Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a masterclass in entertainment and science fiction. Never in my adult life have I been so glued to a book as I was with this one. I was mesmerized and moved by the science, comedy, disaster, and tragedy as I tagged along with Ryland Grace on his desperate mission to save the Earth. Having only just finished it, it’s left a void in my life that I’m sure will be difficult to fill with any other book.
As I found out only after finishing the book, it doesn’t really need my approval—at the time of writing, it’s currently the highest-rated standalone science fiction book on GoodReads, and my sentiment is shared by the overwhelming majority of the people who have read it. I don’t want to deny you the pleasure of reading through Ryland’s journey, so there won’t be any spoilers ahead. What follows is what I found to be the most notable qualities that set this book apart.
First off, don’t let the science fiction label trick you into thinking this is a complicated read. The book’s first-person style of narration is very approachable and a smart choice, and it sounds exactly like you’d expect from Ryland, a high school teacher. If anything, the sci-fi element only serves to encourage a methodical and scientific approach to solving unexpected problems. It feels like you are thinking and solving problems together with the protagonist, which is immensely enjoyable. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself anxiously calculating fuel burn and light-year distances—that’s very much intentional.
Like I said earlier, the book is a standout example in entertainment, pacing, and science fiction writing. It reads as if you are watching a movie. Almost every chapter ends on a big cliffhanger. None of the chapters feel redundant or unnecessary and there’s close to zero fat in the writing. To be honest, reading books is hard, but Andy Weir somehow makes it easy. You won’t notice the hours flying by.
Giving any more details on the book might start to spoil the fun. There’s a movie based on the book that’s coming out in early 2026, and I ask you to do yourself a favor and not watch the trailer, as it gives away critical events and information that take the book several chapters of build-up to reveal. Don’t get me wrong—I very much intend to watch that film. The thing is, you’ll probably want to enjoy the story in its original form with all the special powers that the novel form gives the writer.
That’s it! If you do decide to read Project Hail Mary, I would love to know your thoughts on it!
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