If your soul, like mine, is aching for all the space exploration that our generation sadly would not be able to do, this book will heal it. The story is beautifully written, so mesmerising and contagious with scientific enthusiasm. This is the Sci-Fi with the blindest hope for mankind, and humanity, and everything good. Trust me, you might need it in this year of 2020.
I want to hug this book, it made me indescribably happy!
Also, I think I've just found my new favourite Sci-Fi writer :) Excuse me, while I go and read everything by Becky Chambers.

P.S. just in case there are an animal death and a suicide attempt.

As the Secretary General of the United Nations, an organisation of one hundred and forty seven member states who represent almost all of the human inhabitants of the planet Earth, I send greetings on behalf of the people of our planet. 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 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.
- Former UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim,
1977, as recorded on the Voyager Golden Record.