The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky ChambersMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I've read several of Becky Chambers' books, and she has a unique style that I think qualifies as "cozy science fiction." She doesn't write stories with breakneck plots and high stakes. She writes quiet, thoughtful, character-based stories full of conversations and introspection. This book also has a lot of alien food porn as a part of what little plot there is, as the characters are temporarily stranded on a planet that is a "way station" between wormholes. The planet's satellite network has failed, and several members of different species (this one doesn't have any human protagonists) are stuck there until it is repaired and they can go their various ways.
We take a pretty deep dive into each of the main characters, as they all have personal issues to work out and their interactions allow them to do so. Decisions are made, understanding achieved and epiphanies received, and most of the characters end the book at a better place than they started. This could be classified as a fairly slow-paced book, but the depth of characterization is good enough that it overcame the pacing for the most part. Of course, it depends on if you like this style to begin with. I'm kind of "meh" on the whole thing, but it wasn't bad. Just know going in what it is, and you'll enjoy it if it's your kind of book.
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