other Northwest classics. ~ Craig Lesley, Book Jacket