The pursuit of meaning and comfort

A Psalm for the Wild-Built (Monk & Robot, #1)
by Becky Chambers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Sibling Dex, a monk, searches for a new vocation and finds it in becoming a tea monk, caring for others. One day, when this somehow isn‘t enough anymore for Dex, they take off into the wilderness, where they meet Mosscap, a robot. Mosscap wants to find out what people need and more importantly, what Dex needs. They both go on a road trip of self-discovery, looking for meaning in life and comfort. A little philosphical, inspiring, relaxing.

This is the perfect novella for a slow day on the sofa with a mug of tea. I definitely felt that hug: Sending a Hug Into the World: A Conversation with Becky Chambers (podcast, 6 minutes of ads first)

“You keep asking why your work is not enough, and I don’t know how to answer that, because it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it. You don’t need to justify that, or earn it. You are allowed to just live.” 

Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Followed by A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (Monk & Robot, #2). I am pretty sure that I will read this at some point.

During the first chapter Sibling Dex reminded me very much of the Cleric Chih. I know, Dex came first. But I only met them now. Who is this Cleric Chih you ask?