Planetary Radio • Jun 19, 2026

Book Club Edition: “To Be Taught, If Fortunate” with Becky Chambers

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Becky chambers portrait

Becky Chambers

Science Fiction Author

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Mat Kaplan

Senior Communications Adviser and former Host of Planetary Radio for The Planetary Society

This outstanding novella, “To Be Taught, If Fortunate” by award-winning science fiction author Becky Chambers, is a passionate argument for the human exploration of space and the wonders we will find there. Kirkus Reviews calls it, “An extraordinary picture of humanity among the stars.” Join host Mat Kaplan for a conversation with Becky in which her personal enthusiasm for space science matches that of her four wandering explorers. The very alien lifeforms they discover amplify their own, very human failings and triumphs. Questions submitted by The Planetary Society’s members were a valuable contribution to this live event presented in our member community.

Becky Chambers portrait
Becky Chambers portrait Becky Chambers is the bestselling author of the Wayfarers series, the Monk and Robot novellas, and other works of science fiction. She is a two-time Hugo Award winner, a Locus Award winner, and has been nominated for the Nebula Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and the Women's Prize for Fiction, among others.Image: Becky Chambers
To Be Taught, If Fortunate book cover
To Be Taught, If Fortunate book cover To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Hugo and Locus-winning author Becky Chambers.Image: HarperCollins