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
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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 best-selling author.

At the turn of the 22nd 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 15 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.

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

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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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