Project Hail Mary -3.5 rounded up to 4

[Susan]

I was surprised to enjoy this book; I’d DNF’d a library checkout a couple of years ago, but when a friend who knows I like physics gave me a copy, I knew I had to read it. Actually I don’t like physics quite as much as Andy Weir does, and I admit I got bogged down in it, but the plot and structure were compelling enough to keep my interest to the end. I’m not a sci-fi fan and I’m not entirely sure what appealed to me here. Maybe it was the desperate plight of earth and the POV character, Ryland Grace, who’s got to save the planet. Ryland has a consistent (if sometimes annoying voice) throughout and reminds me of guys I knew in the physics department in undergrad. Of course, suspension of belief is necessary: Grace, a junior high science teacher is fantastically knowledgeable, even if he did complete a PhD thesis; the team leader for the Project (Stratt) is likewise incredibly well versed in just about every subject; the cooperation of the world’s countries in this emergency is something one can only dream of; and the rapidity with which Ryland and the alien learn to communicate is way over the top. But, after all, this is science fiction and I admit I was entertained – enough that I’m rounding my 3.5 stars up to 4.

[Theresa]

Weir's books remind me of reading The Hunt for Red October back in the late 1980s: so not my usual fare vis. all the science and in it military strategy was so not for me, but I did not care because the story was gripping, characters interesting.

Great review.

[Susan]

Thanks. I had the same experience with Hunt for Red October.