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storykath's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am a big Becky Chambers fan - the Wayfarers series has a special place in my heart. To Be Taught isn't too far removed from Wayfarers, in that it's speculative, cozy sci-fi with diverse characters and engaging moral quandaries. That being said, To Be Taught doesn't quite live up to Wayfarers for me. I miss the multiple perspectives and lengthier narratives that get sacrificed in novella form. Some of the science is believable and well-explained, while other aspects feel less fleshed-out. For instance, the narrator Ariadne's role on the crew often feels contrived; she doesn't actually do much as the ship's engineer, which conveniently leaves her with plenty of opportunity to help the others and thus observe and narrate their actions. When she does act in her role, she can be indecisive and unscientific, with a lot of "probably"s and "I don't know"s that never get methodically addressed like I would expect.
As always with Becky Chambers, To Be Taught is an interesting, easy-to-read sci-fi that effectively uses outer space and science to reflect inwardly on humanity. While I can't rave as much about this novella compared to any of the Wayfarers books, I am still glad to have it on my shelf.
Graphic: Animal death and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Death, Gun violence, and Sexual content
betanine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story puts the reader in a few different positions, with a different set of questions to answer with each world. If this were a Christian story, these would be the preaching moments with an altar call at the end. That being said, there is no shaming or blaming, no judgment or insult. It is a genuine presentation of what is, the ready to consider rather than walk away with little thought.
Who is this book for?
- People who like science. Earth sciences in particular.
- People who like a scientific take that isn’t wildly fantasy.
- People who are curious about the perspective of the science minded, especially in relation to earth science.
Who is this book not for:
- People who believe science as it is practiced now is intentionally anti-God
- People who are looking for an exciting space adventure.
- People who are looking for a quick, light read.
Content advisories: Adult language, references to non-monogamous sexual activity (no graphic descriptions).
Graphic: Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
wanderonwards's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Animal death, Medical content, Confinement, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
awpatton's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, and Suicidal thoughts
eloiseisreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Cursing
jehansflowers's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Animal death and Confinement
Moderate: Cursing and Suicidal thoughts
v171's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Confinement and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Blood, Animal death, Cursing, and Sexual content