The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
by Becky Chambers (2014)
2022 reads, 12/20:
Since I’ve been trying to break into reading more science fiction, I decided to pick up this book, which was recommended to me as a great entry point. I wanted something high-quality, but not dense like Dune. This book checked those boxes, as it’s cozy, with a simple plot (a new clerk, Rosemary, joins a spaceship that tunnels through spacetime) that is usually set on the back burner in favor of character development.
To me, it was almost like reading a sitcom, each chapter acting as an ‘episode’ where some new situation presents itself to the characters (exploring a new planet, dealing with character relationships, warding off enemies, etc.). The dialogue could be a bit camp at times, which isn’t necessarily my cup of tea, but it was on par for the book, so I didn’t really mind it. The worldbuilding was the strongest part of the novel, and I believe Chambers has other books that take place in this universe, though not necessarily with the same characters.
I think this book works great as an introduction to the sci-fi genre, but can also be enjoyed by veterans alike, or really anyone that wants a feel-good read.
“No sapient could sustain happiness all of the time, just as no one could live permanently within anger, or boredom, or grief.”