A Closed and Common Orbit

"I was really hoping to continue missions with the original crew which is not the case here. Learning more about Lovelace was fine but definitely not as fun as book one. "

"Finished March 12th. Audiobook. I love this series and this world and this writing so much. "

"Loved this heartwarming book."

"Loving this entire series. The writing style, world building, characters are all top notch"

"I enjoyed this but hardly and that’s not on Becky Chambers as I absolutely love her stories. This book however, being Lovelace’s/Sidra’s journey to self discovery, and a look into the reasons Pepper is who she is; was HEAVY on the inner monologues of feelings and emotions, and past events. I have a hard time enjoying that type of book, I need more dialogue (weird problem to have with books I suppose lol). However, this was beautiful and captivating, regardless of whether AI or human, the character development and growth in this second installment is astonishing. By using Sidra and Pepper as initially contrasting POVs she is able to draw together two very similar stories about beings who are lost. BC continues to be able to put into words feelings, emotions and new way of thinking about life, humanity and purpose that is new and challenging. The theme is still the same and that is to challenge the status quo we live by, in order to be welcoming and open to the things that we don’t necessarily understand or experience ourselves. Happy reading! "

"All this was entirely a new experience for me. Shown from the point of view of an AI trying to find her place in the world and a woman who has found it and the journey it took to get there. You get hit twice and it is amazing. I was shocked so often and overwhelmed like a punch to the gut trying to process my beliefs. The question being are AI's sentient? Becky Chambers opened my eyes but still I have no answer. I do know that I couldn't willingly be cruel to them. What are we but functions and processors of our surroundings. It's a unique thought. <br/><br/>A little bit about myself, I went into a field of electronics and always loved tinkering so this was a welcomed plot. The problems that came along with Sidra in a kit body was very interesting as well. Things I would have never thought about myself unless put in the same situation. Also Sidra's sensory inputs were a nice twist. Honestly that's why I love Becky Chambers books so much, they are all unique and help broaden the mind.<br/><br/>With diversity and how the world should be. Species albeit a different take on raising children and communicating doesn't mean they are any less on the totem pole of intelligent creatures. That's what this story has shown me. Everyone even among the same race believe that they are superior. So the author has created a world that hopefully isn't just a dream. The cultural differences at first seem cruel and makes the race seem unattached but look closely and it is understandable.<br/><br/>The world building was fantastic. Sixtop sounded like a modge podge of artistry. Described so beautifully I wanted to see it with my own eyes. Though the characters were not described enough most of the time and were hard to picture. Especially the color feathers for the Aandrisk which are one of the most interesting race to me. But the world itself was easy to conjure.<br/><br/>Jane's story was by far my favorite. Although harsh I was absorb while reading the hurdles she had to overcome. Like I said you never think of these things unless pushed or undergo the encounter yourself. Jane not understanding what a home was or a parent just broke me into. Yes I cried you would have to be damn near heartless not too. Plus with the compassion from Owl, well, it makes it really hard not to fall in love with an AI. The logistics become lost to me and I can't help but wonder if it could be true. Could they have a soul?<br/><br/>'The visual cone of perception that had rattled her upon installation was maddening now. She found herself jerking the kit sharply around at loud noises and bright colors, trying to take it all in. That was her job. To look. To notice.' <br/><br/>'What is home?'<br/>'Home is here. Home's where I am, and where you can rest.' Owl paused.<br/><br/>Jane took that in. 'I'm a human and a person and a girl and a kid.' That seemed like a lot of labels just for one girl. <br/>Owl smiled. 'That's right.'"

"Super cute. Finding family and purpose. Beginnings. Warm ending. Good characters, lots of development. Switching POV/time but in a cool way I liked."

"I couldn't put it down! Becky Chambers is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors"

"This is going to sound weird, but if you liked March Comes in Like a Lion, you'll like this book. The settings couldn't be more different, but the emotional heart of the stories is much the same. This is a book about people who have been rejected in the most painful, damaging ways caring for one another and finding a way through the universe together. The fact that its two main characters are an AI and a genetweaked human is almost beside the point. "

"So good. The whole series is great. Becky Chamber is one of my favorite contemporary fiction writers!"