Review of Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

There is only one way to describe this book: "Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!" And if you don't understand the reference, then please read on as I review Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir.

I typically don't read a lot of science fiction. In fact, I think the last science fiction I read was the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer, and honestly, that one barely fits the bill somehow. It's kind of its own thing.

Before that, I read The Martian by Andy Weir a LONG time ago. I remember loving both the book and the movie. So when I started hearing about Project Hail Mary, I knew it was a must-read for me.

It took me awhile to finally get around to reading it, for many reasons, but then I spent the better part of this year hiding from the TV whenever a trailer for the movie adaptation came up. I wanted nothing even remotely adjacent to a spoiler. Then, finally, late this Summer, I read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. And it was fantastic.

It must be said that Andy Weir is a very smart and scientific man. So it also must be said that when Weir writes science fiction, it literally includes science. If this feels daunting, you are not alone. It is a bit overwhelming at times, but Weir does a good job of explaining complex scientific concepts in a way that doesn't detract from the story. Additionally, even if the scientific explanation still leaves you confused (as it often did for me), Weir ensures that the concept(s) most necessary to the story are still accessible, even if they are not fully understood. This is brilliant writing. At it's core, Project Hail Mary is a complex scientific novel that is accessible to even the most scientifically challenged among us.

Where Project Hail Mary really shines is in the plot itself.

It is an adventure that feels like it could maybe actually happen; that asks what humanity is willing to sacrifice if they knew that they only had 19 years before the Sun died, and with it, humanity. Ryland Grace is a self-effacing micro-biologist turned middle school science teacher, and our reluctant hero. He finds himself on a desperate mission to save Earth, but with no memory of what got him there or why. As memories slowly return, the stakes become increasingly higher. And he is utterly alone... or is he?

The plot might involve a far-fetched reason that leaves humanity with a limited time left to solve the problem and save itself; however, the slow dying of the Earth is a timely story line. The Earth is something we ought to cherish. It keeps us alive, fed, nurtured, and whole. We are not invincible, and the Earth does not only exist to be consumed. Humanity's hubris will be our end if we do not become like Ryland Grace and step up (even if we would rather not) to protect the Earth that keeps us alive.

I truly believe that if we work together, and work hard, we can make a difference and help prevent an outcome that will permanently damage our beautiful Earth, if not end the world completely.

Is that dramatic? Perhaps. Is it fear mongering? Not at all. The data is there, the real scientists have been clear on the ultimate outcome of our current ways of life. But it is truly a shame that governments and businesses are not held to the same account as individuals. That is where the shift needs to happen. But in the meantime, individuals still have power. Let's use it.

Ryland Grace may be a bit of a reluctant hero, but he knows that if he can help in even a small way, he will do it for the children he teaches who mean so much to him. So let's save the world. Together. For our children.

Oh right. This is also a book review.

Regardless of how you feel about the climate crisis, Project Hail Mary is an excellent read. It is science fiction in it's truest form, including real and plausible science. But more than that, it is an inspiring story about the best of humanity. Written in a non-linear fashion, Project Hail Mary still keeps you on the edge of your seat at every turn, even through the "slow" parts. The stakes have never been higher, there might be real aliens, but no matter what, we are better when we work together.

When you finish Project Hail Mary, I am sure you, too, will be saying, "Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!" And you will have to read the book to understand the reference.

(And don't say a word about the movie -- I haven't seen it yet!)