🪐 PROJECT HAIL MARY: When “Interstellar” Meets “The Martian” | Book Review

Looking for a new sci-fi book to read? Let me tell you why it should be Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary” in this spoiler-free book review! Space adventures, survival, and humor - what else do you need from a science fiction novel?
► Interested in checking out the novel but don't have time to read? Listen to the audiobook of “Project Hail Mary" while also supporting my channel by checking out Audible with a free 30-day trial, including a free audiobook: www.audibletria...
Want to see my old movie review of “The Martian”? It’s here:
• The Martian (2015) | M...
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[@l.tc.5032]

I would die for Rocky.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Same

[@FruitCoupes]

Jazz Hands

[@kuroshiro3267]

@@FruitCoupes Fist my bump

[@astria4157]

@@FruitCoupes Happy! Happy! Happy!

[@thefatbatmanwithaglock]

Fist me!

[@paulregan9304]

As a physics graduate, the way science is presented in this book is easily my favourite part.

[@stephenhumphrey4492]

Any Weir is not history's greatest prose stylist, but he's put hard sci fi back on the map and his ideas are fantastic. The alien is this book is not an invader or a saviour, they're an astronaut trying to solve problems. Love this book.

[@mynala110]

The audio book is incredible!

[@cl0nker1]

Ray Porter is outstanding as Grace. Honesty as good as R.C Brays' Watney. Probably the two best voices in audiobooks on the planet right now

[@paynepersons6147]

If you like Ray Porter, you’d probably like the bobiverse audiobooks. Very similar feel to project Hail Mary.

[@ipshitajee]

I'm gonna go listen to it RIGHT NOW!! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[@joelok48]

Audio is the only way to go because sounds are important to the plot.

[@teckyify]

OMG loved Ray Porter. He improved the book 😂

[@amelialikesfrogs5778]

what i love about the structure of the amnesia and flashbacks is that, even though the flashbacks tell a very linear and full story. every single one has key information relating to the exact thing happening in the main plot, whether it's key memories, science info, something about the ship, ect

[@mrpiepantsmcgee]

I listened to the audio book in a day and a half and I loved every second of it

[@WhiteRhino.]

Likewise! I felt like the audiobook added soooo much due to the character interactions / sounds etc

[@TDASS281]

Same lmao

[@steggopotamus]

I basically stopped living and was glued to my phone, focused on the story more than any of the other audiobooks I've listened to.

[@PeteGetsAround]

Took me 6 days ha

[@jagodesune6894]

I breezed through this book in three days, such an enjoyable, entertaining read. Your favourite part was my favourite part as well, so wonderfully handled by Andy Weir.

[@Gatordad1717]

So fantastic. Do you recommend any books similar?

[@precepts6097]

@@Gatordad1717 Ready Player One is an excellent read aswell

[@fadedhallow1850]

How much did y’all like the book, question?

[@j.m.w.5064]

amaze amaze amaze

[@WolverineCry]

BEST SCI-FI book EVER!

[@tristenvaughan3892]

jazz hands!!!!

[@someoneelse7724]

@@tristenvaughan3892 _Fist me!_

[@rowdavid23]

fist my bump!!

[@captaincomrade8056]

Andy is a genius. Hail Mary is one of my all time favorite works of fiction

[@rcoles82]

The way he writes about the Interaction between Rocky and Ryland was awesome. My favourite part of the book as well. ##SPOILER BELOW ## The only issue I had was I felt like the ending was rushed. I would of liked to have seen something talking about the Beatles getting to earth. Hard to do from a 1st person novel, but I would of liked something. The book is still a 4.5/5 for me, loved it.

[@sentientmlem727]

It makes sense that he wouldn't know because he's living on another planet millions of miles away but yes, I need more!!! I need to know how the humans got the tauamoeba to Venus or how they at least interpreted Rylnad's instructions. I'd love to know if earth was on the brink of destruction or not.

[@donkaimipilipovich2698]

I was thinking exactly that! I feel like a chapter when he is traveling to Rockies planet would have been nice, especially to learn more about how he would have dealt with thinking he would die.

[@johnwild757]

Just finished listening to the audio book and I don't want to spoil it, but it is mentioned now. Last chapter :)

[@mhead81]

U should read Children of time

[@steggopotamus]

I almost feel like it's a set up for a book 2. But I think that's also a lie I tell myself because the martian is one of my all time favorite books, and I'd love to see more of rocky.

[@kawaiiwitchbaby]

Just finished the audiobook and loved it! Happy happy happy as Rocky would say! lol The book definitely reminded me of Interstellar meets Arrival, ET and Cast Away. If and when the movie ever comes out I hope they keep the same screenwriter from The Martian. That film is a very good adaptation of the book.

