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Project Hail Mary
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August 2021 READER Project Hail Mary by Weir
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I literally just finished reading it a couple days ago. I agree with others who say it is probably better than The Martian (definitely better writing!) although somewhat less believable.
Project Hail Mary had been one of my most anticipated books of 2021. So, I was quick to pick it up soon after the release. And it has not disappointed me.It's quite entertaining and also a good science fiction. I honestly love how the author has put together efforts to make his scientific endeavour flawless as much as possible, even after not being from a science background.
This was the first book I've read by this author and I had no knowledge about this it other than a friend of mine telling me "You NEED to read this book!". So I did, and she was right. Usually when reading a book, and especially if it's an author you know well, you start recognizing foreshadowing and all the clues that tell you what will happen in about X chapters. I don't know if it was because I came unprepared or not, but I must admit the author brought me along on a roller coaster blindfolded and I really enjoyed the ride.
The story is presented in a 1st person limited view and written in present tense and you end up getting sucked into the story seen from the main characters VERY limited view at the start of the book. He gradually expands the horizon is in a way that keeps the suspense and illusions alive while you learn about the character and world alongside the MC.
This is one of the books where I ended up with wanting to finish the story but at the same time never wanting the story to end.
One of the overused tropes that I absolutely loathe is “woke up without a memory”. So many books and far too many videogames use it, usually terribly.This book is actually the exception to the rule, employing it well. The fact that I gave this 5 stars *and* it’s a serious contender for my favorite book of the year despite starting off with a deficit is the highest praise I can give it. Just really terrific.
Trike wrote: "One of the overused tropes that I absolutely loathe is “woke up without a memory”. So many books and far too many videogames use it, usually terribly.This book is actually the exception to the ru..."
I wondered for a while if the memory would ever come back. And let's just say I was quite surprised about what was revealed when it did!
I gave this book 5 stars also. Here is a description of one of my new favorite fictional characters - Rocky, who really is a walking, talking, wise-guy rock: "Humans have hair, fingernails, tooth enamel, and other “dead” stuff on our bodies that serve critical purposes. Eridians take that concept to the ultimate extreme. Rocky’s carapace is made of oxidized minerals. His bones are honeycombed metallic alloys. His blood is mostly liquid mercury. Even his nerves are inorganic silicates transmitting light-based impulses."
At first I thought the amnesia would bother me too, but in this case I thought it was done well. There was a plausible reason for it, and it allowed the flashbacks to come naturally. The pacing was impeccable. Is it plausible that the memories would come back in exactly that way? No, probably not, but it's a something I'm willing to forgive.
This selection was compelling enough that I actually finished it the first week of the month it was selected. I usually finish well into the month after if I get to it at all (honestly some selections just aren’t for me). The mystery of the dimming sun and the resolution of various problems along the way, the detailed design of the spacecraft, the encounter with Rocky, and resolution of the amnesia all kept me interested enough to read on. I had a few problems however not the least of which I found the protagonist unfunny and unlikeable. Some aspects strained my wiling suspension of disbelief to the breaking point. Nevertheless I appreciated this selection since I ended with a interesting and thought provoking read! Thanks!!
Just finished & definitely giving this five stars. I loved the science & the science fiction, the nods to Apollo & space flight history as well as star trek (especially Mcoy’s famous line).I agree with the other comments about amnesia actually working pretty well, especially with the plot twist there. And Rocky may well be my favourite space book character.
I absolutely loved the ending, it was done really well, giving Grace that redemption. And his kids. It also boosted the book from a four star for me - I was getting a bit fed up of the EVAs, partly because I think they’re overused in sci-fi films & partly because there were more in this one book than there are Deep Space Nine travel back in time episodes. The writing is absolutely superb, i’m going to be recommending this to anyone who vaguely says they enjoy sci-fi!
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Here is my brief review.
I agree that memory coming back slowly was a bit wearing at times. But the explanation that was given made it seem more reasonable than some other books I've read in the past where there was no explanation at all. I was very happy with the ending, too.
A lot of it was very convenient. But sometimes, as with movies like Back to the Future, I don’t care, because I’m enjoying it so much. Other times it can be grating, and that’s all down to the author’s skill in the storytelling.
I want to pick up this book now in September.
Now this is funny. This book is the September read in Science Fiction Aficionados which I also am a member of.
Great book. I laughed out loud at parts (I did get some funny looks on the train).This author just gets better with each book. I liked the humanity (Eridianity?) of Rocky.
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Official description:
Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission--and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.
Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.
All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.
His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, he realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Alone on this tiny ship that's been cobbled together by every government and space agency on the planet and hurled into the depths of space, it's up to him to conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.
And thanks to an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.
Part scientific mystery, part dazzling interstellar journey, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian--while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.