A review by latoyadawson13
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

dark emotional funny informative inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I absolutely loved reading Project Hail Mary! Despite numerous recommendations, I had put off reading this book, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. At its core, this is a wonderful story that is more than just science (though the science is awesome). The slow build-up of the story was executed brilliantly, and there was just the right amount of science fiction mixed with real science to keep me engaged. Although there were times when I had questions about the plausibility of certain plot elements, I was able to suspend my disbelief and fully immerse myself in the story.

One of the things I loved most about Project Hail Mary was the small amount of mystery that Weir incorporated into the story. The way he structured the flashbacks was also really effective in pulling me into the story. Another pleasant surprise was the emotional impact that the book had on me. I found myself laughing out loud at times, but also feeling frustrated and sad.

The character connections in this book were beautiful, particularly the friendship between the two main characters. Additionally, the book had a strong learning component, with insights into language, culture, and basic biological needs. The secondary characters, such as Stratt and the Russians, added depth to the story and were well-developed, despite their limited screen time.

Overall, Project Hail Mary is a lesson in the human condition. Weir explores how humans react when faced with disasters, loneliness, feelings of failure, happiness, and conflict, as well as how we navigate moral dilemmas and our own mortality. I appreciated the slow pace of the story, as it allowed me to fully appreciate all of the lessons and learning.

My only complaint is that I wanted the book to be longer! I was invested in the characters and their story and would have loved to see what happened after the book's conclusion.