Book Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

After a long Napa month of indulgence (see: rosé, rosé, more rosé, and possibly some cassoulet), I dedicated time to clean eating, clean drinking, and clean reading. By “clean reading,” I mean Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir—because what better way to detox than a deep dive into astrophage, space travel, and interstellar bromance?

Let’s begin with the obvious question: Do you like this book?
Answer: Good, good, good.
(You’ll totally get that intro if you read it.)

Now before I launch into my review, here’s why I chose it. First, I needed a mental palate cleanser after the chaos that was The Butcher and the Blackbird. Second, my friend Stacey (who has excellent taste in both wine and fiction) recommended Project Hail Mary, knowing how much I adored The Martian.

So… how do you fall in love with a book you barely understand on a scientific level? I mean, this thing is packed with real science—celestial mechanics, microbiology, fuel ratios, and things that made me genuinely question if I accidentally signed up for a physics degree. But Andy Weir pulls it off brilliantly. He wraps all that science in heart, humor, and a narrative that’s downright irresistible.

The story? Earth is dying. Our only hope? One man, one spaceship, and a mysterious alien species with a knack for engineering and the voice of a gravelly clarinet. Enter Rocky, one of the best alien characters I’ve ever read. He and our protagonist, Ryland Grace, form an unlikely but deeply moving friendship—built on necessity, curiosity, and shared brainpower.

There’s also something called astrophage. Don’t ask. Actually—do ask, but be ready for a lot of Google searches. Despite the technical overload, the soul of this book is about survival, sacrifice, and the power of connection across galaxies. I laughed, I teared up, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.

AND guess what? Ryan Gosling has been cast as Grace in the upcoming film. Yes, please. The charm, the humor, the vulnerability—he’s going to crush it.

So, if you’re into science fiction but also want to feel things (and occasionally Google “how do stars work”), I highly recommend Project Hail Mary.

Takeaway:
When the world (or universe) feels like it’s spiraling, pour yourself a glass of something bright, pick up a book that makes you laugh and think, and enjoy the quiet magic of a truly original story.