To Be Taught, If Fortunate cover art

To Be Taught, If Fortunate

A Novella

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To Be Taught, If Fortunate

By: Becky Chambers
Narrated by: Patricia Rodriguez Rodriguez
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About this listen

 In the future, instead of terraforming planets to sustain human life, explorers of the galaxy transform themselves.

*FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR*

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 sub-zero 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 explore neighbouring exoplanets long suspected to harbour life.

Ariadne is one such explorer. On a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds fifteen light-years from Earth, she and her fellow crewmates sleep while in transit, and wake each time with different features. But as they shift through both form and time, life back on Earth has also changed. Faced with the possibility of returning to a planet that has forgotten those who have left, Ariadne begins to chronicle the wonders and dangers of her journey, in the hope that someone back home might still be listening.

(P) 2019 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd©2019 Becky Chambers Adventure Entertainment & Celebrities Science Fiction Space Exploration Space Opera Fiction Interstellar Solar System Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Explorer

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Critic reviews

Becky Chambers takes space opera in a whole new and unexpected direction, her books bring me so much joy
Outstanding . . . Chambers packs an immense amount of story into a novella worthy of full-length praise
Epic in the scale of discoveries but with a miniaturist's eye for detail, and as revealing of the observers as the observed. In a word, brilliant
Some of the most forward-thinking, inspiring science fiction out there . . . a joyful antidote to crushed spirits and a celebration of the power of curiosity, love, adventure and discovery
[A] compelling exploration of home, family, and what makes us human in the midst of all that isn't, but could be. An extraordinary picture of humanity among the stars.
Rendered with startling clarity, Chambers' latest offering is a short but fierce ode to humanity and all our reaches and flaws. Unputdownable
Extraordinary . . . A future sci-fi masterwork in a new and welcome tradition
The best speculative fiction currently being written . . . Becky Chambers is a wonder, and I feel better for having her books in my life
There's a quiet beauty to Chambers' writing that envelopes you in her story and holds you tight until the very end. Proof that a novel doesn't have to depth, meaning and intelligence.
Chambers creates an energy of hope and determination with every word, bringing life to space travel and the wonders - and traumas - of Earth's possible future
An exquisite expression of our moment in time. Here's why we need to keep going boldly into space - not to exploit, but to learn. Impressive and essential
With deft prose and her usual flair for excellent characterization, Becky Chambers brings a cast of astronauts through time, space, and physical form to show us what it means to be human on this side of the galaxy
a lovely, gentle, uncompromisingly character-centred piece of work
Chambers delivers a story that simultaneously invites readers into her vision of the future, and pleads for an interrogation of our present . . . To Be Taught, If Fortunate deserves the stars and more
Becky Chambers writes aliens like no one else ... the only flaw in this series is you'll wish you could spend more time with all of them
All stars
Most relevant
i cannot point to a story that better captures the humility in the heart of the pioneer

it's beautiful

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This was a lovely and relaxing, yet thoroughly engaging listen. Which was just what I wanted and exactly why I chose it, as I knew what to expect from Becky Chambers and narrator Patricia Rodriguez, having listened to the whole of the Wayfarers series (which I highly recommend if you like sci fi with real heart). Beautifully and thoughtfully written, and wonderfully narrated. And the end brought a tear to my eye. Touching and food for thought.. Perfect. :)

Another great story by Becky Chambers

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A wonderful study towards what it means to realistically visit other stars and planets in search of life. What it needs as human capital, and what it needs to be an astronaut not only in knowledge but also in spirit and feelings and internal metaphysical understanding. Excellent work by Ms Chambers

What does it mean to fare to the stars?

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Thought-provoking and surprisingly moving. Chambers thinks very deeply about the worlds she creates and draws you into the dilemmas faced by her characters.
I began by reading and enjoying the Wayfarers series, then the first Monk and Robot, now this. I’m hooked!

Involving and evocative

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This isna great addition to the Wayfarer/Galactic Commons books. A little more insight into earths endeavours.

A great addtion

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