bigteo's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I just really didn’t like this book. Which is surprising, because I love sci fi and especially a robot character. But this was a completely empty and bland experience with no conflict or plot to speak of.
As a side note, both main characters (the robot and the human) use non-binary pronouns which didn’t bother me or cause me to misread passages like some other people have stated in their reviews. I don’t mind having the characters have alternate takes on gender, but I’d like there to be maybe a deeper discussion on gender in a book which is meant to supposedly be this amazingly philosophical experience.
For starters, let’s talk about the lack of plot. The main character, Dex, is a non-binary monk that decides they’re sick of tending to the gardens and decides they want more, so they become a tea monk instead, which is sort of just a therapist I guess? There is no conflict in their decision to do so. None of the other characters challenge them. In fact, they are given a wagon for free. There are mentions of a currency system, but apparently that doesn’t matter in this utopian society (more on that later). Dex struggles once on their quest to become a tea monk and then there’s a two year time skip and suddenly they’re the best tea monk in the world. They then discover they’re still unsatisfied so they decide to trek off into nature to an abandoned hermitage, in which they discover a robot named Mosscap. Supposedly, they’re the first human to have contact with a robot since several hundred years ago the robots suddenly gained consciousness and then left humanity to be in the wilderness. This is a cool concept I suppose, and I can’t help but feel like Mosscap is the more interesting character. As in, Dex has literally no character to speak of. They are as plain as a blank slate. They have no struggles or conflicts and they come off as petulant and immature. Mosscap POV probably would’ve made the book a lot more interesting to me.
One of the things that made Dex really unlikable for me is the constant swearing in their internal monologues. This book feels like it wants to be read like a folktale cozy ghibli-esque take on nature in the distant future. So when Dex swears, it feels so deeply out of place and almost anachronistic. Why would a monk on a moon in a different solar system think the very American sounding phrase “whole-ass tree”? It’s stupid and it made me angry whenever it happened. It makes the book feel like it was written in the past several years and not like the timeless classic it seems to want to be.
The world building felt so strongly lacking. The religion of the world takes centre stage quite obviously because the main character is a disciple of one of the gods of which they have an established pantheon of. That lead me more to question than what the author provided, however. What about other religions? What about atheism, does that exist? Why or why not? I think it’s telling that an abandoned hundreds-of-years-old monastery situated up a remote mountain has the exact same way of worshipping the gods that the modern inhabitants do. It feels so vapid and lazy. Consider something like Christianity which has countless sects within it who all disagree on different aspects despite being the same religion. It might have been interesting for the author to at least allude to something like that existing here. Why does Mosscap also know seemingly everything about the religion? Imagine if we had a robot that had its own set of gods or beliefs or whatever that challenged Dex, that would’ve perhaps served as interesting character conflict. There are other little things too, like Dex not wanting to walk through a trail in the wilderness for fear of damaging nature, but then they’re completely fine with hunting and butchering animals. Humans don’t use technology, but they use pocket computers?
I’ve seen people point out that the fact that humans simply let the robots go is a major flaw. I don’t mind this as much as I do the fact that currently the characters exist in a utopian eco-friendly society where everyone is peaceful and happy. We start off in a setting where every possible conflict has already been resolved except for interpersonal and internal struggles. I get that it’s meant to almost be a slice of life style book, but for that to work I’d actually have to like Dex as a character. The world is too nice. There’s no crime or poverty even though humans have to suddenly not rely on technology.
The core messaging of this book is centred around very westernised and modern takes on what it means to be alive. Because of this, the conclusions that the author reaches by the end of the book are extremely shallow and surface-level interpretations of these difficult concepts. Nothing in what the characters said challenged me or got me to think about a differing perspective, because there was nothing new that was being said. The statements themselves that the book was making was so inoffensive and agreeable that I think it was to their detriment. I think some modern authors seem almost afraid of putting controversial messaging in their books even when framing these concepts as a bad thing. Tackling difficult subject matters, especially ones as universal as what it means to be alive, requires some difficult thoughts on the matter (at least in my opinion). The back and forth between Dex and Mosscap feels more like an interview rather than a conflict of thoughts and ideals. Again, a wasted opportunity.
