Reviews - A Psalm for the Wild-Built

33.8k reviews for:

A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Becky Chambers

4.35 AVERAGE

unicorn_wannabee's review against another edition

5.0

Just as long as I still have time to be a tea monk when I grow up

hannahbeh's review against another edition

5.0

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

_court's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous hopeful reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

amonkey9's review against another edition

3.0

hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Chapter 3 is when the story gets good.

Chapter 1 wasn’t particularly engaging. Unfortunately, there was a short scene in Chapter 2 that I believe soured my enjoyment of the story. Our main character has some horny thoughts about a new father as he is holding his twins that feel utterly objectifying, inappropriate, and completely out of tone with the story as a whole. It was so jarring. Yes the character had already been shown to be a sexual being in chapter 1, but that did not feel so off putting and out of place.

The story from Chapter 3 onwards was far more endearing and a reflection on what it means to be human.

I didn’t find the story relatable as this is examining what it means to be human in a post capitalist society. The main character is living an equivalent to a spiritual trust fund kid lifestyle so it feels their turmoil comes from such a privileged place. While they do acknowledge this, the take away they learned just doesn’t feel like something I, a non trust fund kid who does live in a capitalist society, can actually apply to my own life in any meaningful way. However, I acknowledge that may not be the point and that’s okay.

I can’t say I particularly liked this book, but the fact that I finished it should say a lot. My personal disinterest in the book is more personal preference than any faults with the story. I thought I wanted a cozy, no stakes, low plot story. However I was wrong. Or at least my timing was.

I still encourage others to give this book a chance if you are in the mood for something easy to read.