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A review by brucethegirl
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A motley crew begin their assignment to reach a small planet that's beginning talks for inclusion in the intergalactic government. But this book isn't about that. It's not about the planet in question, or the complex ruling government body over the universe. It's about the team on this space ship. How they learn to become a family unit. How they learn about each other, and welcome each other ever closer into their hearts. This book is about creating space for the people you care about, and letting them care for you. And its about trusting the people in your life to make the best decisions for themselves.
Something I loved about this book was the general sci-fi cozy of it. There are so few "cozy" sci-fi books, and it was just such a nice relaxing read about space travel and aliens. Chambers also excels in the cozy sci-fi genre as a whole with her sophomore series, Monk and Robot, which I read first. I love how the characters, even ones who already know they love each other and consider each other family, are still learning and trusting ever more. How they all begin to acknowledge they're more than just co-workers, they are a family flying through space together.
I will say there was one point towards the end that really calls into the question the right to make decisions over your own body, regardless of the harm such choices make to those around you. It's a little bit of a complicated situation, and I won't get into details, because spoilers. But if body autonomy is a big trigger/issue for you, I WOULD suggest skipping this one.
That said, I don't even know how to fully talk about this book. Not without giving away any other spoilers, but just in terms of nothing big ever actually happens. I would even argue nothing ever happens until the very end. This isn't a book to read when you want complicated love triangles, or dashing galaxy saving pirates, or anything of the like. Who love the idea of a cozy book, but don't enjoy fantasy or mystery. This is a book for those who love popping on Firefly or Cowboy Bebop in the background.
Something I loved about this book was the general sci-fi cozy of it. There are so few "cozy" sci-fi books, and it was just such a nice relaxing read about space travel and aliens. Chambers also excels in the cozy sci-fi genre as a whole with her sophomore series, Monk and Robot, which I read first. I love how the characters, even ones who already know they love each other and consider each other family, are still learning and trusting ever more. How they all begin to acknowledge they're more than just co-workers, they are a family flying through space together.
I will say there was one point towards the end that really calls into the question the right to make decisions over your own body, regardless of the harm such choices make to those around you. It's a little bit of a complicated situation, and I won't get into details, because spoilers. But if body autonomy is a big trigger/issue for you, I WOULD suggest skipping this one.
That said, I don't even know how to fully talk about this book. Not without giving away any other spoilers, but just in terms of nothing big ever actually happens. I would even argue nothing ever happens until the very end. This isn't a book to read when you want complicated love triangles, or dashing galaxy saving pirates, or anything of the like. Who love the idea of a cozy book, but don't enjoy fantasy or mystery. This is a book for those who love popping on Firefly or Cowboy Bebop in the background.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Deportation, Forced institutionalization, and Police brutality
loss of body autonomy a character who is of a species that can live hundreds of years without a culturally accepted parasite that shortens their life to a few dozen is offered a cure that will remove the parasite but refuses it. Wanting to die with the parasite. Another character forces the cure onto the alien refusing to let the team suffer anymore loss after the AI program they were friends with is reset, removing all memory of their friendships.