A review by likin_lichen
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

I think I like this book even more than the first in the series (definitely works as a standalone), which I genuinely had not been expecting. The past and present storylines were both compelling, and essential to the story being told.

I'm not sure I'll ever be over the genius of Pepper saying "I was raised by an AI", when Sidra barely knows her and feels overall on edge and uncomfortable, and then the reveal of the Mothers, which instantly made me uncomfortable, only for us to then later find out how the rest of that story goes.

There is such intentionality and peace in many of the descriptions, as well as two connected story lines centered around the conviction of living and experiencing the world, negotiating your own terms for doing so, and finding family. A slow examination of what it means to be a person, and what it means to mean something to someone. Beautiful, well-executed, with many vivid moments and themes.