[@Anothy]

It's been a while since I read a book that I could not put down. Amazing book! Or as Rocky would say "Amaze! Amaze amaze amaze!" I can't wait for the movie!

[@ryanwebb6579]

I really enjoy the sciency portions of these books. They are what keep me coming back and re-reading.

[@chupefiasco5118]

Yup I feel like I learnt physics and chemistry without being talked down to

[@delaneymoton8834]

I almost never read Sci-Fi, but on a road trip my mom put on this audiobook and let's just say I got very invested very fast! When we got home and still hadn't finished the audiobook, I ended up going straight to the nearest B&N so I could grab a physical copy and finish it!

[@xsomeNOOBx]

I am not a scientist at all, but have familiarity with a lot of the subjects in the book. The way Weir presents the information is usually data, explanation, conclusion. This lets me as the reader get new info and generate my own conclusions or questions based on the data that gives you the "detective" feel you would get in other stories. My biggest gripe with the book is that it can be comically light hearted at times given the stakes and the protagonist comes off as goofy and and almost parodical. Overall really accessible and re-ignites my love of sci-fi.

[@dajnova1148]

In soviet Russia Mary hails you. I’ll show myself out.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Oh ffs 😂😂

[@tubulartopher]

Your millennial stripes are showing 😂

[@dajnova1148]

@@tubulartopher never hid them 🤷🏼‍♀️ but thanks for noticing 🤝

[@RicktheCrofter]

In The Martian the world works to save a lone astronaut. In Project Hail Mary a lone astronaut works to save the world.

[@PeteGetsAround]

Audiobook was probably the best space sci fi story I’ve heard. Everything from the science details, to the characters relationships and the nail biting events. Quality! Just hope that if or when they do a movie, they do it properly, not rushing it. Maybe a 2 part movie so they don’t skip a lot of detail.

[@eliotlilithmusic]

As a russian myself, I actually related to "all Russians are crazy, that's the only way to be a russian and to be happy" :D Quite accurate

[@qqw5575]

Same here! All the "crazy Russian" staff gave me good laughs while reading. К тому же Уейр с уважением относится к российской науке и космонавтике. Приятно было читать комплименты о надёжности Орланов и Союзов).

[@Kombivar]

I thought I was an audiobook-only person - I hated ink on paper, I couldn't focus enough to read and there never was enough time. However, when I encountered this book on the shelf I just couldn't resist. For the first time I was swallowed by a book, like I couldn't do anything else, even hunger or thirst faded. This is undoubtedly my no.1 - for the genius narration, well thought science behind - yes I am a science student - It's so well thought that with a bit of knowledge you have your own eureka moments every few pages. As for the story - genius, fun - unmeasurable and immersion is beyond this world. I wish there would be another 400 pages to it - so good!

[@jjnewbold]

Thanks for including the spoiler section, it absolutely convinced me to give this book a chance.

[@Celestialrob]

I read a lot of books, but rarely novels. Loved your review. Can’t wait for the movie. Thanks Marianna.

[@coryhoneycutt3699]

Weir did an amazing job making very complex math relatable to some of us not so smart people😂 which obviously helped immensely with immersion.

[@mcmoose64]

I loved the book . I liked how Weir used the dual timelines to handle the necessary exposition , and the eventual twist involving Grace becoming part of the crew . My only complaint revolves around how quickly the protagonists were able to establish a working language system. I can't wait for the movie , although I was kind of hoping they would get Mark Wahlberg to play the science teacher .

[@stevenemert837]

In an interview, Andy Weir discussed how different the book would have been has he written it in a single linear timeline. He felt it would have been much more like two disjointed stories (the events on Earth, then the space mission) pasted together. He states he felt it would have been disjointed and wouldn't have worked. I agree. His use of the flashbacks was masterful.

[@kimesch9698]

This quickly went on my favorite books of all time list! Loved it so so much!

[@scottstewart9154]

Yep my favorite book as well, Im listening to it for the 4th time right now

[@Yasmin-nz4mk]

I have a very personal review about this book. Thank you so much, Marianna, for the recommendation. So, since the Covid-19 outbreak, I couldn’t get into any fiction book. This is the first one that I read in almost two years now. You just can’t stop thinking about the plot and how the problems will be solved (its going to be worse if you’re tech professional ✋🏻, or scientist). But, at the same time, it’s a very endeavoring novel. It’s so human. Humans being imperfect, trying to be logical and acting emotional. It also has some kind of hope on it. I felt imaginative and challenged while reading it. At some point, I was thinking with the main character, analyzing everything that could have gone wrong, thinking about gravity and elements. This novel made me feel like myself again. It was a break from all the reality (I’m Brazilian 🙄), and the chaotic environment. I’m looking forward to watch the movie and excited about Ryan Gosling teaching little ones!

