Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - A Psalm for the Wild-Built

This book is like a warm hug and a hot cup of tea. A beautiful portrait of a world that has figured out a much gentler way of living with, instead of cutting through, the nature that came first. Yet, Dex still feels something missing from their life. So they go into the wilderness, hoping to fill the space, and find their purpose. What they do find, and learn from a new friend, is much more important than a vocation.

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madisonogle3's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

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torikate7's review against another edition

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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

One of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long time. The world the author created is gorgeous, lush, and heartwarming. Reading it felt like sitting with a warm cup of tea :) Can’t wait to read the second installment!

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the_reading_wren's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-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

4.75

A Psalm for the Wild-built made me happy cry within a few pages because the representation hit so hard! I loved this quick, cosy read that was full of emotion, gorgeous world-building and poignant humour (that brings to mind Terry Pratchett).

Chambers has created a world where the biggest problems facing us today are solved, but the everyday things, and human nature, are reassuringly familiar in all their complexity. There were several times when I stopped reading to absorb a meaningful part of the text or follow a train of thought; this book prompts a lot of pondering! The ending leaves you to pull the various threads together to delve deeper into the overall message:

Spoiler

I think it is that our fear of not having a purpose is a remnant

. The dedication on the first page says ‘For anybody who could use a break’, and I think that’s perfect!

Definitely one I’ll reread a few times, and I’m looking forward to the sequel!

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ezwolf's review

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I can’t say I have strong opinions either way on this book. I can see why so many people liked it but it just lacked the same appeal for me. I think I just had different expectations for what this book would be.

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alexalily's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-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

4.0

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cameronreads's review against another edition

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4.5

This book was so unbelievably lovely. I think it’s the first SFF book I’ve read that I’d classify as low stakes and it was just so cozy and comforting. The conversations about personhood and purpose were so interesting and I loved watching Dex on their literal and metaphorical journeys. I also loved the casual queerness in here - Dex uses they/them pronouns and no one bats an eye, which is always so comforting to read about as someone who also uses they/them pronouns. Becky Chambers managed to pack a wonderful and enticing world into so few pages as well as wonderful complex characters and conversations. A great little novella.

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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted reflective slow-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

4.75

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