Review – A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, Book 1) by Becky Chambers (5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: Tordotcom
Release Date: July 13, 2021
ISBN-13: 978-1250236210
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Monk & Robot series
Source: Borrowed ebook from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars
“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.”
Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Monk & Robot series. I borrowed an ebook of this from the library.
Thoughts: I really loved the last Chambers’ novella, “To Be Taught, If Fortunate”, so I was super excited to pick up this book. I absolutely loved this book as well. The story is relatively simple. In a world where AI is no longer in use, Dex is a monk who wants a change in their life. So, Dex decides to become a tea monk; however, they are still restless and eventually decide to venture into the Wilds.
In the Wilds Dex runs into one of the Wild Robots, who went into the wilds when they were released from their servitude to humanity. This brings up a lot of questions as Dex and the robot travel together through the Wilds and each try to find their purpose.
There is some great world-building here and the writing is very entertaining. However, at its core this book is more philosophical in nature. Dex is constantly seeking something new, something that will leave them feeling accomplished and fulfilled. Dex’s conversations with the wild robot make them reconsider both their purpose in life and their role as an entity in the world in general. It is a very thought-provoking book while, at the same time, being immensely entertaining.
My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this. It is a book that packs a lot of great content into a small space. There is excellent world-building here, great characters, thought-provoking topics and it is truly entertaining. I am excited to read the next book in the Monk & Robot series. I also plan on starting Chambers’ Wayfarer series soon. I would definitely recommend this if you are at all interested in sci-fi reads that discuss not only AI, but one’s purpose in the world.
