To Be Taught, If Fortunate

"To Be Taught, If Fortunate" by Becky Chambers is a breathtaking novella that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos. This science fiction masterpiece follows the adventures of a team of astronauts as they embark on a mission to explore distant planets and the potential for life beyond our solar system. The novella is a compelling exploration of humanity's curiosity and resilience in the face of the unknown, with each member of the team bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to the forefront. What sets "To Be Taught, If Fortunate" apart is its remarkable storytelling and evocative prose. Becky Chambers' writing weaves a tapestry of emotions and wonder, immersing readers in the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe and the complexities of the human spirit. The characters are brilliantly crafted, with their personal journeys and experiences adding depth to the narrative. This novella beautifully captures the essence of exploration and discovery, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the stars. If you're a fan of thought-provoking science fiction with a focus on the human spirit, "To Be Taught, If Fortunate" is a must-read that will leave you contemplating the mysteries of the cosmos long after you've turned the last page.

This well-written novella grabbed my attention from page one and held it right through to the end. I read the author's debut novel, A Long, Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet after I finished this one (liked it as well) and can safely state that both share some common thematic elements that I can't do without in my Scifi. These are: 1. I need the characters in my SciFi fiction to be consummate professionals with an unmatched expertise in their fields of specialty. I really can't tolerate books or movies that depict crewmates on scientific expeditions as incompetent, or worse, psychotic. Really. Does anyone think that a mission to space to save mankind, something that, say, took a decade to prepare, would be manned by crew members with personality disorder? 2. Duty. Crews aboard space ships that travel at relativistic speeds have to be unquestionably dedicated to their mission. There is no room for doubt. 3. Sacrifice. Every man and woman aboard ship must put the needs of their fellow crewmen and the mission first. 4. Camaraderie. Everyone must get along. It's a prerequisite to success. I find that a lot of SciFi writers manufacture drama between characters serving on starships because it's easy, and they're too conditioned to the cliche Hollywood formula to write a story without personality conflicts between characters. If you want to write about conflict between crew members on a Starship, you need to make it entirely plausible. For example, in this novella, an…