Jacob Tender

Perhaps not the most riveting book to those unfamiliar to its author but, when read in Bob Mortimer’s voice, is a regular crack up. For now on, if I don’t care for a book, I’m going to try Bob’s voice on to see how it carries.

Mortimer has a joyous rapport with himself through Gary and Emily. I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I wasn’t immediately sold on Psalm for the Wild-Built but grew to really appreciate it for what it is—a thoughtful meditation on consciousness, purpose, and the meaning of things.

I can tell that Becky Chambers put a lot of thought into questioning the tropes that accompany most stories in settings like these. Resulting are scattered subversions of convention that give me pause to think deeper about the limitations science fiction applies to droids or how much reality we obscure in mundane things to make them more “welcoming” to a reader looking to escape.

And I suppose that’s what sets this book apart. As short as it is, it’s chock-full of reminders about life outside of it. It’s sweet, funny, and instructive. Moderately challenging to start but, once our protagonists meet, it’s a wildly engrossing read.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.

I’m happy with what this book achieves for me.