Yes, this is a different book than I had announced I would cover for this review. I had said I would be reviewing Dhampira by Amy Pennza next. However, that one won’t be releasing for another couple of months. I wanted to read the book Project Hail Mary before seeing its new film adaptation, and my partner and I would really like to see it while it’s still in theatres. Therefore, I had a short timeline. Once I had the book in my hands, I had to read it straight away.

Summary:

Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up from a medically-induced coma aboard a spaceship. He has some resulting amnesia, but is recovering slowly. He remembers pretty quickly that he is the only one who can save Earth and the life that is hopefully still left on it. Nearly-invincible microscopic lifeforms are consuming our sun at an alarming rate. If it continues, world will grow cold and dark within a single human lifespan. Worldwide crop failures will lead to sweeping famines. That will be only the beginning of the end.

When the ship set out on its data collection mission, Dr. Grace was not alone, but he’s the only one who wakes up. Now, when he arrives at a star that’s resistant to these microorganisms, he’s alone in finding a solution he can send back to Earth. He’s left to save humanity on his own.

My Thoughts:

I’m really glad that I read this before watching the movie. Reading is a fully immersive experience for me, as though I’m standing beside the characters. When watching a movie, I never forget that I’m looking at a screen. I still enjoy it, but compared to a book it can feel diluted. When a story has as many reveals as this one does through the memory recovery process, I didn’t want the movie to spoil the book. It was a wild ride, and I loved each new twist on the story both in the flashbacks and his real-time discoveries.

The sense of humor was also phenomenal. I loved the dry one-liners mixed with absurdist details. The book, much like its protagonist, never takes itself too seriously despite profound competence. Whether you as a reader are extremely well-versed in the scientific concepts it touches upon or have never heard of them, it still feels accessible. The way that Dr. Grace interacts with them still feels relatable.

Without going into detail (no spoilers!), I’ll also say I’m extremely fond of the ending. The way that the last ~50 pages pivot yet again and then finally resolve felt perfectly balanced. Not all questions get answered, but I found it very satisfying with the remaining ambiguity.

Another of Weir’s novels, The Martian has also been on my radar for a while as something I might enjoy. Now that I’ve read Project Hail Mary, I’m positive I’ll love it. I’m also really looking forward to seeing this movie now, even moreso than I was before!

Content Warnings: Death, Confinement, Isolation, Mass Extinction, Cataclysm, Graphic Depiction of Injuries & Medical Procedures, Suicidal Ideation, Alcohol, Drug Use

After I Finished Project Hail Mary

I already gave a teaser for this next one in my last review before I pivoted to Project Hail Mary. I was about 40% of the way through when I made the switch. That decision was made purely because of a (admittedly self-imposed) deadline. Tension was building and I really was eager to see what came next. When I finished Project Hail Mary, I was excited to dive back in.

My next review will be for Dhampira by Amy Pennza. (Really this time.)