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Becky Chambers

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To Be Taught, If Fortunate Kindle Edition

by Becky Chambers (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.3 5,159 ratings

Goodreads Choice Award nominee

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“Extraordinary . . . A future sci-fi masterwork in a new and welcome tradition.” -- Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat

A stand-alone science fiction novella from the award-winning, bestselling, critically-acclaimed author of the Wayfarer series.

At the turn of the twenty-second century, scientists make a breakthrough in human spaceflight. Through a revolutionary method known as somaforming, astronauts can survive in hostile environments off Earth using synthetic biological supplementations. They can produce antifreeze in subzero temperatures, absorb radiation and convert it for food, and conveniently adjust to the pull of different gravitational forces. With the fragility of the body no longer a limiting factor, human beings are at last able to journey to neighboring exoplanets long known to harbor life.

A team of these explorers, Ariadne O’Neill and her three crewmates, are hard at work in a planetary system fifteen light-years from Sol, on a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds. But as Ariadne shifts through both form and time, the culture back on Earth has also been transformed. Faced with the possibility of returning to a planet that has forgotten those who have left, Ariadne begins to chronicle the story of the wonders and dangers of her mission, in the hope that someone back home might still be listening.

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The Galaxy, and the Ground Within Becky Chambers More from


	The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet	A Closed and Common Orbit	Record of a Spaceborn Few	To Be Taught, If Fortunate	The Galaxy, and the Ground Within

Customer Reviews	27,144	16,865	9,271	5,159	8,115
Price	$11.49	$12.49	$10.99	$12.99	$13.59

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With technical prowess and outstanding visceral imagery, Chambers packs an immense amount of story into a novella worthy of full-length praise...As Ariadne chronicles her missions, her stories raise questions about the ethics of research and beg the reader to empathize with being alone. Using precise language to paint awe-inspiring pictures of the unknown, Chambers offers a troubling, beckoning glimpse into the future of humankind."

-- "Publishers Weekly (starred review) "

About the Author

Becky Chambers was raised in California as the progeny of an astrobiology educator, an aerospace engineer, and an Apollo-era rocket scientist. Her first novel, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, was originally funded via Kickstarter in 2012. It went on to be nominated for the 2014 Kitschies and the 2016 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07L2Z4DBK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Voyager (September 3, 2019)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 3, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4321 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 160 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #74,414 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #69 in LGBTQ+ Science Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #187 in LGBTQ+ Fantasy Fiction
- #411 in LGBTQ+ Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.3 5,159 ratings

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Becky Chambers

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Becky Chambers was raised in California as the progeny of an astrobiology educator, an aerospace engineer, and an Apollo-era rocket scientist. Her first novel, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, was originally funded via Kickstarter in 2012. Her books have been nominated for the Kitschies Award, the Hugo Award, the Locus Award, the Arthus C. Clarke Award and the Women's Prize for Fiction, among others, and won the Prix Julia Verlanger.

After living in Scotland and Iceland, Becky is now back in her home state, where she lives with her spouse. She is a devotee of video and tabletop games, and enjoys spending time in nature. She hopes to see Earth from orbit one day.

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and thought-provoking. They describe it as a well-written, accessible novella that grabs their attention from page one. Readers appreciate the interesting characters and unique individuals. The writing style is described as clear, easy to read, and simple. Many find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with an exciting and realistic pacing.

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Thought provoking Story quality Readability Character development Writing style Enjoyment Pacing Story length

65 customers mention "Thought provoking"65 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and compelling. They say it captures the essence of exploration and discovery. The concept is relevant, with creative imagination of strange new worlds. Readers appreciate the science-driven discussions about alien biology. The worldbuilding is tangible, with all senses evoked.

"...This novella beautifully captures the essence of exploration and discovery, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond the stars...." Read more

"...In this novella, she gives us interesting worlds and life forms, and characters we really care about and understand by the time they face their big..." Read more

"...It was well written, explained in an entertaining and simple way.Why is it not a 5 star book?Personally, I'm all about plot...." Read more

"...The worlds were very imaginative." Read more

40 customers mention "Story quality"30 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the story's storytelling and evocative prose. They find it an interesting novella that takes a dive into the ethics and procedures of space exploration. The book is described as a fun science fiction story wrapped up in a haunting tale. Readers appreciate the author's style, voice, and tone, which work well with the narrative.

