A psalm for the wild-built

Book Cover
Average Rating
Series
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2021.
Language
English

Description

In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers's delightful new Monk and Robot series gives us hope for the future.It's been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend.One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how.They're going to need to ask it a lot.Becky Chambers's new series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?

More Details

Contributors
Chambers, Becky Author
Grosland, Em Narrator
ISBN
9781250236210
9781250807748
9781250236227

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Also in this Series

  • A psalm for the wild-built (Monk & robot Volume 1) Cover
  • A prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & robot Volume 2) Cover

Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These atmospheric and richly detailed series star traveling nonbinary individuals accompanied by a robot (sci-fi Monk & Robot) or an animal (fantasy Singing Hills Cycle) who seek connections and meaning from those they encounter on their journey. -- Andrienne Cruz
As far as science fiction storylines go, Monk & Robot is relatively quiet compared to the action-packed plot of Murderbot Diaries, yet both series star sentient, charismatic machines whose desires transcend their original purpose of mindlessly serving humans. -- Basia Wilson
In these hopeful science fiction reads, an exiled teenage boy (Rampart Trilogy) and a restless nonbinary monk (Monk & Robot) accompanied by sentient tech journey across the wilderness to find answers in a postapocalyptic world with impressive world-building. -- Andrienne Cruz
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "apocalyptic fiction"; the subjects "robots," "voyages and travels," and "post-apocalypse"; and characters that are "introspective characters."
These series have the appeal factors reflective and character-driven, and they have the genre "science fiction"; and the subject "near future."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and stylistically complex, and they have the genre "apocalyptic fiction"; and the subjects "consciousness," "post-apocalypse," and "technology."
These series have the appeal factors reflective and thought-provoking, and they have the genre "science fiction."
These series have the appeal factors reflective, hopeful, and character-driven, and they have the genre "science fiction"; and characters that are "complex characters."
These series have the appeal factors reflective, thought-provoking, and intricately plotted, and they have the genre "science fiction."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors hopeful and world-building, and they have the theme "rise of the machines"; the genre "apocalyptic fiction"; and the subjects "robots," "consciousness," and "artificial intelligence."
NoveList recommends "Rampart trilogy" for fans of "Monk & robot". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Murderbot diaries" for fans of "Monk & robot". Check out the first book in the series.
In these character-driven and lyrical apocalyptic fiction books, young people learn powerful lessons from the natural world. Psalm for the Wild-Built, however, relies more heavily on science fiction elements (such as a sentient robot) than The Bear. -- CJ Connor
In post-apocalyptic novels that nevertheless manage to be hopeful, robots and humans team up into chosen families in stories that pose questions about what people truly need and what it means to be human. -- Michael Shumate
Though A Psalm for the Wild-Built is science fiction and Barefoot Doctor is literary fiction, both offer leisurely paced and contemplative storylines in an atmospheric rural setting where individuals share their hopes and needs. -- Andrienne Cruz
In these leisurely paced and atmospheric works of science fiction, a dystopian (Bridge 108) or post-apocalyptic (A Psalm) world poses challenges to characters trying to forge a meaningful life, but hope lies in humanity's resourcefulness. -- Malia Jackson
Readers who prefer their apocalyptic fiction to have a hopeful message will appreciate these character-driven novels that grapple with the ultimate outcomes of humanity's relationship to nature (The History of Bees) and the effort to create conscious robots (A Psalm). -- Malia Jackson
These books have the appeal factors reflective and lyrical, and they have the genres "science fiction" and "apocalyptic fiction"; and the subject "consciousness."
NoveList recommends "Singing Hills Cycle novels" for fans of "Monk & robot". Check out the first book in the series.
Readers looking for character-driven speculative fiction will enjoy these engaging and atmospheric novels. While Legends is fantasy and Psalm is science fiction, both feature characters looking to change their circumstances who develop unlikely yet meaningful friendships. -- Mary Kinser
Although Psalm is written for an adult audience and The Wild Robot is meant for kids, both thought-provoking books juxtapose a robot with a wild landscape as a way of exploring what it means to interact thoughtfully with the ecosystem. -- Autumn Winters

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both authors write heartwarming, fast-paced science fiction following characters who confront both personal and external struggles (including threats to their world or even galaxy) while finding the strength to keep going through their relationships with others. -- CJ Connor
Cat Rambo and Becky Chambers write heartwarming, far future space opera that features engaging, diverse groups of characters working together. Included among those casts are sentient, sympathetic robots (Chambers) and anthropomorphic spaceships (Rambo). -- Michael Shumate
People who may not consider themselves science fiction (Becky Chambers) or fantasy (TJ Klune) readers may appreciate both these writers for their warm tones and inclusive casts of characters. -- Autumn Winters
Readers looking for science fiction and fantasy with inclusive casting and plenty of action will find it in the works of both Becky Chambers and Martha Wells. -- Autumn Winters
Although Becky Chambers is known for her science fiction and Travis Baldree writes cozy fantasy, both authors' work will please readers looking for warm, feel-good speculative fiction. -- Autumn Winters
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "astronauts," and "space flight."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "science fiction"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "space flight," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "space flight," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "astronauts," and "space flight."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "astronauts," and "space flight."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "space flight," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "space vehicles," "astronauts," and "hyperspace."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

