I thought this book was amazing and so unique in so many ways. I am definitely not into sci-fi per se; however, this book is true science fiction at its best in my non-expert opinion on sci-fi. There were a lot of sections that, to be honest, I had to take some time with due to the science and problem solving. That being said, it was so worth it! For me to say that I couldn't put down a science fiction book is (trust me) saying a lot! I loved the alien encounters as well.

There was also a lot of back-and-forth between flashbacks and present day, which for me was really helpful once I got used to it. It didn't really take a lot of getting used to and I really think that it added to the plot line quite well.

The characters (LOVED Rocky) were quite well-developed as well. Kudos to this author for making a non-science fiction lover love this book!

I was afraid going into this one that it would go over my head, but I really loved it!! It you enjoyed The Martian, you'll love this!

Andy Weir never misses. Had a lot of fun with this, though it's not my favorite when Artemis is still out there. Highly recommend for fans of The Martian!

Prepare for an interstellar journey like no other with Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary" – a science fiction masterpiece that has undoubtedly earned its place among the all-time greats in the genre. Bursting with ingenuity, heart, and mind-bending concepts, this novel takes readers on a breathtaking adventure through the cosmos, leaving an indelible mark on the sci-fi landscape.

From the very first page, "Project Hail Mary" grabs hold of your imagination and refuses to let go. Weir's storytelling prowess is on full display, delivering a narrative that effortlessly balances scientific accuracy with boundless creativity. The story's premise is nothing short of genius, and as the mysteries of space unfold, you'll find yourself riveted and immersed in the rich tapestry of possibilities.

The protagonist, Ryland Grace, is a revelation. As you follow his captivating journey of survival and discovery, you'll become deeply invested in his struggles, triumphs, and the emotional depth that Weir brings to his character. Grace's unique charm and humor make him an unforgettable hero, and you'll find yourself cheering him on through every twist and turn of the plot.

Weir's attention to detail is nothing short of extraordinary. The science behind "Project Hail Mary" is grounded in real-world principles, which adds a sense of authenticity that elevates the novel to a whole new level. As a reader, you'll feel like you're part of the astronaut team, experiencing the challenges and joys of space exploration firsthand.

The world-building in "Project Hail Mary" is awe-inspiring. From the vastness of the universe to the intricacies of alien civilizations, Weir paints a vivid and captivating picture of the cosmos. The way he blends cutting-edge science with imagination and creativity is a testament to his storytelling brilliance.

Beyond the awe-inspiring science and the thrilling plot, "Project Hail Mary" also touches on deeper themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of cooperation in the face of adversity. Weir seamlessly weaves these elements into the narrative, giving the story an emotional weight that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

In conclusion, "Project Hail Mary" is a crowning achievement in the realm of science fiction and space exploration literature. With its compelling characters, brilliant scientific concepts, and heartfelt themes, it cements Andy Weir's position as a modern master of the genre. If you're a fan of science fiction, this novel is an absolute must-read and is destined to be celebrated for generations to come. "Project Hail Mary" has firmly secured its place in the pantheon of science fiction classics, and rightfully so – it's a thrilling and unforgettable journey that will leave you in awe of the cosmos and the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity.

This book started off slow and initially was a slog. As the story moved on, I became more engaged and I appreciated the science in this fiction. I'm glad I stuck to it, this story ended up being one of my favorites. This is my first Weir novel, and I was under the impression that there would be a more literary writing style, once I realized that was not the case in this journal style novel.

Andy Weir has done it again!! This might be my new favorite book that he's written. As a scientist and engineer I loved the portrayal of how the characters thought through their space and used the basis of science to develop communication. The story was well developed from the current events, but also slowly unraveling the missing history from the amnesia, which helped build the suspense through the book. Loved it!

Full disclosure, I ended up listening to Project Hail Mary on Audible and I do feel it impacted my overall rating of the book. That being said, I loved this book. When a terrible discovery is made that will change the future on Earth, Ryland Grace is just as scared as everyone else. A middle school biology teacher, he fears for the future and what it might look like for his students. When he is recruited by the woman in charge of coming up with a plan to save the world, he jumps in head first, not realizing how much he will eventually be asked to sacrifice. Told in current time as Grace is the sole occupant of the Hail Mary, the space ship designed to bring him to another solar system, and juxtaposed with the past memories that Grace begins to recollect, Project Hail Mary is a brilliant science fiction read that literally had me laughing out loud at parts and anxiously waiting to find out what happens next.

