Nnedi Okorafor has been an author on my radar for quite some time.  I had seen her books mentioned on the internet and in used bookstores over the past year.  I will admit I was reluctant to read one of her novels…until now.

Actually, Binti is a novella chronicling a young woman’s journey to Oozma University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy.  She is the first of her people, the Himba, to receive such an honor.   Being a teenager, Binti is conflicted by her desire to go to Oozma University and the connection to her family and people.

The journey is fraught with peril in terms of an alien race, The Meduse, who have longed warred with human beings. Binti becomes an unexpected peacemaker during the voyage and offers a possible bridge between the long standing human-alien conflict.

I read Binti in two hours and connected with the protagonist.  Binti is the first book of a trilogy and the novella ends in a normal fashion for the opening book of a series.  If you are looking for a quick read featuring an engaging protagonist and space intrigue, Binti fits the bill.  Recommended.