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

A nice happy read, a fun departure from dystopia.

4.5

This book is short, gentle, and somehow enormous. There were moments where I caught myself thinking, please get to the point, especially in something this brief. And then the point arrives, and you realize that everything before it was necessary. The slowness isn’t filler; it’s the path. And when understanding lands, it lands softly… and completely. I love books that give weight and tenderness to nonhuman beings, and this one does that beautifully. I want more of this world. More robots. More quiet questions. More Feverfig. There’s something deeply comforting about a story that doesn’t rush to fix anything, but instead sits with the truth that doing all the “right” things can still leave you feeling unsure, tired, and insufficient. What stayed with me most was the reminder that how we are and what we think are different modes, and that care, rest, and shared humanity (or being-ness) are not rewards, but necessities. Feed people when they come to your table, even if it means you have a little less. Stop believing you’re the exception. And maybe, just maybe, start saying to yourself the same good things you so easily say about others. Quiet, wise, and deeply nourishing. I want more. Some great quotes: "I've got a to-do list as long as both my legs put together. " Yep ...Same. "We don't have to fall into the same category to be of equal value." "Everyone thinks they're the exception to the rule and that's exactly where the trouble starts." "Without constructs, you will unravel few mysteries without knowledge of the mysteries your constructs will fail. These pursuits are what make us but without comfort you will lack the strength to sustain either. "

Maybe. Cozy sci fi but questions raised seemed very "first world problems," but it's a basic and necessary look into human nature.

such a good book to end the year on. also i would die for mosscap