[@LessonIsNeverTry]

Loved this book, my favorite read this year, thanks for the recommendation!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Glad you loved it!

[@TheAnadromist]

Thanks Marianna. Sounds like a worthy read. An interesting note about Russian stereotypes. I was having a video chat with a friend a couple of days ago; a very intelligent guy. I mentioned that here in Tbilisi we get a lot of Russian visitors. And he made a strange comment about how they were all thin and well built. I didn't press him on it. But the hint was that they were now acting like some sort of master race. Which shows what happens when your only source of info is the large Western media corporations and you start projecting onto people you don't really know. And I suppose they are all crazy too. Granted the Russians that I do know, especially when I lived in New York City, would eventually say something that made the usual folk like myself gasp at some point. But I tended to appreciate that trait and never considered it 'crazy'. My motto became, every American needs at least one Russian friend to make you doubt your ironclad certainties about life.

[@joelok48]

I liked Ryland but LOVED Rocky! Fist bump!

[@wil1941]

Fist my bump! 😂

[@TesserLink]

I personally loved the book. However I was slightly disappointed how it ending, slight spoiler I really wanted to know more about earth in the end other than it was saved.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Spoilerssssss I actually loved the ending, but I do agree, I wish we had a little bit more info about Earth

[@ThatConcertGuy]

Could be an interesting sequel that shows everything from earths point of view while Grace is in space.

[@Exil3dVip3r]

I really wanted to hear how Earth was doing in the end as well, beyond just Sol's luminance returning. But failing that... I was hoping in the epilogue to at least learn that Erid was sending an envoy to Earth. Seems weird that they wouldn't get right on that after being saved and learning of Earth, especially if they were unsure if the beatles worked yet or not.

[@Kombivar]

It told everything about earth in last chapter. Why would you want to know more about those greedy earthers bastards??

[@DragonsFrogs]

Gosling is the perfect person for this - I read this and heard his character from The Nice Guys and it was exact

[@ImpressionBlend]

That's what I was thinking too - he's so good in "The Nice Guys"

[@stevenemert837]

Oh, gawd, I hope it's not Ryan Gosling. To me, his performance as Neil Armstrong in First Man took a quiet, introspective, but extremely competent man and turned him into a morose, uncommunicative, nearly suicidal seeming person. I could easily see him overdoing the negative aspects of Ryland Grace's personality and turning him off to viewers. In the book, Ryland is flawed but ultimately comes across as likable.

[@safe-keeper1042]

Loved this one. Got the same MacGuyver-ish "fun science" approach as The Martian, it's if anything more funny, and with several times more feelgood. Really recommended if you love sci-fi.

[@dhLotan]

The ending was fitting and incredible. Easily one of my favorite books. I read it on kindle first, grabbed a hardcover and listened to it twice on audio book :D

[@ImpressionBlend]

I really don't think a more fitting ending was possible here

[@Fishplants]

Just read it, Loved it ! Can't wait to see how the movie turns out 🙂

[@RichardGardnerUK]

If you are reading the comments and questioning if you should spoil, don't. When it happened for me I was totally floored, its worth being patient. I went into the Audiobook totally blind and it made it so much better.

[@grafffuller3265]

Thanks for this review. I cannot wait to read this book. I loved, loved, loved The Martian (book and movie). I am so happy to hear that he didn't have the normal sophomore slump.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Well... He did, this is his third book - the second was "Artemis", and it wasn't very popular with readers.

[@grafffuller3265]

@@ImpressionBlend - Oh, yes. Sorry. I bought it, but hadn't read it. So, proves the point. Ooops.

[@garrymugen486]

Anyone Else: Hit the like button right after the intro cause of Marianna's pure enthusiasm that you know you about to enjoy the next 10 mins for a book, you gonna buy right after the video ends (:

[@Mrjacharles]

That's quite a compelling cover... also I love what you do with your hair. Bit random, but yeah 😂😂😂

[@alexai7971]

Completely agree with you on everything! Really fun book, but the characters in flashbacks are so stereotypical. I know it's not his strong suit, but it shouldn't be that hard to think of something better than crazy Russians drinking vodka nonstop.

[@heythereezra]

IMO casting Ryan gosling is a great choice but I’ll never not have mark watneys voice as portrayed by Matt Damon and I think he would’ve been just as brilliant for that movie. I’m so looking forward to the movie, and as a language enthusiast I literally can’t wait to actually see and hear rocky in action!

