The Autistic Book Club discussion
This topic is about
Project Hail Mary
(Belated, sorry!) Thoughts on 'Project Hail Mary'
date
newest »
newest »
I must admit I haven’t read this book yet, but I read your post and wanted to add that I also often say ‘Question’ before asking one haha I never really thought anything of it
I don’t do it, but I have the overwhelming urge to, ‘do it’! It seems like a very natural way of raising a question to me, to preface that question with the word, ‘Question’!
I love love loved this book. Totally agree with your thought @Rachel that the science and maths was a great backdrop, and I really enjoyed that the bits in between 'the story' weren't full of things considered normal or everyday relationships and thoughts that I don't identify with and interrupt the story.
It was such a soothing and interesting read. I laughed and cried and rocked. I shall read it again and again.
Their ability to communicate with each other through so many barriers made me think a lot about actually how easy it is to communicate if both people are willing.
Near the end of Chapter 23: What do you guys think of what Stratt did to Grace?Do you agree with Stratt's ethics?
Did you see that coming?
Do you see Grace differently now?
(view spoiler)
I'm so pleased that most people liked this book... tbh I didn't know if anyone would read it, it has such a 'spacey' cover but is such a good read!Questions of ethics are so tough... I can think of so many sides...!
R wrote: "I'm so pleased that most people liked this book... tbh I didn't know if anyone would read it, it has such a 'spacey' cover but is such a good read!Questions of ethics are so tough... I can think ..."
I almost wasn't going to read it because it was "spacey" but, I gave it a second chance thanks to the amnesiac sub-plot and this book club.
I know I'm late. I was so excited to read this book that it took me an extra 3 months to get around to it. Heh...Anyway, I just finished chapter 6. (view spoiler) I think it's hilarious how he swears at the end of 6. It's such a funny little character trait thing. We're so used to him doing alternative cussing, it goes to show when he really does swear, it's for a good reason
Do y'all think Grace is Neurospicy? I've only read the first 6 chapters, of course, but I was just wondering. I could see it, but it doesn't seem super obvious, so I didn't wanna assume til I saw more of him interacting with people :)
You're not late. Everybody else is early. XDYou're right about the swearing. I'm not prude when it comes to these things. I just want characters to swear for a good reason. Don't do it just because you can or want to seem edgey.
Grace didn't seem Neurospicy to me (Never heard of that word before. I love it) I was too distracted by Stratt to noticed him. Am I stereotyping her?
Chara's right, there is no late in this group!!!Honestly tho, people can comment months / years after the post goes up, it's still interesting to read other people's opinions!
I'm not sure about Grace or Rocky for that matter, I did relate to the logical and analytical traits of their characters, made me want to be an engineer (missed the boat on that one!) but I'm not sure if they're neurodivergent, they both could've been, maybe?
The way Rocky prefixed every question with 'Question' I found immensely appealing... :)))
You guys are great xD Wait so if Rocky and Grace aren’t neurodivergent, who is?? Is there anyone? Maybe I should just read the book and see! yeah I’m gonna go do that…
Anyway, I’m really enjoying the book! :)
I finished the book!! It was so good, I loved it! :D Oof, so about the ND stuff, I totally assumed because the other books all had ND characters, this one would too. I think I was wrong? But I'm not too worried. I still really enjoyed it :) (view spoiler)
I agree with what you said R, about the science not bogging down the story. I thought it would bore me, but it was fascinating and I loved it! Even if I didn't always understand it.
About the Ethics of what Stratt did... I dunno. I saw it coming cuz I read your message before the book, but hmm. It was the "wrong" thing to do, technically, I guess?? But it was completely justified in the worst way. So was Grace's decision that caused her to do it (view spoiler). It's like the Trolly Problem, and they both chose differently, and neither was right. So it was all really sketchy, but it worked so I don't wanna think about it xD
I'm really happy with the ending though. :) (view spoiler) *squeal* I love Rocky :)
aaanyway, good book! Thanks for reading my response :)
Ariana wrote: "I finished the book!! It was so good, I loved it! :D Oof, so about the ND stuff, I totally assumed because the other books all had ND characters, this one would too. I think I was wrong? But I'm ..."
I thought the same thing when I started this book. That's why I saw Stratt and Rocky as Neurospicy.
Rocky is my favorite character and I also love the ending.
(view spoiler)
Ahh, that's what you meant earlier. I feel like Stratt is blunt, but... too sure of herself? I dunno, I've never met an autistic person who was so sure of themselves all the time(is that a stereotype?). I'm jealous. But either way, I could definitely see it. As for Rocky, maybe? (Mini rant, sorry,) There's this trope that lowkey drives me crazy. It's like Robot, Alien, or Person Who Has Been Isolated From Society has to learn how to function like Normal Human. E.g.: Data from Star Trek and Edward Scissorhands. The characters almost always seem Nuerospicey and people love them. But you can't call them that because people don't like that?? Anyway... I feel like Rocky fits under that category. If he was human I'd be like "Yesssss! ND!" But I guess since he's not idk if it fits. But I definitely relate to the "humans are weird" thing he says.
Yess, about the ending. (view spoiler)
Ariana wrote: "Ahh, that's what you meant earlier. I feel like Stratt is blunt, but... too sure of herself? I dunno, I've never met an autistic person who was so sure of themselves all the time(is that a stereoty..."First statement: Yes, it would be lovely to have Stratt confidence...wouldn't it?
Second statement: I completely agree. Bit of a tangent here. I have noticed that with Disney Princesses particularly Rapunzel, Elsa and Anna. People, even other NDs think that they're autistic because they are so awkward and don't know how to function. It doesn't work because there is a canon reason for they inability to function. They were all isolated from other people! If you see yourself in them that's fine. I won't take that away from you. I just think that it's bad because you're born autistic not made.
In the reviews for this book the science and maths are mentioned, a lot, often as an impediment to enjoying this book. I didn't find that to be the case at all. I am not a science or maths expert, but I felt the technical aspect of the writing just created the backdrop for a fascinating story; I loved it!
Especially Rocky. I used to know another Autistic person who would always preface every question they asked with the word, 'Question' just like Rocky!
This book made me cry, maybe I'm just crying a lot more lately, who knows?! But I found it to be an emotional read.
The way that looks and a world of difference between them, were no barrier to the friendship between Rocky and Ryland, and the sacrifices they were willing to make for each other really touched me.
Highly recommend it, I can't wait to see the movie!