I love Andy Weir's writing, it is so easy to fall into his work, even for a non-scientific mind. I imagine that people who have a firmer grasp of some of the scientific concepts would enjoy this book even more than I did! The plot device of having to travel to another solar system to save ours is not unique, but the treatment here certainly is. That same first person perspective that can be so annoying in many cases is just right here, I really wanted to see things through Ryland Grace's eyes and it was so refreshing to be elated when he was, scared when he was, contemplating his demise with him. A few times I was jarred by a jump in the timeline, but the author handled all the time related elements beautifully and I was satisfyingly brought up to speed and enjoyed the scenery on the way. A very unique friendship rounds out the story so well, and adds important layers to the triumphs and setbacks of the mission. The humor in the book is very reminiscent of The Martian, of course, but also to conceive of a totally new life form, and make that life form so non-human and still relatable, is just the best part of speculative science fiction. And the humor between the characters was perfect. "Good. Proud."

Interesting book. Enjoyed the character development. The story just didn’t grab my attention like I thought it would.

Another really engaging, brilliant Andy Weir—he always makes me think about scientific possibilities while making it engaging and compelling as a story on its own!

Andy Weir has a way of capturing readers and making a book feel like a mysterious adventure every time.

Ryland Grace is the one person living still that is living a do-or-die mission: save the Earth or let it all fall. Alas, he doesn't know anything about this or that how much time has passed. He has waken up with nothing but two dead bodies beside him. Memory slowly returning, he sees that he needs to figure out how to solve life as he knows it, alone. Or so he thinks.

I will forever recommend Andy Weir novels to anyone. While this book may be labeled as science fiction, the drama and intense scenes that occur make it read as anything but. Project Hail Mary kept me on the edge of my seat and I cannot wait for what Andy Weir puts out next.

A Fantastic read with great characters. Andy weir can really make what seems to be a goofy and bonkers idea into an amazing story that you believe in. Will definitely recommend this title to my Sci-Fi and adventure loving customers!

I’ve been in a reading slump for months, and this book completely pulled me out of it. Project Hail Mary brought me back to reading The Martian, and reminded me why I love science fiction so much. I really appreciate how Andy Weir’s writing makes even the very sciencey parts understandable. I loved that this book was essentially a buddy adventure and I ended up feeling so much for these two unlikely friends. This will likely be one of my favorite reads of this year.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have now loved both of my reads by Andy Weir. He has such a distinct way, for me, to make the science in his books accessible - even though I am most certainly not a big science person. His character work is, however, where he shines - especially so in Project Hail Mary. Funny, moving, and more about the relationships we forge as individuals than anything else - Project Hail Mary has taken its place as one of my favorite Sci-Fi books of all time, and I recommend to anyone, even people who many not be a fan of the genre. Listen - if you love books about friendship, you could not pick a better book to read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

I loved The Martian, and was hopeful that Project Hail Mary would be just as good. Unfortunately it felt like reading The Martian just in a slightly different setting—a spaceship versus alone on a planet. I gave up within 75 pages. I get why some people like that, though. It just wasn’t for me.

I must give mad props to both author Andy Weir, AND his excellent audiobook narrator (and deserving recipient of Audiobook of the Year award for 2021), Ray Porter. This is an educational, and at many turns a detailed and "geeky" treatise of how an extra-terrestrial colony of lifeforms may co-exist with humans, continuously grounded in science. The author, a computer programmer by trade before he embarked on his writing career, appears to embody the role of educator through his main character/middle school science teacher, Ryland Grace. The premise of the book is blurbed on the jacket: Ryland Grace finds himself awake, and alone, on a suicide mission where he and two deceased colleagues were tasked with the endeavor of saving the world (presumably from aliens). The story interweaves flashbacks of Grace's time on earth and how he came to be involved with a prestigious, world-class mission, with real-time episodes of his journey through space, searching for a solution to save humanity, all on his own...until he is not. The discovery of alien life form comes early in the story, yet the surprises continue to come, and in the end, a beautiful story of compassion, care and dedication between markedly different species is told with humor and is a delight to behold.

The book on its own would have been an excellent offering but the addition of a charismatic narrator with perfect comic timing and ability to voice different beings in a credible way made this not just a great sci-fi, educational read but a fun experience all around. 5 out of 5 stars for this backlist book that deserved all the praise it received.

Many (belated) thanks to #AndyWeir, #NetGalley, and #BallantineBooks for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love how Andy Weir gets into the nitty gritty science. I loved The Martian, and I loved Project Hail Mary. The story was thrilling and made me want to keep reading. Weir is quickly becoming a must read author for me.

The book is very comparable to the Martian book, even if it is very different. So much better than the Artemis.
It is true science fiction with amazingly detailed world building and lots of adventure and twists and turns. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I think Andy Weir redeemed himself with this book big time, and I hope to read more from him in the future.

Hard to put down, just as detailed as The Martian. Wonderful, interesting sci-fi. Loved the timeline switches to reveal more information about how Dr. Grace came to be on the Hail Mary.