Reviews

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

flamepea's review against another edition

5.0

This little novella manages to pack the whole universe into it. [a:Becky Chambers|8389735|Becky Chambers|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1562580587p2/8389735.jpg] has produced one of the most awe-inspiring, captivating, intelligent, humane and above all hopeful book I have ever read. This novel is a journey, a future direction for humanity, not an action-packed or adventurous science fiction novella.

“If you read nothing else we’ve sent home, please at least read this.”

The characters are incredibly inter-woven to the story yet so humble and humane. The heart of the story is slow, real discovery and the astronauts are second in the place of intergalactic discovery. The effortless representation of a polyamorous relationship, trans and asexual people felt incredibly genuine. Nothing had to be directly said because it was just who they were, and they just happened to be four astronauts peacefully solving problems.

“I’m an observer, not a conqueror. I have no interest in changing other worlds to suit me. I choose the lighter touch: changing myself to suit them.”

The detailed, extraordinary and breath-taking biology of new planets was another one of my favourite aspects of this novel. Too often in science-fiction worlds, I wish to hear about the environment peacefully or, a dedicated lore book is published.

This richly-filled novella is well worth your time and, as I currently write this review, I am still recovering from its emotional impact.

2020 Women of the Future - Buddy reads
P.S Thanks, Beige for suggesting this

young_astrolabe's review against another edition

Finally accepting I’m just not a Becky Chambers fan :/

thesundevourer's review

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jimmyviera's review against another edition

5.0

Becky is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I would read anything they write.

gh0stli's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition

4.0

I knew nothing of this book going in except that I’ve loved all of Becky Chambers books and that still holds true!! Was this my absolute favourite of hers? No. Did I still really really enjoy it? Hell yes! I found the way she talks about science and discovery fascinating and god it made me wish I could be an explorer in space.

If you like her other work I highly recommend picking this up too!

Ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee

aforeman's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

slawler's review against another edition

4.0

I loved the planets and lifeforms explored in this book, and I enjoyed the lay-person science explanations. The characters, like many of Chambers', embody the best ideals of humanity with very few of the many many flaws.

I enjoyed this novella, but it wasn't my favorite Becky Chambers.

magical_jess's review

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• 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

3.0

myriadqueen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was incredible. I listened to the audiobook--a very pleasant 4 hours. It's like if The Martian and The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet had a baby. This is really something special.