Becky Chambers, an award-winning sci-fi novelist, has spun a beautiful tale of self-examination and acceptance. In the story, we meet Dex, a person in transition, living on a moon in a galaxy far, far away. The world Chambers creates is energy-efficient, clean, and without automation. Long ago, the robots of Panga (the only continent on the moon) became self-aware and decided to ditch the human race for the opportunity to live in the wild forests of the great landmass on the little moon.
During Dex's journey, they meet a robot named Mosscap (after the mushroom). Apparently, robots name themselves after the first thing they see upon awakening. At first, both have difficulties interacting—there is an awkward stage before familiarity and friendship set in. It is interesting in a time of AI to consider the interactions between a human and a sentient machine.
This is a very spiritual book. The main character, a non-gendered human, becomes a Tea Monk—a person who offers tea, a kind ear, and sound advice to those having a difficult time. Kind of like a bartender, everybody bends the ear of the most famous tea monk in Panga. But who helps the helper when the helper feels lost, confused, or unmotivated? That is poor Dex's dilemma. So Dex journeys on into the wilds—off-limits to humans, as the wilds belong to the robots. Dex's destination is an ancient monastery deep in the Wilds. The first night, Dex meets Mosscap, a robot with a very human personality. The first interaction between human and robot is hilarious and feels very genuine. Mosscap agrees to guide Dex to the monastery in exchange for information regarding the progress of humans without robots.
It is a short novel (145 pages) but a beautiful story. There are no inappropriate actions (no violence, no drugs) but a few f-bombs peppered throughout the pages and the mention of a physical relationship by the main character, but no explicit details. The book describes a fictional religion practiced by the Panganese that is full of symbolism and love for the world and all that abounds in it. Spirituality is key to this story, which inspires the main character to look deeply into one's own psyche. The story doesn't start out as a meaning-of-life story, but it softly, smoothly, and sweetly turns into one.
The book has some challenging vocabulary and some complex themes. It would be appropriate for all highschool grades as some of the vocabulary may be too advance for middle-schoolers.
Have you read A Psalm for the Wild-Built? If so, your comments would be greatly appreciated.
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