4.5 stars

Becky Chambers is the only sci fi I will ever get behind, probably, most likely, and I’m 100% okay with that because it’s the only sci fi I’ll ever need, A GREAT BIG GIANT SPACE HUG!!
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We pick up where we left off in TLWTASAP, getting to know some new characters and exploring new corners of the galaxy. I loved the use of past and present narratives, Chambers does world-building so well, and always creates characters and storylines that will tug at your heartstrings! I love how she writes relationships, not just romantic ones, but friendships, INTERSPECIES friendships, ALL KINDS OF FRIENDSHIPS, I love every. single. one.
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Sci fi intimidates me because I will just get lost amid all the tech mumbo jumbo, but Becky Chambers focuses on the human (or alien) side of sci fi, yes there’s spaceships and AIs but it’s fundamental human interactions at the heart of the book. I love how she uses other worlds to address issues relevant to ours, like gender identity and parenthood!
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The only reason it’s not a five star like TLWTASAP is because I was slightly disappointed with the narrow cast of characters, because I KNOW Chambers is capable of having a cast of 10+ and doing every one of them justice. It was lovely to get to know just a few so intimately, but I just loved the variety in the first book so much.
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I’m very much looking forward for another intergalactic hug when Record of a Spaceborn Few comes out in paperback!