[@TheNoob631]

Muchas gracias por esta reseña, estoy contento por haber encontrado este canal. Saludos desde el sur de América, Los Ángeles, Chile.

[@Brian_Boru]

This is why I subscribe to Impression Blend. Didn't know this was coming out. I'm certainly keen on reading this even though parts of The Martian left me cold. Oh, speaking of the "crazy Russian" sterotype, one of the big reasons I love the film 2010, the sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey, is due to how the Russian cosmonauts are depicted, especially the character played by Helen Mirren. Strong, competent, steely. Much to admire there.

[@Manu.Makes.Things]

good. good good good.

[@17R3W]

4:00 I'm excited for a film version of Project hail Mary, but I'm more excited for a movie version of Artemis.

[@dassmortn]

Artemis would make for such a good movie. Hail mary would probably be harder to pull off

[@17R3W]

@@dassmortn I feel like Hail Mary would be another interstellar. I love interstellar, that's not a criticism, but I worry that Project Hail Mary just wouldn't be as good. Artemis would be really fresh, like nothing I can think of. The quarter gravity, the jumping through windows, and just the city itself would be so great to watch on film.

[@dassmortn]

@@17R3W yeah i agree. And with the right funding the visuals would be amazing

[@oxdoc]

I just started the book, and you’re right; The spoiler make me want to continue reading even more.

[@bloodycrepe]

You continue reading, question?

[@oxdoc]

@@bloodycrepe I did. Good read.

[@bloodycrepe]

@@oxdoc happy happy happy

[@nocturnus009]

Gratitude for sharing & expediting your review. Was looking forward to your perspective when I noticed it dropped this week.

[@pericooper7073]

My favorite sci fi book is The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, it’s definitely not a classic but deserves to be!

[@17R3W]

8:00 I sent the crazy Russian's part to my Russian friend, then sent her the goofy Canadain but just to be fair. 🇨🇦

[@Nyoperaguy77]

Just finished the audio book. Ryan will do a great job, but I have to say I pictured Tom Hanks the whole time..

[@OrcaSpace]

Awesome recommendation. Been listening to this before i go to sleep and cant put it down! RIP my sleep schedule xD

[@ImpressionBlend]

Haha yea, this book does that... Glad you're enjoying it!

[@lewis9950]

Hmmm, I actually wasn’t a huge fan of The Martian as much as everyone else 😅 but this sounds extremely interesting, think I’ll give it a shot!

[@jayhawks4life354]

I'm in the middle of two books already...it looks like I'm going to be in the middle of three books by Tuesday because of you. Thanks a lot....

[@ImpressionBlend]

Ahaha you're welcome )) Which two are you reading?

[@jayhawks4life354]

@@ImpressionBlend "The Best of Richard Matheson", the Penguin edition of Matheson's short stories, and "The Dud Avocado", by Elaine Dundy, the story of an expatriate young girl living in Paris in the 50's. Had never heard of that last one, but it "called" out to me at the bookstore...I guess it's considered a minor cult classic. It's really wonderful writing, I must say. Anyway, thanks for your channel!

[@hypemind612]

Human save rocky, question?

[@zolyx5395]

"Instersellar" meets "The Martian" meets "The Moon" meets "The Arrival". What an amazing book!

[@DragonsFrogs]

The mentioned spoiler brings this book from a 6.5 to an 8-9 IMO out of 10

[@RichardSanchez137]

Amaze!

[@NickCookOnTheNet]

My next book on Audible!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Yessss have fun!

[@user-lv1cc4fz5f]

I'm planning on buying this book, thanks for the review! Im two years late 😭

[@Metalmirq]

I actually liked the alien (Rocky) as a surprise. Much better that way

[@elizabetha8565]

At least they aren't using Matt Damon again, but I didn't picture someone like Gosling. I wish they used different actors like let a new guy have a chance instead of the same few guys in every movie. I can't wait to see what rocky look like and Stratt.

[@muchanic]

still waiting for this book to be translated to my language but I really like Martian so I am pretty sure I will love this too

[@muchanic]

And it will not be out for another 3 months. Byt I am reading Artemis right now

[@topdaeh2672]

Excellent synopsis. But it is a Science Fiction novel, meant for those who can understand science. Same with those of drama, romance, or even fantasy. I loved both these novels, Andy Weir is near genius.

