Who Would Like This Book:
If you're craving warm, character-driven sci-fi with big-hearted themes, this book is right up your alley! Becky Chambers weaves together the journeys of two unlikely protagonists - Sidra, an AI learning to live in a human body, and Pepper, whose tough upbringing echoes Sidra’s struggles for belonging. The story delves deep into questions of identity, personhood, and what it means to find your purpose, all wrapped up in a colorful, inclusive universe. Fans of found-family stories, philosophical musings, or anyone who enjoyed 'The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet' will find plenty to love here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers looking for high-stakes action or intricate plotting may find this book a bit too gentle and meandering. Some found the focus on introspection and day-to-day life slow or lacking urgency, especially compared to the more ensemble-driven first book. If you prefer hard sci-fi with rigorous technical details or novels with lots of twists and suspense, this one might feel a little too cozy - and the sweetness or optimism may seem excessive to cynics.
About:
'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of trauma, abuse, and existential struggles, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
Hugo Award Nominee
National Bestseller!
Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Series!
A Publishers Weekly "Best Books of 2017" pick!
Nominated for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel!
Shortlisted for the 2017 Arthur C. Clarke Award!
Winner of the Prix Julia-Verlanger!
Embark on an exciting, adventurous, and dangerous journey through the galaxy with the motley crew of the spaceship Wayfarer in this fun and heart-warming space opera-the sequel to the acclaimed The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.
Lovelace was once merely a ship's artificial intelligence. When she wakes up in a new body, following a total system shut-down and reboot, she has no memory of what came before. As Lovelace learns to negotiate the universe and discover who she is, she makes friends with Pepper, an excitable engineer, who's determined to help her learn and grow.
Together, Pepper and Lovey will discover that no matter how vast space is, two people can fill it together.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet introduced readers to the incredible world of Rosemary Harper, a young woman with a restless soul and secrets to keep. When she joined the crew of the Wayfarer, an intergalactic ship, she got more than she bargained for-and learned to live with, and love, her rag-tag collection of crewmates.
A Closed and Common Orbit is the stand-alone sequel to that beloved debut novel, and is perfect for fans of Firefly, Joss Whedon, Mass Effect, and Star Wars.
Ratings (126)
Incredible (41) | |
Loved It (58) | |
Liked It (19) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (178):
Read It (130) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (35) | |
Not Interested (12) |
7 comment(s)
A stunning sequel to the first. Didn't expect to cry so much at the ending. But that's the powers of Becky Chambers and her ability to conjure poignancy.
Not a patch on the first.
I enjoyed the world building and deep thought into developing the universe and all it's inhabitants, and the ending of the book was cute and heartwarming. However, I am more of an adventure fan, so I found the plot somewhat boring. I do not think I will continue this series because it is too slow and not enough happens to keep me entertained. This would be a good read for someone who enjoys looking into the "human" experience and philosophy of existence and friendship
Very good. Very emotional. So much of me crying in the last quarter of the book. Good points: thoughtful questions about life, feelings, and family. Bad points: there are moments when I feel like the characters are being a bit too fussy/like teenagers. At moments, I also felt like the story had a very similar arc to the first book, just with different characters. However, by the end, it was fine.
I don't normally like stories that bounce between timelines, but it worked
really well for this. Unfortunately I still dislike the narrator. It's like she has no idea how a conversation works; her inflections are all over the place.
I think I love this book more than the first one. That's not a common occurrence for me.
The alternating chapters worked really well, especially as the book neared it’s climax. Some of the concepts in the book felt—not quite heavy-handed—but I knew what the author was trying to say (in reference to the issues of identity, gender queerness/fluidity). Despite them being a little on the nose, it helped me really sympathize and better understand people for whom these issues are part of daily life. I loved Jane’s story and was just so drawn in all the way to the finish. I highly recommend this book!
This is such a great story. It honestly could be stand alone from the first book. Pepper and Sidra are so amazing. And the end gives me warm fuzzy tears of joy.
What can you read after
A Closed and Common Orbit?
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