Project Hail Mary

By Andy Weir

After reading The Martian a few years ago, I couldn’t wait to see what Andy Weir did next. Last year during my quarantine reading resurgence I realized he had published Artemis and quickly read that too. This latest book just came out in May and is nothing short of fantastic.

Andy Weir has a unique way of making science fiction completely and utterly believable by incorporating real scientific work, studies and theories stretched to the limits of what we know. And he manages to do all this in an accessible way, where you don’t need a PhD to understand what he’s talking about. It’s a balance I’ve yet to read elsewhere and throughout it all there is a humorous undercurrent keeping you entertained.

For those who read The Martian - Project Hail Mary, while still having consistently funny moments was not as laugh-out-loud funny. But instead I felt like I watched Andy Weir grow as an author through this novel - humor paved the way and stepped aside sometimes for sincerity, strength, and heart.

The book starts with Dr. Ryland Grace waking up aboard a ship in an unknown place, with significant memory loss, and slowly realizes he’s there to save all life on earth (no pressure). There’s too many spoilers if I tell you more, all I can say is if you are a fan of his other work you will definitely enjoy this, and if you are not already this is a great place to start.