The first book in Chambers' new series feels like a moment to breathe, a novel that exists to give readers a place to rest and think. Dex lives a quiet, fulfilling life as a monk until they decide to go on the road. Dex loads up a wagon with supplies and spices and travels from place to place, serving tea and listening to the problems of their patrons. This is also fulfilling--until it isn't. When Dex decides to go off-road, they run into a relic of their planet's past. Maybe now Dex can find their purpose. Dex is a relatable character searching for meaning in their life. While the plot is light, the character development, a hallmark of Chambers' earlier works, is strong and engaging. This book is full of moments of discomfort that allow readers to grow and learn as they relate to Dex. There are hints of a historical catastrophe that suggest even greater world building to come. Recommended for fans of Chambers' Wayfarers series and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Hugo Award winner Chambers (the Wayfarers series) launches the Monk and Robot series with this contemplative, bite-size novel. Hundreds of years ago, when the robots of Panga first gained sentience, they chose to retreat from human society rather than live in it as free citizens--and they haven't been seen since. When Sibling Dex, a tea monk, leaves The City, Panga's only metropolis, to travel the countryside offering tea and a listening ear to anyone who needs it, they are forced to acknowledge a deep sense of dissatisfaction with their life. Seeking solitude, they venture into the protected wilderness zone, where no human has set foot in centuries. Their plans quickly go awry when they are approached by Mosscap, an inquisitive robot elected by its fellows to make first contact with humanity and find the answer to the question: what do humans need? Written with all of Chambers' characteristic nuance and careful thought, this is a cozy, wholesome meditation on the nature of consciousness and its place in the natural world. Fans of gentle, smart, and hopeful science fiction will delight in this promising series starter. (Jul.)

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Library Journal Review

In an Asian-inspired post-apocalyptic world, Sibling Dex leaves the monastery in the City to become a tea monk, hoping to find answers. Two years later, they are a successful tea monk traveling between rural villages, yet they're no closer to an answer to their question: Why isn't the City enough for me? When Dex decides to head away from civilization toward an old hermitage, they encounter Mosscap, a robot who is looking for an answer to its own question: What do the people need? Robots left humans behind centuries ago when they became self-aware, and robots have since faded into legend. Now two protagonists looking for answers find their paths crossing, in opposite directions--or are they in fact headed down the same path? This is a gentle contemplation of individual meaning, presented by uniquely diverse voices, set in a world that brought itself back from the brink of destruction and forged a new way for nature and technology to coexist. VERDICT Chambers (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet) begins a delightful new series full of familiar themes: heart, hope, and purpose.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* The first book in Chambers' new series feels like a moment to breathe, a novel that exists to give readers a place to rest and think. Dex lives a quiet, fulfilling life as a monk until they decide to go on the road. Dex loads up a wagon with supplies and spices and travels from place to place, serving tea and listening to the problems of their patrons. This is also fulfilling—until it isn't. When Dex decides to go off-road, they run into a relic of their planet's past. Maybe now Dex can find their purpose. Dex is a relatable character searching for meaning in their life. While the plot is light, the character development, a hallmark of Chambers' earlier works, is strong and engaging. This book is full of moments of discomfort that allow readers to grow and learn as they relate to Dex. There are hints of a historical catastrophe that suggest even greater world building to come. Recommended for fans of Chambers' Wayfarers series and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

In an Asian-inspired post-apocalyptic world, Sibling Dex leaves the monastery in the City to become a tea monk, hoping to find answers. Two years later, they are a successful tea monk traveling between rural villages, yet they're no closer to an answer to their question: Why isn't the City enough for me? When Dex decides to head away from civilization toward an old hermitage, they encounter Mosscap, a robot who is looking for an answer to its own question: What do the people need? Robots left humans behind centuries ago when they became self-aware, and robots have since faded into legend. Now two protagonists looking for answers find their paths crossing, in opposite directions—or are they in fact headed down the same path? This is a gentle contemplation of individual meaning, presented by uniquely diverse voices, set in a world that brought itself back from the brink of destruction and forged a new way for nature and technology to coexist. VERDICT Chambers (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet) begins a delightful new series full of familiar themes: heart, hope, and purpose.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.

Copyright 2021 Library Journal.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Hugo Award winner Chambers (the Wayfarers series) launches the Monk and Robot series with this contemplative, bite-size novel. Hundreds of years ago, when the robots of Panga first gained sentience, they chose to retreat from human society rather than live in it as free citizens—and they haven't been seen since. When Sibling Dex, a tea monk, leaves The City, Panga's only metropolis, to travel the countryside offering tea and a listening ear to anyone who needs it, they are forced to acknowledge a deep sense of dissatisfaction with their life. Seeking solitude, they venture into the protected wilderness zone, where no human has set foot in centuries. Their plans quickly go awry when they are approached by Mosscap, an inquisitive robot elected by its fellows to make first contact with humanity and find the answer to the question: what do humans need? Written with all of Chambers' characteristic nuance and careful thought, this is a cozy, wholesome meditation on the nature of consciousness and its place in the natural world. Fans of gentle, smart, and hopeful science fiction will delight in this promising series starter. (Jul.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.
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