1. Meet the Book
- Title: Project Hail Mary
- Author: Andy Weir
- Genre: Science Fiction
2. First Impression vs. Final Feeling
Project Hail Mary was a book that I had slept on for quite a while, it had been sitting in my reading list for probably 12 months. This genre of science fiction is not one that I am personally drawn to, however, once I started, I could not put it down. Andy Weir has a way of writing that keeps drawing you in and excited for what comes next. The book had plenty of twists and turns that kept the plot progress and the story engaging.
By the final page I had become a true fan of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary and will definitely be reading this one again.
3. What Happens? (No Spoilers Version)
Project Hail Mary follows science teacher Ryland Grace as he wakes up with no memory, the sole survivor, onboard a spaceship in a different solar system. Along the way Ryland must remember why he is there in time to save earth from total annihilation.
As he works to save the world Ryland will come across many challenges, will he be able to overcome the problems and find the solution?
4. The Good Stuff
Three key takeaways from Hail Mary that I enjoyed
- Andy Weir’s style of writing is incredibly immersive. You genuinely feel as though you are Ryland and on the journey through space.
- The story and main characters are excellent. I found myself rooting for characters the whole journey. There were no characters that I found to be unlikeable.
- The story is enjoyable. At the end of the day if it isn’t an enjoyable or an interesting story the book will fall flat. Project Hail Mary is a good story that you can read and reread.
5. The Not-So-Good Stuff
1–3 honest but friendly notes:
- Side characters are a bit one dimensional and stereotypical. While I liked the side characters, they are quite one dimensional. This probably has a lot to do with how little time they spend in the story as they are mostly accounted for in flashbacks.
- There is some convenient problem solving. During the story Ryland discovers a material that seems to be there exclusively to solve his problems. It’s not aggressive or in your face but on reflection you notice its prevalence in the solutions.
8. Who Should Read This?
This is a perfect book for anyone interested in the Science Fiction genre. Andy Weir’s explanations of the science are satisfying and quite reasonable so anyone looking for accuracy will not be disappointed. Anyone interested in space or science will likely enjoy this book.
10. Rating (With Half Stars Allowed)
- Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5)
- Would I reread it? Will certainly be rereading this one.
