Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Science Fiction
* * * * * Stars (Amazing!)
When Ryland Grace awakes from an induced coma, he finds himself aboard a spaceship, hurtling towards who knows where, on a mission to do who knows what. His two crewmates are dead, and as he recuperates from his long sleep, he slowly regains his memories. Earth is in great peril from an organism that is draining the sun’s energy, and Grace is part of Project Hail Mary – a suicide mission, and a desperate search for a solution that will save humanity before it’s too late. He’s ready to do his job upon arrival, but he doesn’t expect to find another ship in the same system. Chock full of SCIENCE and DETAILS, and SUSPENSE! Fans of Weir’s “The Martian” should enjoy this as well. Published for adults, but older teens may enjoy as well.
I read this in print in 2021, and recently (2023) reread/listened to the audiobook version – it was still amazing! I love all the twists and turns the plot takes and the way the author provides information about the mission as Grace remembers it from his time back on Earth. The friendship he forms with “Rocky” and their tenacity and determination to save their respective worlds is so heartening and satisfying.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
