The last (for now) Becky Chambers book for me to read was her first. Again, it’s too short, but it hints at the wonders to come in her Wayfarer Series and Monk and Robot books.

The story follows a foursome of Earth explorers as they explore strange new worlds. Well four of them anyway. And as such it plays out as a story of human adaptability, our own blindness, and the wonder and awe of discovery.

And that’s the part I enjoyed most, the reminder that space exploration shouldn’t be about profit, it should be about our curiosity.

As the group travels from world to world, their bodies are adapted to their environment – allowing for the exploration of the way humans can change for their environments, something we should be doing instead of the other way around.

They are excited and wonderstruck by their discoveries. They are occasionally trapped by them. And as the narrative continues, they learn a dark truth about Earth.

There is science, wonder, frustration, and hope all wrapped up in a narrative that is engaging (if too short). The four astronauts, explorers, work well together, can support one another in their scientific efforts and their emotional needs.

They aren’t quite a microcosm of society, but they do show that humanity can work together without jealousy, prejudice or judgment.

I love the sense of discovery, as well as the day to day life they experience. And the fact that they have sacrificed so much, given up there families so that they can travel to distant worlds.

I’ve raved about Becky Chambers every time I’ve read one of her books. This time is no different. I love how she writes, the way she doles out her narratives, the humor, the hope and the wonder. The belief that we can grow out of our current troubles and perhaps, be better.

Chambers has found her way onto my list of favorite authors, and is usually the first recommendation I make to anyone.

If you’ve not read any of her works, do yourself a favor and start! She’s wonderful, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.