Artificial Condition

In book 2, Murderbot strikes out on its own, for about twenty minutes before the ship it is a stowaway on demands to watch TV together.

More seriously, Artificial Condition explores themes of unresolved trauma. As much as we might yearn for it, closure is far from a guarantee. Even if we don't find anything surprising when we revisit the past, we may still be surprised that we do not feel better after doing so.

Just surviving trauma is enough of a feat, let alone how it can create tunnel vision, or make us far too hard on ourselves or others. On the other hand, small gestures of tenderness and care from others can feel overwhelming or misplaced. Trust, vulnerability, and self-compassion are really difficult to access when you are caught in a holding pattern of fear and unease. And that is what the silly robot taught me in this one.

2019 review: I read [b:All Systems Red|32758901|All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1)|Martha Wells|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631585309l/32758901._SY75_.jpg|53349516] last year, and loved it. I was excited to finally continue the series. I love Murderbot. I love how the tone and length of the books match our protagonist. The narrator is so clearly winded by social interactions that go on for too long. I love that Murderbot is both very motivated by emotion, and very uncomfortable expressing emotion. I love Wells' commentary on the ability to say no (and exist around others who accept your no). It's a funny and endearing series, with enough speculative technology and self-reflection to make it more than surface-level.