GUEST WRITER MAX WAUGH RECOMMENDS PROJECT HAIL MARY BY ANDY WEIR
Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is a gripping and emotionally engaging science fiction thriller that combines hard science and heart. Similar to his most popular work, The Martian, he brews up another attention-grabbing story about a lone hero facing against all odds, this time on a mission that could save humanity itself.
The book follows Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memory slowly returns, he realizes he’s the lone survivor of a suicide mission to stop an extinction level solar event threatening Earth. Stranded in outer space, Grace must use his scientific know-how and quick thinking to survive and, most importantly, to complete his mission. Along the way, he finds himself in an unusual partnership with an alien being, demonstrating that hope and companionship are possible even in the darkest expanse.
Weir’s tone is witty, science based, and his ability to make the complex simple is a demonstration of his writing ability. This book is slightly more of a challenging read, but it pays off with the most tense cliffhangers and satisfying conclusions. I would recommend this book for people around the age of 14+, and for people who enjoy an emotional, addictive book that will have your mind yearning for more!
Max Waugh is a guest writer from the Writing 110 class at Leo Hayes High School.