Goodreads

In Becky Chambers' A Prayer for the Crown-Shy, the second book in the Monk & Robot series, Sibling Dex, a tea monk, continues their journey with Mosscap, the robot who awoke in the wilds and seeks to understand human needs. Their travels lead them through diverse human communities, each with distinct customs and ways of life.

Dex and Mosscap navigate the bustling village of Stump, where Mosscap encounters a world of human-made objects and learns about "pebs," the community-based exchange system for goods and services. They then journey through the Riverlands, encountering a unique society that has built their homes from recycled materials. Here, Mosscap's internal gyroscope malfunctions, and they visit a print shop to create a replacement part.

Their journey takes them to the Coastlands, where they learn about the rewilded territories and meet Mx. Avery, a resident of a village that strongly opposes modern technology. They visit the beach to observe marblehead turtles during their laying season, and find themselves drawn to a secluded spot on the shore.

The book delves into themes of purpose, connection, and the nature of consciousness. Mosscap's quest for understanding human needs leads Dex to reflect on their own purpose and the complexities of their relationship with their family. As they travel, both characters grapple with existential questions about their roles in the world and what it means to be "enough."

The novel is characterized by Chambers' signature warmth and gentle humor, and explores themes of community, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is a thought-provoking and heartwarming story about finding meaning and belonging in a world that is often uncertain and complex.