Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet summary
Brief summary
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on an interstellar journey with a diverse and endearing crew. It explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the vastness of the universe.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Universe
In The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, we are introduced to Rosemary Harper, a young woman who joins the crew of the Wayfarer, a tunnelling ship that creates wormholes between different parts of the universe. The crew is a diverse mix of species, including humans, Aandrisk, Sianat Pair, and Grum, each with their own unique characteristics and cultures.
As the crew embarks on a long journey to a small, angry planet called Hedra Ka, they encounter various challenges and adventures. Along the way, we learn about the different species and their customs, as well as the complex relationships between the crew members. The ship itself is a character, with its own quirks and personality, and the crew members share a deep bond with it.
Understanding Diversity and Acceptance
One of the central themes of the book is the exploration of diversity and acceptance. The crew members come from different backgrounds and species, and they must learn to understand and respect each other's differences. The author uses this diverse crew to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of empathy and understanding in building relationships.
Throughout their journey, the crew faces various challenges that test their unity. They encounter hostile environments, navigate complex political situations, and confront their own personal demons. However, they always manage to find a way forward, relying on their collective strengths and the bonds they've formed.
Exploring Personal Relationships
As the crew travels through space, we also delve into the personal lives of the characters. We learn about their pasts, their hopes and fears, and the relationships they form with each other. There's a budding romance between two crew members, Kizzy and Jenks, and we witness the complexities of their relationship in the confined space of the ship.
Rosemary, the protagonist, also has a secret past that she's trying to escape. Her journey on the Wayfarer becomes a journey of self-discovery, as she learns to confront her past and accept herself. She forms deep connections with her fellow crew members, finding a sense of belonging and family that she's never experienced before.
Confronting Ethical Dilemmas
As the crew nears their destination, they face a moral dilemma that tests their principles. They must decide whether to take on a dangerous job that could potentially harm an entire species. This decision forces them to confront their own values and question the consequences of their actions.
In the end, the crew makes a choice that aligns with their beliefs, even though it comes with significant risks. This decision further solidifies their bond and reinforces the theme of unity and acceptance that runs throughout the book.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a captivating space opera that combines thrilling space travel with deep explorations of identity, diversity, and relationships. Becky Chambers creates a rich and diverse universe, populated with unique species and characters, and uses it to explore complex themes in a thought-provoking manner. The book ends with the crew facing an uncertain future, but their shared experiences have made them stronger, and they are ready to face whatever comes next, together.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet about?
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on an epic journey through space. Filled with rich world-building and diverse characters, it explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the vastness of the universe. A must-read for any sci-fi fan!
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet Review
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (2014) is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through space. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its diverse cast of characters and thought-provoking themes, it offers a refreshing take on the genre, focusing on the intricacies of human relationships.
- The book explores complex moral dilemmas and challenges societal norms, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy contemplating ethical issues.
- Its vividly imagined universe and detailed world-building create an immersive reading experience that will transport readers to distant galaxies.
Who should read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?
- Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with diverse and relatable protagonists
- Fans of imaginative and immersive sci-fi worlds that explore social and ethical themes
- Individuals who appreciate a blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and thought-provoking narrative
Categories with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Book summaries like The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet FAQs
What is the main message of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?
The main message of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the importance of acceptance, understanding, and finding common ground with others.
How long does it take to read The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?
The reading time for The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a captivating and thought-provoking book that explores complex themes of identity, diversity, and friendship.
Who is the author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?
The author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is Becky Chambers.
What to read after The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly