A friend said it was the best audiobook she had read. The film adaptation was getting rave reviews. It seemed the decision had been made for me — it was time to see what Project Hail Mary was all about.
As I, too, listened to the audiobook, I found the story that unfolded to be intriguing, genuinely funny, exhilarating and surprisingly heartwarming. I was along for the ride aboard the Hail Mary and couldn’t wait to see where I ended up!
Ryland Grace fascinated me most. He was such a unique protagonist. He wasn’t brave and brash like Han Solo in Star Wars, wise and self-assured like Ellen Ripley in Alien or supernaturally gifted like Paul Atreides in Dune. He was an ordinary guy, but he knew how to tackle a task scientifically.
As he conducted various experiments and solved problems that inevitably arose, it made me feel nostalgic for my science classes of yore.
His character development was a delight to witness as it evolved in dual timelines: the past as his memories of preparing for this mission came to light and the present as he carried out the mission.
After finishing the book, I devoted my next movie night to Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. The book and film are easily my favorites so far this year.
Editor's Note: Shannon is a serious reader, so this is really saying something! Now, let's get back to the reading guide and see what else she has to say.
Project Hail Mary (Deluxe Edition)
by Andy Weir
A STUNNING DELUXE EDITION OF THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - HUGO AWARD FINALIST - NEW YORK TIMES READER PICK: 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY - ONE OF THE YEAR'S BEST BOOKS: Parade, Newsweek, New York Public Library, Polygon, Shelf Awareness, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal
A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this “propulsive” (Entertainment Weekly), cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor and fascinating science from the author of The Martian.
“Reading Project Hail Mary is like going on a field trip to outer space with the best science teacher you've ever had — and your class assignment is to save the world. This is one of the most original, compelling and fun voyages I’ve ever taken.” — Ernest Cline, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Ready Player One.
Recipe & Cookbook Pairings for Project Hail Mary
Reminiscent of deep space, dark chocolate bark makes for a sweet treat to enjoy while reading this sci-fi adventure. It could also help balance out a snack of savory stovetop popcorn while viewing the incredible cinematography of the film.
Dark Chocolate Bark
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. of dark chocolate
- 2 teaspoons of flaky sea salt
Directions:
- Line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- If using block chocolate, chop the chocolate into chunks.
- Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Add chopped almonds, pistachios, peanuts or pumpkin seeds, if you wish.
- Spread the chocolate onto the prepared pan using the offset spatula.
- Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Break into pieces and serve.
Source: A Sweet Thyme
Chocolate Bark: Galaxy Variation
If you really want to take the bark to the next level, make it Galaxy Bark! It’ll be out of this world (pun intended)!
Ingredients:
- Pink candy melts
- Royal blue candy melts
- Purple candy melts
- White sugar pearl sprinkles
- Star sprinkles
Directions:
- Melt 6 oz. of pink, purple, and blue candy melts according to the package instructions.
- Drizzle melted pink, purple and blue candy on top of the bark. Using a toothpick, marbleize the candy.
- Sprinkle with sugar pearls and star sprinkles. Chill until set, about 15 to 20 minutes. Break into pieces before serving.
Source: Wilton
Cookbook: The Science of Cooking: Every Question Answered to Perfect Your Cooking
by Stuart Farrimond
It's time to bring food science out of the lab and into your kitchen!
Which vegetables should you eat raw? How do you make the perfect poached egg? And should you keep your eggs in the fridge? Why does chocolate taste so good? Is it OK to reheat cooked rice? How do I cook the perfect steak or make succulent fish every time? TV personality, food scientist and bestselling author, Dr. Stuart Farrimond answers all these questions and more with The Science of Cooking - equipping you with the scientific know-how to take your cooking to new levels.
Explore fundamental culinary concepts, practical advice and step-by-step techniques, to bring food science out of the lab and into your kitchen. Find the answers to your cookery questions and get more out of recipes with intriguing chapters covering all major food types from meat, poultry and seafood, to grains, vegetables, and herbs.