I’m giving it a 2/5 because the way the author writes about nature is nice and I like some of the concepts (the robots naming themselves after the first thing they see upon gaining consciousness is sweet. The buildings made out of mycelium is cool too, as an example).
As a side note, both main characters (the robot and the human) use non-binary pronouns which didn’t bother me or cause me to misread passages like some other people have stated in their reviews. I don’t mind having the characters have alternate takes on gender, but I’d like there to be maybe a deeper discussion on gender in a book which is meant to supposedly be this amazingly philosophical experience.
For starters, let’s talk about the lack of plot. The main character, Dex, is a non-binary monk that decides they’re sick of tending to the gardens and decides they want more, so they become a tea monk instead, which is sort of just a therapist I guess? There is no conflict in their decision to do so. None of the other characters challenge them. In fact, they are given a wagon for free. There are mentions of a currency system, but apparently that doesn’t matter in this utopian society (more on that later). Dex struggles once on their quest to become a tea monk and then there’s a two year time skip and suddenly they’re the best tea monk in the world. They then discover they’re still unsatisfied so they decide to trek off into nature to an abandoned hermitage, in which they discover a robot named Mosscap. Supposedly, they’re the first human to have contact with a robot since several hundred years ago the robots suddenly gained consciousness and then left humanity to be in the wilderness. This is a cool concept I suppose, and I can’t help but feel like Mosscap is the more interesting character. As in, Dex has literally no character to speak of. They are as plain as a blank slate. They have no struggles or conflicts and they come off as petulant and immature. Mosscap POV probably would’ve made the book a lot more interesting to me.
One of the things that made Dex really unlikable for me is the constant swearing in their internal monologues. This book feels like it wants to be read like a folktale cozy ghibli-esque take on nature in the distant future. So when Dex swears, it feels so deeply out of place and almost anachronistic. Why would a monk on a moon in a different solar system think the very American sounding phrase “whole-ass tree”? It’s stupid and it made me angry whenever it happened. It makes the book feel like it was written in the past several years and not like the timeless classic it seems to want to be.
The world building felt so strongly lacking. The religion of the world takes centre stage quite obviously because the main character is a disciple of one of the gods of which they have an established pantheon of. That lead me more to question than what the author provided, however. What about other religions? What about atheism, does that exist? Why or why not? I think it’s telling that an abandoned hundreds-of-years-old monastery situated up a remote mountain has the exact same way of worshipping the gods that the modern inhabitants do. It feels so vapid and lazy. Consider something like Christianity which has countless sects within it who all disagree on different aspects despite being the same religion. It might have been interesting for the author to at least allude to something like that existing here. Why does Mosscap also know seemingly everything about the religion? Imagine if we had a robot that had its own set of gods or beliefs or whatever that challenged Dex, that would’ve perhaps served as interesting character conflict. There are other little things too, like Dex not wanting to walk through a trail in the wilderness for fear of damaging nature, but then they’re completely fine with hunting and butchering animals. Humans don’t use technology, but they use pocket computers?
I’ve seen people point out that the fact that humans simply let the robots go is a major flaw. I don’t mind this as much as I do the fact that currently the characters exist in a utopian eco-friendly society where everyone is peaceful and happy. We start off in a setting where every possible conflict has already been resolved except for interpersonal and internal struggles. I get that it’s meant to almost be a slice of life style book, but for that to work I’d actually have to like Dex as a character. The world is too nice. There’s no crime or poverty even though humans have to suddenly not rely on technology.
