A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Bookseller recommendation

“Imagine a world with many, many cups of tea. Doesn’t this world sound amazing? Doesn’t it calm you just to think of it? Sibling Dex makes people tea as a way of life, but they are still struggling to find meaning in the world. Just when they think they’re about to figure it out by seeking out the supposedly-extinct cricket song, they stumble upon a wild-built robot, Mosscap. Mosscap exudes childlike wonder and an untainted way of seeing the world. Together, Dex and Mosscap exchange thoughtful commentary about humans, other animals, robots, and the role of social constructs in our lives. Reminiscent of the Alchemist set far in another world; it’s a timeless philosophy lesson driven home with dry wit that only a robot can bring to teatime.”

— Leah • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Such a beautiful, insightful, and meaningful sci-fi novella. I devoured the Wayfarer series by the same author so I’d been saving this one for a while! Meet Dex - a successful but restless nomadic monk who travels their moon providing solace to others (through the medium of tea and a chat), and who finding it difficult to do the same for themself. That is, until a whim to visit the wilderness and an encounter with a curious robot who has set out to discover ‘what humans need’. Join the unlikely travelling companions as they navigate the literal and metaphorical rocky road of life and its meaning. Very glad there's a second installment to turn to when I need another dose of comfort and hope (A Prayer for the Crown Shy). Other authors you might like if you enjoy daily life amongst fantastical settings include Emily St John Mandel, Terry Pratchett, and Travis Baldree.”

— Hannah • Lighthouse Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Have you ever felt lost or wondered what we are here for? This very necessary, kind, creative, utopian sci-fi delves into these questions and more through the relationships of a tea monk and a sentient robot who are open to listen, learn, share, and teach that the possibility of a future built sustainably, ethically, and with purpose could be achieved if we are willing to make the change ourselves. ”

— Sandra • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a great audiobook if you feel a little burned out and just need a rest. It's short, the narrator is soothing, and now I want to become a tea monk and go off-roading with a kindly robot. ”

— Erin • The Last Word

Bookseller recommendation

“"A Psalm for the Wild-Built" watered my crops, cleared my pores, and brewed the best, fullest, most comforting cup of tea for me. I love this book. I love Dex and Mosscap and their philosophies and wide, wonderful world. More, please”

— Ellie • Page 1 Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful novella that's impossible to put down (or... turn off), Becky Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild Built is such a cozy and gentle reminder to enjoy the simplicity of life when you get it.”

— Izzy • Autumn Leaves

Bookseller recommendation

“What do you do when you have everything you could ever need or want, but still aren't satisfied with what your life is? A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a short and sweet odd-couple road trip set in a beautiful world that could be our world — if we wanted it to be.”

— Joey Puente • DIESEL, A Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Fans of Becky Chambers' writing refer to her style as 'cozy-punk' and I think this description couldn't be more fitting. Encompassing both grit and fluff, A Psalm for the Wild-Built seems to perfectly bridge the gap between the comfort of Young Adult Fiction and the challenging problems tackled in more serious literature. From philosophical musings about the meaning of life, to silly moments of booty-shaking in front of a campfire, this book will keep you turning the page in search of wisdom and laughter. ”

— Miranda • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“It’s far into the future on an unnamed moon. Humanity has learned to live in harmony without fossil fuels and, generations before, the robots were set free to pursue their own existence. A charming meditation on the meaning of life.”

— Georgia • Bookstore1Sarasota

Bookseller recommendation

“Never have we needed Becky Chambers' "hopepunk," sci-fi self-care visions of the future more than now. Part hilarious odd-couple road-trip, part soulful parable for a lost and battered world, A Psalm for the Wild-Built brings all the warmth, comfort, and elusive wisdom of a steaming mug of tea poured by someone who loves you. Take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, and drink it all in.”

— Megan • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Dex is a monk who dedicates their life to helping and being present for others. But something is missing, and they can't help but answer the call when the voice inside them screams for purpose. A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the perfect example of Becky Chambers' mastery of character creation and development. The emotional responses of her characters, relatable in every respect, demands an equal emotional response from her readers. Becky Chambers is one of those authors whose optimism weaves expertly through stories of hardship and loss. I will never pass by an opportunity visit her incredible worlds. ”

— Sophie • Cavalier House Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a lovely, cozy, optimistic cli-fi story that made me cry from feeling seen. Sibling Dex - a non-binary tea monk, very talented at helping people process through tea and time - is having a quarter-life crisis. They enjoy what they do but can’t help but feel like something’s missing - a purpose? In walks Mosscap, a robot with a fauna affinity, built from the parts of others, whose quest is to answer the question, What do people need? These two cuties go on a journey together, searching for meaning in the divine. A soft, beautiful parable that you’ll want to reread.”

— Mary • Raven Book Store