Book Review – Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

A Geek’s Guide to Saving the World (and Other Casual Hobbies)

So I finally read “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir. You know, the guy who made us all believe that growing potatoes on Mars was a perfectly reasonable survival strategy. This time, he’s back with another space adventure, because apparently, staying on Earth is too mainstream. And let me tell you, if you thought Mark Watney was a sarcastic overachiever, wait till you meet Ryland Grace.

Strap In, Nerds

The story kicks off with our hero, Ryland Grace, waking up in a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Classic sci-fi trope, right? But this is Andy Weir we’re talking about, so expect a lot of nerdy science thrown in. Grace isn’t just a regular astronaut – he’s a middle school science teacher. Yep, you read that right. NASA’s last hope is a guy who probably spends his free time grading papers and dealing with pre-teen drama.

As Grace starts piecing together his memory, he realizes he’s on a one-man mission to save humanity from an extinction-level event. No pressure, right? Turns out, the sun is dying because of some alien microbes, and Grace has to figure out how to stop it. Naturally, this involves a lot of MacGyver-ing with space junk and more calculations than a mathlete’s wet dream.

Weir’s love for science is everywhere in this book. Like, if you don’t get off on detailed explanations of astrophysics, chemistry, and biology, you might want to sit this one out. Seriously, the guy turns what could have been a straightforward space adventure into an epic of scientific problem-solving. Ryland Grace is basically Bill Nye the Science Guy on steroids. He’s got an answer for everything, and if he doesn’t, he’ll just whip out a whiteboard and figure it out.

Now, some people might find this level of detail a bit much. Like, do we really need a step-by-step guide on how to build a centrifuge out of spaceship parts? Apparently, Weir thinks we do. But hey, if you’re into that kind of thing, it’s a nerd’s paradise. The guy could probably write a user manual for the entire universe and still make it entertaining.

Just when you think things can’t get any weirder, enter Rocky. No, not the boxer. Rocky is an alien who looks like a cross between a spider and a rock (hence the name). He’s from a planet orbiting another star, and guess what? His star is dying too. Cue the interstellar bromance.

Rocky and Grace team up to save their respective species, and their interactions are pure gold. Imagine a buddy cop movie, but in space, with one cop being an alien who communicates through musical notes. It’s bizarre, it’s hilarious, and it’s oddly heartwarming. Weir’s got a knack for creating unlikely friendships, and this one takes the cake.

If there’s one thing Weir knows how to do, it’s making science funny. Grace’s inner monologue is dripping with sarcasm and snark. The guy could probably make a grocery list sound like a stand-up routine. He’s constantly cracking jokes, even when he’s on the brink of death, because why not? If you’re going to die in space, might as well do it with a smile, right?

There’s a lot of dark humor here too. Like when Grace realizes he’s the only human alive within a million-mile radius. Or when he’s trying to figure out alien technology and ends up electrocuting himself. It’s the kind of humor that makes you laugh and wince at the same time.

So, what’s the verdict on “Project Hail Mary”? Let’s break it down.

The Good:

1. Science Galore: If you’re a science geek, this book is like porn. Detailed explanations, problem-solving, and a ton of nerdy references. If you enjoy thinking about the logistics of space travel and alien biology, you’re in for a treat.
2. Humor: Weir’s signature snark and sarcasm are in full force. Grace’s commentary is laugh-out-loud funny.
3. Alien Friendship: The dynamic between Grace and Rocky is one of the highlights of the book. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s surprisingly touching.

The Bad:

1. Too Much Science: Yes, it’s possible. There are times when the technical details bog down the story. Not everyone wants a crash course in astrophysics.
2. Pacing: The plot can drag in places, especially during the heavy science-y bits. You might find yourself skimming through the explanations to get back to the action.

Final Thoughts

“Project Hail Mary” is classic Andy Weir. It’s a mix of hard science, dark humor, and an underdog story. Ryland Grace is a likable hero who’s just nerdy enough to make you root for him, but not so perfect that he’s annoying. And Rocky is the alien buddy you didn’t know you needed.

The book isn’t without its flaws. The heavy science can be overwhelming, and the pacing could use some work. But overall, it’s an entertaining read that’ll make you laugh, think, and maybe even learn something. If you’re a fan of “The Martian,” you’ll probably love “Project Hail Mary.” Just be prepared for a lot of scientific jargon and some seriously weird alien interactions.