"...What sets "To Be Taught, If Fortunate" apart is its remarkable storytelling and evocative prose...." Read more

"...Her style, voice, and tone all worked well with the story and didn't intrude on the narrative...." Read more

"...The conclusion is earned, but because of the pacing disconnect with kindle's completion percent, it felt awkward as a close, wrapping up before I..." Read more

"...Like other said, the ending was such a cop out. It doesn't resolve anything...." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"32 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging. They praise the author's sensitive writing style and consider it a nice short read with a good middle section that keeps the book moving.

"This well-written novella grabbed my attention from page one and held it right through to the end...." Read more

"...worthiness of the novels of the Wayfarer series, I think the accolade was well deserved...." Read more

"...The author is an actual genius...." Read more

"...Very worthy of reading, and quite thought provoking. My way of thinking about Earth has been changed by this book'sunique perspective." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"26 positive3 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and unique. They say the science is well explained and the author has one of the most graceful souls encountered in written form.

"...The characters are brilliantly crafted, with their personal journeys and experiences adding depth to the narrative...." Read more

"...Chambers always gives us absorbing, compelling characters, whose dilemmas are real and challenging...." Read more

"...The characters are entertaining and well represented. The book itself is from one POV.What I liked the most about the book?..." Read more

"...The characters quickly became my friends, and I entered their world briefly. I’m glad I did, and I want to hang out with them some more...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing style engaging and accessible. They appreciate the author's descriptive skills and vivid imagery. The story flows smoothly and can be read quickly. Readers praise the relatable characters and language used in the book.

"...The science. Everything was thought out and investigated. It was well written, explained in an entertaining and simple way...." Read more

"...It's beautifully written, a very different pace from your usual space operas. The worlds were very imaginative." Read more

"...2 stars, mostly for the exploration scenes, which are generally well written." Read more

"...Wonderful writing and very interesting characters, it didn’t seem like a novella at all!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Enjoyment"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging with interesting characters and a great adventure.

"...this is the book for you. It is short, engaging, and ultimately hopeful, as all of Chambers’ books are...." Read more

"...What an excellent book. A great adventure, with amazing places, and a meditation on the goal of space travel and scientific endeavors...." Read more

"...As a student of astrobiology, it was a joy to read. It's short and well-paced. Honestly, this might be Becky Chambers's best!" Read more

"Overall, an enjoyable read. Not much substance but I thought it was good. Leaves some unanswered questions and unfilled relationships." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-imagined and relatable. They appreciate the evocative prose and fast-paced story. The themes are well-represented and thought-provoking.

"...Be Taught, If Fortunate" apart is its remarkable storytelling and evocative prose...." Read more

"...The characters are entertaining and well represented. The book itself is from one POV.What I liked the most about the book?..." Read more

"...this book, even though she says it’s all made up, I think the themes are very real...." Read more

"...The writing style was just so easy, so beautiful and so compelling to read. I'll definitely be picking up more books from Becky." Read more

13 customers mention "Story length"6 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the story length. Some find it short and a quick read, while others feel it's too short for a good story, lacking depth and drama.

"...And that's the point, there wasn't really a story. It's a bunch of science novellas jumbled together with the same narrator...." Read more

"...as it needs to be to say what Chambers wants to say, and the novella length is perfect for it...." Read more

"...and well imagined, but despite great characters it is not precisely a story...." Read more

"...this is the book for you. It is short, engaging, and ultimately hopeful, as all of Chambers’ books are...." Read more

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Emmanuel Ifediba
To Be Taught, If Fortunate - A Captivating Journey of Exploration and Discovery!
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
"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.

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B4UBY
Terrific SciFi, Quick Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
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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 unpredictable incident creates a situation that doesn't seem to have a remedy. The situation leads to an entirely plausible and contagious sense of despair. Kind of like in the movie, Perfect Storm, when the crew of the Andrea Gale ran out of options and knew death was on their doorstep.

This isn't to say I liked every aspect of this read equally. There is a certain Kumbaya element in the author's writing that seems over the top. Imagine you go to friend's house for a dinner party and everyone there is raving about the house and meal to the hosts, and then complimenting each other all night long.

Still, a great book.

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Elisabeth Carey
What if the culture that launch your relativistic space mission no longer exists?
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a standalone novella unconnected to Becky Chambers' Wayfarers series.

