To be taught, if fortunate, this time on Planetary Radio Book Club edition.

Welcome to our monthly visit with authors and creators who share their passion for space science and exploration, and who sometimes do so

through superb fiction. I'm Matt Kaplan, Senior Communications Advisor for the Planetary Society,

with more of the human adventure across the solar system and beyond. This time, well beyond.

Back in April, our featured book was a delightful novella by Becky Chambers.

That title, to be taught, if fortunate,

Becky pulled it from the Voyager Golden Record,

the message to the stars assembled by Andrian, Carl Sagan, and others, that

is now nearly one light day from Earth. The words were spoken by then UN Secretary General

Kurt Waldheim. His greeting to whomever might find the recording said, in part, we step out of our solar system into the universe,

seeking only peace and friendship, to teach if we are called upon, to be taught if we are fortunate.

We know full well that our planet and all its inhabitants are but a small part of this immense universe that surrounds us,

and it is with humility and hope that we take this step.

And that, dear listeners, could be the theme of Becky's story.

As you'll hear, she calls it a love letter to space exploration.

Critics and readers have called her work brilliant and have celebrated it with many awards.

Becky joined me on May 5th in the Planetary Society's online member community for the conversation

you are about to hear.

I hope it will leave you feeling as hopeful and inspired as it did me.

Here is our special guest, Becky Chambers. Becky, thank you so much for joining us this evening in the book club.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I'm very happy to be here.

All right, so let me tell people just a little bit more about you.

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