Project Hail Mary
Ratings2,242
Average rating4.5
A great book that I didn't want to end. I really enjoyed reading about the real and imagined science used in this book.
It took some time to warm up to the Marvel-esque sense of humor the voice has, but once I got past that it I really loved it. I kept thinking about it whenever I put it down. Such an interesting sci-fi story with detailed experiments and scientific ideas communicated without being boring. Granted, it still took me a while to get through, but it is a long book!
This book is so good good good.
Am so happy happy happy I listened to it :p
Five stars not enough. Me need more stars.
Finally coming out of reviewing books slump.
Without spoiling anything, the story is about a mission to save planet earth from an imminent threat. But it teaches about a lot more than surviving in harsh environments or situations. Its about friendship, kindness and basic human decency.
If you do decide to read this book, I'd urge you to listen to the audio book instead. Its brilliantly performed and immerses you in the story from the get go.
Did not expect the book to be this emotional. It made me cry!
The last two chapters are so well written, I've been listening to them on repeat for a while :)
Cannot wait for this to be turned into a movie.
I just wish I could listen to this book for the first time again.
If you ever wished your high school math text book was peppered with very uneventful alien encounters, this is the book for you.
So boring.
Bonus star solely for the audiobook narration which was the only reason I didn't bail.
An excellent buddy-scientist story. With one of my favourite SF duos. An incredible look at humanity from both a broad a personal perspective. Endless problem solving and just the right level of detail to allow you to think ahead occasionally, without things feeling predictable or inevitable.
This book is an ode to the scientific method.
It has a lot of heavy science and math, which I won't pretend to grasp, but was really interesting to read.
I loved the characters: Ryland kindness, humour and curiosity, Eva Stratt fierceness and everything about Rocky.
The dialogue was fluid, engaging and emotional enough to make laugh and cry.
I am very impressed with Andy Weir and I couldn't recommend this book enough.
Disappointing after all the hype. Kind of cartoonish, like a prepubescent male space fantasy (very very minor spoilers): “and then this GREAT BIG PROBLEM came from space, and these mysterious Secret World Government people came and kidnapped me to work on it, and I became SUPER IMPORTANT, and I got to go to SPACE to SAVE THE WHOLE WORLD and I'm the ONLY ONE who can do it, and I get to have ADVENTURES and SOLVE PROBLEMS with my knowledge of junior-high physics and then MORE REALLY COOL STUFF, and then uh-oh the whole mission is in DANGER, and did I mention that only I can save the WORLD?” All it's missing is SPACE LASERS, PEW PEW PEW. There's even sex, or at least acknowledgment of the existence thereof in a way that seems cringeworthy to anyone over the age of twelve.The science itself was surprisingly sloppy. I won't go into details because therein be spoilers, but sheesh. I was expecting much better from the author of [b:The Martian 18007564 The Martian Andy Weir https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413706054l/18007564.SY75.jpg 21825181]. Each of the many mistakes were elementary, and should have been caught in the earliest drafts.That said, it was fun in a bubblegum sort of way: thrilling space adventures, and problem-solving, and Valuable Lessons on the Importance of Paying Attention In School Because You Never Know When You Might Have to Save the Planet. Worth reading, but be prepared for some serious suspension of disbelief—no, not the space stuff, I mean the part where all the countries and peoples on Earth unite to fight a grave threat. No deniers, no republicans claiming fake news. That was a little hard to swallow... but damn, what a sweet fantasy.
I loved this book! Such a great story, it kept me interested from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, the humour, and the heart of the story. So good!!
I haven't felt this ecstatic reading a book in a while. I loved The Martian but Project Hail Mary surpassed that for me. Good Good Good !
I really don't understand why this book (or The Martian, for that matter) appeals to me so much, because it's literally just a bunch of “and then I did a science” but I was here for it. I didn't understand what was happening about 70% of the time, because my brain is not science-smart, but it was exciting!
I think that, even though Weir isn't the strongest writer in terms of structure and character development, his passion is what makes his stories work. Though this really did read more like a screenplay, and I wasn't surprised to see it's already been optioned for a movie, but again: all weaknesses aside, I had a good time.
ALSO: Rocky is forever best boy and I love him. Happy happy happy!
Anyway, 3.5 sciences out of 5, rounded up because of what I mentioned in my spoiler.
I'm happy I've read this book. It was funny and nothing like Don't Look Up.
My one issue with the book, or rather with the main character, is MC's condescending attitude toward Rocky from time to time. It happened not very often, but sometimes I felt uncomfortable.
This was a great ride! Sci-fi that felt very real and frightingly plausible. The science (at least for a nerd) kept me impressed, in a way the martian's had me bored. The character of ryland was very relatable and likeable, and the audible narration was fantastic.
This was surprisingly sweet, with a friendship that was beyond touching. The plot was vert engaging, with the flashbacks providing fascinating details and character development.
The ending, although wrapped things up, was slightly mixed for me, on one hand, the emotional aspect and character growth was fulfilled, however the resolution of the plot wasn't as satisfactory for me as was the journey.
I recommend this book for those who like a relatable, likeable character, a lot of science and a plot that seems extremely plausible, and a tender story of how it's never too late to do the right thing.
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I liked the maturity of the protagonist Dr. Ryland Grace and I loved the dynamic he shared with our little friend Rocky. The ending, especially chapter 30 left me heartbroken but it's definitely the ending Grace deserved. Being a STEM student helped me understand most of the science happening around in the book. I really appreciate how well Andy Weir researched the theories before framing them in different jaw-dropping scenarios. It was a pure delight to read from page one till the end. Andy Weir is a skillful storyteller that hooks your undivided attention into his story. Highly recommended.
Another good book from Andy Weir. I really liked his previous books (and the movie for the Martian was not too bad either). This one does not disappoint. It has more of the inner-monologue from the main character and problem solving that made me like The Martian. It has well-researched, plausible science like his other books as well. Plus it has an interesting set of characters and a fun story... combining into a book that I enjoyed! I listened to this book on Audible, Ray Porter was an awesome narrator and the voice for one of the characters was really cool in the audio book.
Really clever and I feel it was on par with, maybe slightly better than, The Martian. Love that the science is as accurate as it can be.
This was great. Granted there are plot holes, and the characterizations are weak, however the story zips along. This is the first “page turner” I have read in a long time. Thoroughly recommended to anyone who liked The Martian.
Read cover-to-cover, I simply couldn't put it down! Best sci-fi book I've read in the last few years!
What a ride! This book was just so great. The pace, the world building, the characters, the science... it's all such great fun. I loved it, and can see why it was such a popular read for our book group.
There was more math and science in this book than in previous books from this author, but if you leave your trust in the characters to figure it out it makes it much more enjoyable.
I felt like the book didn't start picking up until halfway through, but it had a bit of a tear jerker ending. Worth the read for the relationship development alone.
good approchable science fiction, didn't fully appeal to me but i kind of loved it. every book should be an unconventional buddy story :D
4.25!