Climate change accelerated to a severe crisis that drained the ability and willingness of governments to support space exploration. Yet the drive to explore is not dead, and a private institute forms, to crowd-fund continued research and exploration. With contributions coming from anyone, anywhere in the world, who wants to support it, and all contributions, tiny or enormous, acknowledged, it works.

This story follows Lawki 6, a mission to a red dwarf system with four planets that may be habitable. Five missions to other star systems were launched before them, but results from the first weren't yet received when Lawki 6, ship name Merian, departs.

The crew is engineer Ariadne O'Neill, nominally in charge, and mission specialists Elena Quesada-Cruz, Jack Vo, and Chikondi Daka. With the information about the worlds gathered before their departure, they have patches that, while they are in deep sleep between worlds, make small but significant changes in their bodies to improve their ability to do their jobs. It might be skin glitter to make them more visible to each other in low light conditions, or improved bone density and musculature for high gravity, or any other small, useful changes that don't require remaking basic body form.

And on each world they make fascinating discoveries--sometimes, not always, including life.

The system is 14 lightyears away, so news and mission updates from Earth are fourteen years old, essentially history, when received. Likewise, their mission reports are fourteen years old by the time they reach Earth. Because they don't have FTL, they are separated from those they left behind by a good deal more than fourteen years. But this is not designed as a one-way mission. They expected to return to Earth eventually. It's the distance and time delay from Earth, the years of changes in what feels to them like a brief nap, in torpor traveling between their target worlds, that ultimately produces their major crisis.

Their instruments are picking up data from another star system, one that has a planet that not only has life, but may have a technological civilization. On the one hand, they have no reason not to go check it out. Distances and consumables reserves are such that they can go there, and still be able to return to Earth. There seems to be no immediate need to return, given the information they have.

But why are they out here? What's the purpose of their exploration, and who is it for? They weren't funded, equipped, trained to indulge their own curiosity; they're doing it for Earth. What does Earth want? Is it right or wrong to continue?

Chambers always gives us absorbing, compelling characters, whose dilemmas are real and challenging. In this novella, she gives us interesting worlds and life forms, and characters we really care about and understand by the time they face their big decision.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via Edelweiss.

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Amy
beautiful story, okay ending
Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
this short novel mostly addresses a series of (wonderful and creative) alien biomes and their impacts on four human explorers. there are hints of technological advances and larger-scale incidents back on earth, but it's not the focus. each character is well-developed and distinct (good LGBTQ representation too), and the writing filled me with interest and compassion for them.

the ending was somewhat more open-ended than i'd hoped, but it made complete sense, so that's just my need for closure talking, lol.

there were some fascinating elements of bodily augmentation/transformations that i would've liked to see explored further, but again, just personal preference, not an issue with an overall very good book.

recommended. i will read more by the author soon

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Rosa Arangüena
Such a beautiful, beautiful book
Reviewed in Spain on August 4, 2024
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One of my favourite books of all times. Hopepunk at its best, full of live for science and the seek of knowledge, intimacy, friendship and teamwork. Confort literature and hard sci-fi. Gorgeous book, wish I could write something half as good as this.

Una preciosidad de libro que es un canto a la pasión por el conocimiento que mueve por igual a científicos, investigadores y exploradores. Un libro donde la relación entre los personajes y sus sentimientos te calientan el corazón, y que decide mostrar todo lo mejor de la humanidad. Valor, compañerismo, amistad, amor, curiosidad, respeto y esperanza, con la fascinación por el descubrimiento científico como hilo conductor .

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Kaustubh
Disappointed totally. Do not buy here
Reviewed in India on July 29, 2022
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Yellow pages. Poor quality. Dismal value for money. Please do not buy here

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Simon Lövbacka
Läsvärd!
Reviewed in Sweden on November 28, 2021
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Med väldigt få sidor leverar Becky Chambers en levande berättelse, klart läsvärd!

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Juliana Coelho
Nice short story, would like to see more
Reviewed in Brazil on January 7, 2020
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Great book, although not as good as the wayfarers trilogy. Actually my biggest critique is that this book is a bit too small.

Spoiler alert: I particularly liked the (non) solution to long distance space travel, and the idea of a public funded space agency. Also, as in her previous books, i liked how the author presents lgbt characters without a big fanfare, and how being lgbt is but a small aspect of the characters lives.

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