An Exciting Space Adventure for Couples Reading Together
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a fun read for couples who like science fiction. Maybe even for those who don’t. Here’s our Couples Reading Together review. (Be sure to read to the end for a big announcement!)
I have to admit, science fiction is not my favorite genre. Bob’s either. He tends to read mostly thrillers or crime fiction. I lean toward contemporary women’s or historical fiction.
But we both liked Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I think we came across it when our daughter recommended it to me. I read it a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised by how engrossed I became in the story.
Recently, when Bob was out of library books and perusing our shelves at home, this book came up. He began reading it and was enjoying it so much, I decided to read it again.
Project Hail Mary is by the author who wrote The Martian, which was made into one of our favorite movies starring Matt Damon.
Like The Martian, the central character in Project Hail Mary finds himself alone in outer space, but this time on a spaceship, millions of miles from Earth.
The very first scenes of the book grab your attention when he wakes up and has no idea where he is. Or who he is. All is slowly revealed to the reader through the riveting, first person account that follows.
I feel like giving a detailed synopsis of the plot would be a spoiler, so I’m not going to do that. You’ll just have to trust us…
Basically, the rest of the book is about the protagonist discovering who he is and what his mission is, and then trying to complete it. This involves a few surprises, some that will keep you guessing until the very end.
This is a book full of action, suspense, humor, and a few off-the-wall parts that will definitely entertain you. I’m kind of in awe of Mr. Weir for his creativity and imagination. I mean, how does someone think up things like this and make them all come together in a story as good as Project Hail Mary? However he does it, I like the results.
If you’re a science fiction fan (or maybe even if you aren’t), we think you’ll enjoy a trip into outer space in Project Hail Mary.
Bob says:
Project Hail Mary is a superb story. It’s not your typical “let’s all go save the Earth” sci-fi novel. It’s a story of courage and discovering oneself, an unforgettable story of survival and the power of friendship. In my opinion, it’s nothing short of a science fiction masterpiece. As many times as I thought I had the next move figured out, when I kept reading I was always wrong. A very heartwarming and unsuspected ending!
Liz says:
I am a right-brain person, so math and science were always my least favorite subjects. But I found the “science” in Project Hail Mary fascinating. That was amazing to me because some parts of the story do get a bit technical. Mr. Wier has a talent for making complex ideas interesting, understandable, and, in many instances, humorous. Even to someone as untechnical as me. I loved the main character in the story and found him likable and relatable. (Other characters who come into the story, too.) I couldn’t put this book down. And when I came to the last page, I was happy with the ending. I think you will be, too.
And now… the Big Announcement:
Project Hail Mary will soon be coming out as a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling. Filming has already wrapped up and the movie is scheduled to be released in March of 2026. We’re looking forward to seeing how they portray the story. Should be interesting…
Until then, check out our other Couples Reading Together reviews here.