Cover of Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

Contemporary Fiction
2021

About this Book

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on a tiny ship, it's up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he's got to do it all alone. Or does he?

Discussion Questions

1

How does the author use humor and scientific accuracy to create a compelling and believable story?

2

Discuss the relationship between Ryland Grace and Rocky. How does their friendship evolve, and what does it reveal about the nature of communication and connection?

3

What are the ethical dilemmas presented in the novel, particularly in relation to the choices made by the characters?

4

How does the novel explore the themes of hope, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit?