A Psalm for the Wild-Built

by Becky Chambers

Overall: Not everyone loves science fiction as much as I do. If you think of yourself as someone who doesn’t read sci-fi, this might be a good choice to dip your toe outside your comfort zone. A Psalm for the Wild-Built avoids many of the tropes that turn people off of sci-fi: it’s quite short; it’s set in an extremely relatable, agricultural society with minimal tech; it has a hopeful view of humanity. It is an absolutely delightful read I could recommend to anyone who’s interested in a quiet reflection on the nature of self and humanity. Panga, a small, forested moon (forested moons will forever make me think of Endor), is the home of a small population of humans. These people have rejected AI and robotic tech after their robots developed consciousness and mysteriously vanished. Sibling Dex, a member of a monastic order devoted to one of Panga’s six deities, decides that they would be more fulfilled as a tea monk. After years of doling out tea and sympathy to people all over Panga, however, they still feel that something is missing. And then, on their way to an abandoned hermitage on a remote and forbidden mountain, they encounter a robot.

Likes: I loved the cozy feeling of the book. A lot of sci-fi is about battles and tech; it was lovely to find a piece that focuses on emotions and philosophy. I liked Sibling Dex; they felt relatable, kind but not saintly, and nicely flawed. The standout character for me is the robot, Mosscap, whose fascination with humans was balanced by its firm sense of itself as a conscious, mechanized construct. I loved the interaction between the two characters, and I can’t wait to read the sequel, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy.

Dislikes: the first half is a touch slow. I really enjoyed the pace, but if you’re looking for fast-paced action or adventure, this won’t be a good fit.

FYI: None.