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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

'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.'

'What is home?'
'Home is here. Home's where I am, and where you can rest.' Owl paused.

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.
Owl smiled. 'That's right.'

A Closed and Common Orbit - Likewise Book Reviews

16 Reviews