Perfect your cooking with practical instruction and the science behind it, as you explore
- Step-by-step techniques to demonstrate key concepts in a clear manner
- Striking illustrations are featured throughout to highlight key culinary processes
- Scientific concepts organized by food group and ingredient
- Question-and-answer format to make science relevant to everyday cooking
A good recipe goes a long way, but if you can master the science behind it, you'll be one step ahead! The Science of Cooking shows you how by bringing food science out of the lab and into your kitchen, providing you with all the scientific information you need to take your home cooking to a whole new, more nutritious level! From making great risotto and soft ice cream to the process of steaming, this gastronomic cookbook includes step-by-step techniques and striking 3D graphics to bring culinary facts to life.
A must-have cooking gift for anyone interested in the culinary arts, whether you're a hobby cook at the beginning of your learning, seeking to cook more intuitively or you love science and learning about it's everyday applications, this is a great volume for anybody interested in food and nutrition generally, doubling up as a lovely coffee table book for the whole family to explore and love!
Ryland Grace consumed a fair amount of coffee while aboard the Hail Mary as he worked through various issues that cropped up. I imagine he would have opted for this more flavorful form of caffeine, that also included some alcohol, had he had the choice.
Tiramisu White Russian
Ingredients:
- 1 Ladyfinger cookie, halved crosswise
- 4 oz. cold heavy cream
- 4 oz. dark rum
- 4 oz Kahlúa
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for garnish
- Ice
Directions:
- In a pint-sized glass jar, combine cream and sugar. Seal and vigorously shake until cream thickens enough to hold a soft peak, about 3 minutes. (Alternatively, use a whisk or handheld mixer to beat cream until soft peaks form.)
- Fill two rocks glasses with ice. Divide rum and Kahlúa between glasses, and stir to combine.
- Divide whipped cream between glasses, using the back of the spoon to smooth into an even layer that covers surface of drink. Dust tops with cocoa powder. Top with a cookie half.
Source: Delish
Book Club Discussion Questions for Project Hail Mary
- From Star Wars to Star Trek, there are so many beloved stories that take place in space. Why are we so fascinated with what goes on beyond our planet?
- Science is woven throughout the novel. How does this enhance or detract from the story?
- What did you find most interesting/striking about Grace’s relationship with Rocky?
- Both Grace and Rocky were sole survivors aboard their spaceships. Why did the author make this choice?
- What do you think about Grace and Rocky’s agreement early on to accept each other’s cultural differences?
- Both Grace and Rocky make significant sacrifices in the book. What are those sacrifices? What do those sacrifices say about humanity and the Eridians?
- In the book, the world comes together to solve the crisis caused by astrophage. Is this believable?
- Would you classify Ryland Grace as a hero? Why or why not?
- What do you think took place on Earth in the years while Grace was away on his mission?
- Once Eridians make it possible for Grace to return home, do you think he will? Why or why not?
8 Sci-Fi Books if You Liked Project Hail Mary
If you find yourself in need of more space odysseys, look no further!
1. The Martian (Deluxe Edition) by Andy Weir
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Also by Andy Weir, and also adapted into an Oscar-nominated film.
2. The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1: All Systems Red, Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their company-supplied droid that refers to itself as “Murderbot.” When a neighboring mission goes dark, it’s up to the scientists and Murderbot to get to the truth.
Now an Apple TV+ Original series starring Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård.
3. Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky’s Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning novel is the epic story of humanity’s battle for survival on a terraformed planet. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, who are the true heirs of this new Earth?
4. Dark Matter (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) by Blake Crouch
“Are you happy with your life?” … Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before a masked abductor knocks him unconscious. Now a series on Apple+ TV and Amazon Prime Video.
5. The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord
As first contact transforms Earth, a team of gifted visionaries races to create a new future in this wondrous science fiction novel from the award-winning author of The Best of All Possible Worlds. The world is changing, and humanity must change with it.
6. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space — and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe — in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising female sci-fi star.
7. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman - Jay Kristoff
Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the worst thing she'd ever been through. That was before her planet was invaded. Now, with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating craft, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
8. Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
With sharp intelligence and humor, Chiang examines what it means to be alive in a world marked by uncertainty, but also by beauty and wonder.
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