Why We Chose The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Every reading journey has to begin somewhere.

As we prepared for the very first Lantern & Ink! Community Read, we spent time thinking about what kind of book would best capture the spirit of this community. We weren’t looking for the biggest bestseller or the most talked-about title of the moment. Instead, we were searching for a story that reflected the values we hope to cultivate here: curiosity, kindness, connection, and a sense of shared adventure.

That’s what led us to The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers.

At first glance, it may seem like an unusual choice. After all, it’s a science fiction novel set aboard a spaceship traveling across the galaxy. But beneath the stars, alien cultures, and interstellar travel is a remarkably human story.

This is a book about people.

It’s about finding your place in the world. It’s about learning to understand those who are different from you. It’s about friendship, belonging, and the families we build along the way. Most of all, it’s about connection.

As readers, we often talk about stories that feel like a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. While this novel takes place among distant planets and faraway systems, it carries that same comforting feeling. It invites us to slow down, spend time with its characters, and appreciate the small moments that make life meaningful.

For a community built around reading together, that felt like the perfect place to begin.

We also chose this book because it offers so much to discuss. Questions of identity, culture, communication, and belonging are woven throughout the story. Whether you’re a lifelong science fiction reader or someone stepping into the genre for the first time, there’s plenty to reflect on and share with others.

Most importantly, we wanted our first read to feel welcoming.

Lantern & Ink! isn’t about racing through books or checking titles off a list. It’s about creating space to enjoy stories at a comfortable pace, share thoughts with fellow readers, and discover new perspectives together.

This novel embodies that spirit beautifully.

As we begin this journey, we invite you to read alongside us, jot down your favorite quotes, fill out your reading tracker, join the conversation, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.

Read what you can, when you can.

We’re delighted to have you here.

Happy reading.