Reviews

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

spidergirl502's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

4.75

hannah_the_sheep's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

sophieguillas's review against another edition

5.0

I think the most devastating parts of this book was how it positioned the human frailty of the astronauts so closely with the scientific elements. The missions progress can only move forward because of a really human desire for knowledge but making individuals go out in pursuit of scientific progress will always be alienating. It's most obvious in Ariadne's horror at seeing her natural body after years of modifications to survive in hostile environments, but I thought it was the most interesting in this recurring idea that they would have to come home to a world that they don't fit into anymore. Even in an ideal situation the concept is horrible and I was so interested in how the teams on earth and in space understood this return so differently. TRAGIC. I think this tension was developed really well but I wanted more from the characters and world building which makes sense considering the length of the book. I'm going to read Long Way to a Small Angry Planet soon so I'm hoping to get that sort of detail there!

marsh_mall0w's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Suicide attempt, Animal death, and Animal cruelty

Moderate: Gun violence and Grief

Minor: War

archerb's review against another edition

5.0

Becky Chambers can do no wrong in my eyes, 10/10, every time.

This short blink of a story felt more on the Psalm side of the Psalm - Angry Planet spectrum imo despite the obvious space setting, a beautiful and intriguing meditation on the risk, reward, and nature of scientific discovery and pioneering adventure.

ajoh47's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• 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? It's complicated

4.25

lizz_lemon's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring tense 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

5.0

I would read this book before any of Becky Chamber's other book series. It's stand alone and very good but it's not in the same universe as the wayfarer series. If you go in thinking that it is you might be disappointed even though it's very good. 

keen23's review against another edition

4.0

Loved it. It just kind of ends though. Which, I guess was the point.

bluesbro's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective 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

lizziecsmith's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-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? Yes

5.0