Official Review: André's Reboot by Steve Coleman

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 11 Aug 2019, 14:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "André's Reboot" by Steve Coleman.]

4 out of 4 stars

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André was initially designed to be a household android that was capable of menial work and advanced tasks around the house. In an amazing feat of situational heroics, André saw the imminent danger of an incoming hailstorm and saved the family’s children. Not only were the children not harmed, but the traumatic incident sparked something within his inner circuitry that resulted in him becoming self-aware. From then on, André learned at amazing speeds and was able to comprehend, mimic and experience human-like emotions. This newfound ability leads him through a roller coaster life that takes him on family vacations to Paris to jobs with the Department of Defense, FBI, and even the president.

André’s Reboot by Steve Coleman is one part science-fiction and another part social/political discourse. The book mostly follows André’s experiences as he grows up with his family, deals with loss, uses his unique abilities in the defence and security of the United States, and even finds himself employed in the Oval Office. The other aspect of this novel uses André’s experiences to discuss some of the unique aspects of life that makes us human. The book gets into discussions about the utility of war, human aggression, the emotion of fear, religious extremism and current politics. This book will teach you a bit about artificial intelligence in the form of neural networks and make you think a little bit about how emotions affect our decisions. Finally, as a bonus, political satire surrounding the United States and North Korea (and their respective leaders) features prominently in the storyline.

The characters in this book made all of the difference. I loved the extremely intelligent (but still naive) character of André, but the others were amazing as well. Between the bull-headed military general and the timid White House historian, the characters in this book expertly displayed the spectrum of humanity. What I liked the most about this book was that it was wrapped up in multiple layers. On the outside, it is a book about a self-aware robot and his adventures. Peeling back a layer we find a story that is based on technical research and unique glimpses into security and intelligence agencies. Another layer peeled away leaves a tongue in cheek tale poking fun at the current President of the United States. Taking another layer off, we find a discourse on what makes us human. Finally, eliminating the last layer reveals a stark warning to humanity writ large.

The thing that I disliked the most about this book (and the only negative thing I’d want to say) revolves around the author’s decision to mock the current President of the United States. Other books that I’ve read recently were at least subtle in their comparison between their fictional characters and the real-life POTUS, but Coleman was much less so. By making this obvious connection and mockingly talking about mental and psychological issues with him, the author may alienate his book from some potential readers. Similarly, a work so blatantly based in the present day may lose its power for subsequent generations of readers. Although I did pick up on a couple of minor grammatical errors, they weren’t enough to break the flow or enjoyment of this book

I loved all the different layers that this book had to offer me. It kept me both interested in the overarching plot and enjoying the more profound nuggets left behind for the reader to digest further. For this reason, I have no qualms whatsoever giving this book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars. None of the negative issues I raised were significant enough to inhibit my enjoyment of this book but may only affect that of other readers. I fully recommend this to anyone who loves light science-fiction or those that enjoy literature that makes you think about what makes us human. If you are likely to be insulted if the current President is mocked within literature, you should stay away from this one.

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André's Reboot
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OuKoyoo · Post by **OuKoyoo** » 13 Aug 2019, 14:47

What a lovely review! I love "literature that makes you think about what makes us human" and that draws me to this book. Thank you.

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 13 Aug 2019, 15:15

The plot seems interesting, but I stay off books with politics in it. Thanks for your review.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 13 Aug 2019, 15:35

Andre's Reboot sounds like an interesting book. I'm a little surprised that the author didn't set this story 10-15 years in the future to give it that near-future feeling. As I was reading your review, I couldn't help but think about the game "Detroit: Become Human." The video game allows you to follow the story of three robots who become self-aware and the choices you make as each character shape the outcome of the future. It's set in the year 2038, which seemed to establish a plausible amount of time for androids to become a major part of our everyday lives. Still, I might have to check this book out. Thanks for the review!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 13 Aug 2019, 17:59

An excellent premise for a story. I like that he becomes able to experience human emotion. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 13 Aug 2019, 18:35

I love books about AI and robots that gain emotions. It really is a great way to explore what it means to be human.
While I agree with the author's politics as mentioned here, I also agree that by being so blatant in reference to current politics, the author is running the risk of reducing the impact of those lessons on future readers.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 13 Aug 2019, 19:52

I do enjoy science fiction, but the political part of the story wouldn't be for me. I love that Andre becomes self-aware, but it's been done before. I think I'll skip this one.

OuKoyoo · Post by **OuKoyoo** » 13 Aug 2019, 21:00

The review points to a captivating science fiction story. Even though I do not really love the genre, I think I should give the book a try; I may enjoy it. Thank you for the review.

gali · Post by **gali** » 22 Oct 2019, 05:19

A science-fiction tale revolving around a robot who becomes self-aware sounds great, though it is not a new idea. It seems the author went too far with his mocking. I like robot stories, but I dislike political satires or abasing discourses. Not for me, but I am glad you liked it. Thank you for the review!

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 22 Oct 2019, 05:30

This is a science fiction novel following André the self aware robot learning humanity. It has dark humour theme as well as social political issues. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and an amazing OnlineBookClub review. Congrats @SteveColemanJr on the BOTD selection.

Mouricia Allen · Post by **Mouricia Allen** » 22 Oct 2019, 05:36

This was a very good review. I enjoyed it! good job!

C-obi · Post by **C-obi** » 22 Oct 2019, 06:00

Wow! An android that became a hero? Would love to read this book. Thanks for the review.

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 22 Oct 2019, 06:26

I enjoyed reading about Andre the robot. He used logical reasoning and would just say things that were so blatantly truthful. I, too, disliked the mocking and belittling of the current president (it was not hidden). The author went a bit overboard on that but otherwise, the book was written very well and really interesting.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 22 Oct 2019, 06:42

It seems that the author took sci-fi to a next level. Seems interesting, but I hope the author does try too hard as it may ruin a good plot.

MatereF · Post by **MatereF** » 22 Oct 2019, 06:51

I love that this novel uses André’s experiences to discuss some of the unique aspects of life that makes us human. The book gets into discussions about the utility of war, human aggression, the emotion of fear, religious extremism and current politics. Also, the book will teach me a bit about artificial intelligence in the form of neural networks and make you think a little bit about how emotions affect our decisions. Great review!