Book Review - A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Title: A Psalm for the Wild Built (Novella)

Author: Becky Chambers

Series:  Monk and Robot

Goodreads: A Psalm for the Wild Built

Solarpunk Cozy. It was just what I needed to get over a reading slump.

Sometimes, when the world is burning (literally, in places, like Gaza and Ukraine), a moment or two of being able to see a better way, a better world, is a balm of self-care vital to being able to keep going. And, yes, I do say this while being extremely privileged to live in an otherwise peaceful pocket. I will readily acknowledge that.

The story takes place on an inhabited moon where humans, for whatever enlightened reason, got it through our thick skulls that our world is not a place to conquer or see how many resources we can squeeze out. Reliability is more important than chasing innovative fads. Sustainability is more important than the constant need for the newest and best. What's even better, is that neither of these values are at the expense of their counterparts. They are simply more important.

It's a balance that was a breath of fresh air to read about. And while there are certainly nods made to the hubris of humans (half the moon is left alone, left for all the other creatures of the world, while the other entire half is designated for one species: humans), most of the time that balance is shown as working exceptionally well.

We follow Dex, a gardener-turned-tea-serving-monk, as they struggle to find meaning in their life. Their purpose. And unlike the adventures of going off to find a magical artifact (which, of course, will require sacrifice to obtain), or finding a particular individual (who, of course, will require sacrifice to obtain), Dex's journey is more about the process. What they do find, instead of what they must give up in its place.

Chambers does a fantastic job at maintaining tension throughout, even if the tension revolves around something different than in a typical journey. I was never worried about Dex failing. I was, instead, invested in them succeeding.

When the delightfully-named Splendid Speckled Mosscap is introduced, the way Dex and Mosscap teach and learn from each other kept my attention as readily as a sword/laser fight would. I wanted to see what, exactly, each took from the other.

And I was not disappointed at the end.

So, if you're looking for a cozy read that personifies the Solarpunk Cozy, and a glimpse into a reality that "got it right," I highly recommend this book. It certainly helped refresh and recharge my own mental sanity.