The best of humanity

Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi novel set against impossible odds, a lone survivor must 'science' his way out of the biggest problem in his life. The difference between Astronaut Mark Wayney and Dr Ryland Grace is that the problem facing Dr. Grace is a matter of survival for the entire species.

A microorganism, named Astrophage, is absorbing the energy output from the sun at such levels that it will rapidly cool the earth and end life as we know it. After some searching it is discovered that a 'near' by star, Tau Ceti, is the only star in our 'local' interstellar neighborhood that does not have this dimming.

So the race is on to send our best, people and technology, out to find out why. Grace is on the trip.

The characters are both believable and funny and the world uses real science as a point of interest instead of merely 'technobabble'. The narrative shifts easily between flashbacks and the present and both are just as fascinating.

Its hard to avoid spoilers on social media, especially after the movie did so well at the box office, but if you can please do. This book is well worth your time.

It took moments of introspection to figure out why I enjoyed this book and the Martian when I read it, 11 (WHAT THE FUCK) years ago. These books are both excellent examples of the practical optimism that has saved humanity time and time again. Never set in a dystopian world where all the problems have been solved no, this is a world where humanity can solve the problems where we are, together. Hell, if you're really honest, its the only way we have solved any real problem in our past.

If you enjoyed the Martian then you will enjoy this novel as well. The same sense of practical optimism and humor is baked right tot he narrative. And while the Martian made me cheer (yes actually shout) at the end of the book this book made me laugh out loud and even tear up. Easily the best book of 2026, so far, and I would recommend it to just about anyone.