I really enjoy “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers. It’s a nice, serene escape to what could be. What other books help you relax and maintain a positive outlook?
I LOVE Becky Chambers! Working my way through the Wayfarers books and will read A Psalm soon. Super excited about it.
The books that help me keep a positive outlook are generally non-fiction books that help readers to become part of the solution in some way. Quoting David Holmgren in his book Retrosuburbia, “Focusing on our own behaviour avoids being disempowered by a sense that society seems generally blind and/or mad in relation to the real issues of our time.” So in addition to the fiction of Becky Chambers I’d add:
- The Ministry for the Future, by Kim Stanley Robinson
- Being the Change: Live Well and Spark a Climate Revolution by Peter Kalmus
- Harvesting Rainwater for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster
The closest thing I know of, other than other Becky Chambers novels, is Clifford Simak’s City. It’s quite different in the details - it was written over 70 years ago - but it has a similar serene, pastoral tone.
I really loved that book too. I then also read from the same author the book “a long travel to a small angry planet” and this was also pretty nice. Not as positive as the other one but still. Edit: and of course the other book of the monk and robot series of Becky chambers
100% agree, loved the serenity of Psalm for the Wild Built. Can recommend “House by the Cerulian Sea” for a similar vibe. Has been described as getting wrapped in a big gay blanket" - its heart warming and genuine 💕 Edit: såelling