The core messaging of this book is centred around very westernised and modern takes on what it means to be alive. Because of this, the conclusions that the author reaches by the end of the book are extremely shallow and surface-level interpretations of these difficult concepts. Nothing in what the characters said challenged me or got me to think about a differing perspective, because there was nothing new that was being said. The statements themselves that the book was making was so inoffensive and agreeable that I think it was to their detriment. I think some modern authors seem almost afraid of putting controversial messaging in their books even when framing these concepts as a bad thing. Tackling difficult subject matters, especially ones as universal as what it means to be alive, requires some difficult thoughts on the matter (at least in my opinion). The back and forth between Dex and Mosscap feels more like an interview rather than a conflict of thoughts and ideals. Again, a wasted opportunity.
I’m giving it a 2/5 because the way the author writes about nature is nice and I like some of the concepts (the robots naming themselves after the first thing they see upon gaining consciousness is sweet. The buildings made out of mycelium is cool too, as an example).
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol
puttingwingsonwords's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
A delightful sci-fi novella! Low stakes, quiet musings on the meaning of life and consciousness; this book is like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol and Death
hirugame's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
I haven’t felt this good since I read How To Stop A Time War. I haven’t felt this good, this seen, this full — I just kept highlighting passages and rereading quotes and I never thought I would relate to both a monk and a robot but here we are. I need to think about these feelings, I need to hold into them. I’m not sure I’m ready for more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol, Blood, and Animal death
qrschulte's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
This was as lovely and comforting as a warm cup of tea, which I’m seriously craving right now. Such a beautiful treatise on how meaningful just living your life can be. I can’t wait to read more!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Blood, and Cursing
Minor: Pregnancy
marsh_mall0w's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Animal death, Blood, and Alcohol
alibrarymouse's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This is such a soft, beautiful book. Becky Chambers did an amazing job creating a world that feels like living in a cup of tea. It’s the book-equivalent of a Studio Ghibli film, romanticizing the every day and detailing how comfort and joy are necessary for creation, healing, and productivity.
Looking into a future far beyond what we’re even thinking about, Chambers is still addressing issues and concerns we face because they’re not individual problems with simple solutions. But she doesn’t confront readers with them unnecessarily and offers gorgeous perspective.
Speaking of, I loved the perspective in this book, and the way she handled darker topics in a delicate, natural way. This is such a cozy book, but it was also enlightening. Definitely one to savor and reread.
Looking into a future far beyond what we’re even thinking about, Chambers is still addressing issues and concerns we face because they’re not individual problems with simple solutions. But she doesn’t confront readers with them unnecessarily and offers gorgeous perspective.
Speaking of, I loved the perspective in this book, and the way she handled darker topics in a delicate, natural way. This is such a cozy book, but it was also enlightening. Definitely one to savor and reread.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol
hjcomic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
This book is so incredibly beautiful and heartwarming. It's cosy and sweet and very solarpunk and I can't wait to read the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Animal death and Alcohol
trickphoenix's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
5 stars, this is such a special book, it is my new treasure, if I hadn't been reading a library copy I would've been marking the lines that I could feel burning new neural pathways in my brain and making me cry. And specifically, as one of the reviews on the back of this copy aptly put it, making me "cry the good sort of tears - the sort when someone is unexpectedly kind to you at the moment you need it most."
This book is a hugely refreshing vision of an optimistic, beautiful future. The world-building is incredible and also incremental, given to you when you need context but never overwhelming you with detail. The characters are extremely lovable, their interactions were funny enough to make me laugh out loud to myself. It is charming and insightful and relaxing and warm. Strongly recommend reading it outdoors, in a quiet place, with some greenery, and your favorite warm drink.
This book is a hugely refreshing vision of an optimistic, beautiful future. The world-building is incredible and also incremental, given to you when you need context but never overwhelming you with detail. The characters are extremely lovable, their interactions were funny enough to make me laugh out loud to myself. It is charming and insightful and relaxing and warm. Strongly recommend reading it outdoors, in a quiet place, with some greenery, and your favorite warm drink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Alcohol, Grief, Sexual content, and Animal death
owliglot's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, and Blood
kaimetcalfe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail