APRIL BOOK CLUB: ANDY WEIR’S ‘PROJECT HAIL MARY’

Join our monthly book club!

Image: Penguin Books Australia

Our April Book Club pick is Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary.

Selecting Project Hail Mary as this month’s book club is one of the smartest decisions I’ve made. In honour of the recent mission to explore the moon, we chose an intergalactic read that truly took us on an adventure. 

It’s very interesting in the way that it is reflective of the human experience. Both in wanting to know more about the space we live in, and the connection we have with each other when it comes to things that are so universal. The fact our main character is a teacher and inspires the next generation, whilst making history is one that really captivates the reader. Essentially, that’s what science should be. It should be inclusive, it should be inspiring, and I think that’s why the recent Artemis II mission was so successful, not just in what they discovered, but in how we as a society responded. 

The twists in Project Hail Mary are incredible. My jaw dropped on so many occasions. I also love the balance between the science and the comedy, which I suppose due to the fact it was infused in realism imbued a sense of reality in us - I could definitely relate as you have to have the element to deal with the bigger aspects of life that are thrown at you. 

I also like the fact that these are memories helping his current situation. Usually I’m not a fan of flashbacks. However, I do like it when the flashbacks directly relate, contribute and are important to what’s happening in the current moment. It’s a brilliant technique, executed well. It’s been quite a while since I got excited over revelations in a book. At one point I was trying to recall if I ever read anything this incredible, or if I’ve ever even read anything like this. Funnily enough I feel like I was transported like this as a child, and I can’t help but be drawn to this because whilst, yes, this is fiction, there is an element of what if? It is possible that Project Hail Mary, a work of fiction, could one day be something that becomes non-fiction. 

I love that it focuses on the universal theme of love and how it transcends barriers. Our two main characters, whilst not speaking the same language, are able to work through that and connect. This was something very apparent throughout the book, it reminded me of my Grandparents. No, my Grandparents weren’t intergalactic space travellers, but they share a similar story in that they didn’t speak each other’s language but over time learnt. In doing so they helped a bevy of communities. In the novel it also comes down to the love they have for their people, their worlds, their occupations and ultimately each other. 

You can’t help but love our main characters, you almost feel like you’re the third member of the crew and are piecing things together with them. As someone who had an interest in science growing up, I was completely enthralled. Weir does a great job at breaking things down and explaining the science behind every situation. I will say, as someone who loves a good theory, questions and developing hypotheses, I had many a question. One in particular was on my mind the whole book and wasn’t answered. So if I ever get the chance to interview Andy Weir; I know what I’m asking. 

I absolutely adored this book and have definitely rediscovered my love for sci-fi. Feel free to recommend any of your favourite sci-fi reads. I need to delve back into this genre and will definitely be reading more of this authors back catalogue.

Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is available through Penguin Books Australia.