A Psalm for the Wild-Built: A Monk and Robot Book (Monk & Robot, 1)

Winner of the Hugo Award!

In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, bestselling Becky Chambers's delightful new Monk and Robot series, gives us hope for the future.


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.

Becky Chambers's new series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?

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Published Jul 13, 2021

160 pages

Average rating: 8.12

470 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

NickDecaires
Apr 22, 2025
We loved it!
staceygall
Jun 04, 2025
8/10 stars
you know it really IS enough to exist and marvel at the world. Starting the next one immediately
ElroyJetson
May 17, 2025
8/10 stars
Audiobook. On a planet where a long-ago schism sent the robot workforce into "the wilds" and left humans to develop a kind of 'zen / communal' social structure, one fellow can't seem to find his purpose and takes a sabbatical into the countryside. After wandering a bit too far, he encounters a robot, whose purpose seems to be understanding humans. They form a bond and our monk returns to human environs to help his new friend accomplish his goal, all the while, helping himself to get closer to his own purpose in life. A very heartwarming story that may even help you to understand yourself a bit better. Also, great narration, like the wait staff in the best restaurants, contributes to the overall experience without you even noticing it is there. This narrator met the mark.
Life By Trail and Error
Apr 04, 2025
8/10 stars
I am so in love with Chamber's world building! I want to be apart of this world, it brings to mind Proje t Venus l. I can’t wait to see where these characters go.
Anonymous
Apr 02, 2025
10/10 stars
this book made me genuinely smile. dex is also so relatable.

““Then how,” Dex said, “how does the idea of maybe being meaningless sit well with you?” Mosscap considered.

“Because I know that no matter what, I’m wonderful,””

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