Project Hail Mary

This was my first exposure to Andy Weir and I’m really impressed. Not only was this a great example of hard sci-fi, but it was funny too. Many of the scientific concepts he touched on were explored in ways that were both accessible and exhaustive. There were definitely concepts that were creatively outside the bounds of science as we know it, but the bounds were pushed in a believable manner, and the scientific method was at the forefront throughout the story. It really put a focus on the main character’s role as a scientist. But it wasn’t dry science the whole time, it was science that was pertinent to the story interspersed with great humor. I found the plot to be very emotional. Large stakes are at play, and sacrifices that come with such stakes. The loneliness of space is emphasized several times, but nature abhors a vacuum, and the loneliness doesn’t last.