I have to say, I love the writing of Becky Chambers. I have one more book to read written by her, and I already have it on hold at the library. There is so much hope, joy, wonder, and self-care in the narratives, that they feel like a salve for the soul.

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the second Monk and Robot book (I am hoping for a whole slew more) and it picks up one week after the events of the first story. The pair are headed back to human civilization, and everyone is eager to meet Mosscap the robot. This falls in nicely with Mosscap’s intention of asking what humans need.

Sibling Dex is happy to be with Mosscap, and they visit with towns, coastal villages, and Dex’s family.

Through it all, they have no intention to perform their tea ceremony. They are quite happy to accompany Mosscap. But as the end of their journey draws closer, both have to reckon with what they will do, and what they are.

Without hitting you over the head, the story talks about mental health, taking a break, and realizing that you are enough. You are good enough, even if you don’t think you are. If you think others are, why wouldn’t you give yourself the same?

I love spending time with these two characters. Their stories are frequently funny, wonderfully optimistic and hopeful, and despite the science fiction trappings, incredibly real.

I’ve gotten to the point that whenever anyone asks me for a book recommendation, Becky Chambers is at the top of the list. I love the way her characters, no matter where they are from, or what they are, are relatable, and so very human, often reflecting a lot of the things that are in the reader’s mind back at them in a new way.

Mosscap looks at the world in a wonderful way, and Sibling Dex offers insightful perspective, without always realizing how it should apply to them as well.

I cannot recommend anything by Chambers enough, dig into the fantastic characters, the wonderful narratives. Honestly the Monk and Robot series feel like a brief, introspective, hopeful escapade from the real world, and reminds us of how important it is to look after ourselves.

My only complaint, as mentioned with the other book is that they are way too short. But I think that’s part of the point as well. They are brief respites from our own issues. A quick refresher, like a cold glass of water, that can reinvigorate.

Becky Chambers, please keep them coming!