By Isabelle
Before reading Becky Chambers, I had never read sci-fi. I just never felt drawn to it.
It was once multiple of my colleagues recommended her books that I decided to give them a try. I started by reading one of Chambers’ novellas, To Be Taught, If Fortunate. I was hooked! I ended up spending the months of September and October reading the whole Wayfarers series.
I think what I enjoy so much about her books is how wholesome and heartwarming they all are, which—especially in the sci-fi space— can be rare. A lot of sci-fi books are packed with adventure and action, which can be enjoyable but isn’t my personal preference.
I enjoy books that place an emphasis on character growth and self-discovery, which is exactly the focal point in all of Chambers’ books. On top of that, she centers LGBTQIA+ themes and brings loads of representation into her worlds, from species that come from a polyamorous culture to ones that use they/them pronouns and others that change genders several times over the course of their lifetimes!
While there’s loads of playfulness in her books, as someone who often has existential thoughts and questions, I appreciate and find comfort in the fact that all her books explore the complexities of humanity, and that is then balanced out/complemented by the wonders of space.
I also very much enjoy that her books aren’t centered around this idea of conquering space; instead they encourage a much more curiosity- and kindness-driven approach.
A great example of this in To Be Taught, If Fortunate is where the astronauts’ bodies change to adjust to new planets they explore, disrupting the environment as little as possible. I’d compare the style of this book to reading a diary or contemplative musings along with findings by the crew. It captures their everyday lives and thoughts and how they grapple with the ethical implications and moral obligations that come with space exploration. I loved that!
Chambers excels at balancing a very rich and fun world while also touching on topics that mirror the difficulties in our own world. By combining the two, I feel she creates a comforting yet provocative read. It makes it a little easier to get perspective on the tough issues we face. The worlds she creates are incredibly hopeful. I read others describe her work as full of philosophical introspection and optimistic futurism, which I think captures her work perfectly.
I’ve read Chambers’ recent reflections on her books and how she wants to continue to push the boundaries in her world-building. She reflects on how the Wayfarer series still contains a “bad species,” a capitalist economy and political systems that are very similar to our modern world.
Her sharing this critical new look at her work makes me greatly respect her as a writer, and it also makes me super excited to read what she comes up with next.
Chambers’ books are exactly what we need right now: in a polarized world obsessed with frivolous things, her books remind us what really nourishes the soul.
Thank you, Becky Chambers, for writing books that bring me such joy, optimism and wonder!