[@jeanerasmus7]

I remember reading it and I swore at some point this could very much be just Mark Watney on a mission that he's the only qualified enough to pull off. 🤣

[@anticat900]

Yes great audiobook, as with the Martian too both have great narrator's. I felt the Martian film was a cut down letdown in comparison and hope the new movie won't be so simplified. Having said that cannot wait to see Rocky.

[@WhiskyCardinalWes]

I know what I'm reading for the next couple of days!!

[@perlecatt9123]

I cried so hard because of all the different kinds of emotions

[@rnbooker]

The Fold by peter clines is one of my faves. Her_escapade

[@NicMG]

I listened to the excellent Audio book and it was brilliant!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Yay! Glad you loved it!

[@Eagle-ty4mp]

I like this"Protect Hail Mary" book so much, but my favourite book is trilogy" Horizon Alpha by D.W. Vogel" i recommend it for you.

[@Echo3_]

The crazy Russian thing hit home for me because I worked with a Russian guy who was just like him, both proud of being Russian but always talking about how crazy it is growing up in Russia. I really like the parts with the 2 science officers 😂

[@morelialama7856]

Indy meets twiggy. Question? Great read.

[@marca5883]

Not sure if it was because audiobook use same narrator but i got a lot of Bobiverse Vib...

[@samuelramirez2638]

I have finished this book and I loved the story!! Great read

[@nutbusted6081]

I just read last week and let me tell you its a hell of a journey Ps : although i believe one should read whatever he likes i wouldnt advise people with not much scientific background to pick up this book . I myself found the science side a little hard in this book even though i studied this year in general most of the concepts brouth up in the book

[@spuriustadius5034]

The earlier parts of the novel and the ending were interesting and engaging. BUT... 7:54, yes, there's a LONG desert in the middle of the book that just cycles through problem/solution, over and over and over. It's like a tedious "escape-room" scenario, in space, with a chipper alien side-kick. I fear that when this thing gets made into a film, like people are promising, it's going to end up being a buddy-film, they're going to make the alien "cute", and there's going to have be A LOT of "montage scenes" to fast-forward through the tedious physics 101 problem-sets that form the bulk of the content.

[@Nyoperaguy77]

What’s rocky gonna look like?!

[@Ga18bo03]

First time I watch a video of yours and I liked it. Thanks for the review, I'll follow you.

[@derrickrocha2069]

"Fist Me" lol.

[@jesselee3003]

😂😂

[@samuelbird7151]

I’d personally say this book is the Martian meets Armageddon meets E.T 10

[@alan4367]

Knock, Knock, Knock. ♪♫♫♪♫♩♫♩

[@Acqua99]

Grace, question? 🥲🥲🥲

[@monicamerle1417]

Is Spielberg available for the director's chair? Cuaron or the Canadian who did Arrival would do; but Steven Spielberg would be the.best.choice 😁

[@kagazuki]

I hope they get the spoiler right visually in the movie, because it can get goofy.

[@sneekmatrix]

Player of Games is my favourite.

[@sneekmatrix]

I like books on space 😀

[@peterchrisp9003]

looking forward to hearing your "Impression" of the French horror Oxygen

[@ImpressionBlend]

Well, good news: that review is already up ))

[@wisco9er536]

Yay a book review🤧🤧😌

[@saly4762]

I just finished the book and it’s Amazing I love love love it so much. The audiobook is great too.

[@michaelhelms2378]

This book blew me away

[@TBO3ntertainment]

I love your videos, too bad the give away is only for US residents only. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@cheetyliciousmeowmeow1085]

You look like Drew Barrymore. Your a great host😎

[@johnbiggar7889]

One of my favorite non classic sci fi books is Nightfall by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg. I’ve listened to Hail Mary already and enjoyed it. I get what you mean about crazy Russian’s there everywhere.I’m 🇨🇦thanks for the video’s I always look forward to them. Kind of sad the giveaway is only in the U S.maybe next time.

[@omarhadji1271]

Please review Dark Matter! 😊🙏

[@Brendanstop]

You should give Borne by Jeff Vandermeer a try! The *mild spoiler reminded me of that novel

[@nicholasn.2883]

Gosling is the guy. Blade runner 2049

[@EwwwitsMara]

0:47 Almost started to sound like Oxygen :D

[@ImpressionBlend]

I know right? Haha

[@nolsp7240]

All the while I was picturing Ryan Reynolds for the lead.

[@marca5883]

Awesome story💚🇬🇧🌱 Joy Joy Joy

[@jesselee3003]

Such a good book

[@jinksk.9614]

Do you have any idea about 2 letters after the word “chapter” in the last chapter? (Just curious cuz I just got it) Thank for your kind answer in advance :)

[@stevenemert837]

I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but those are Eridian numerals.

[@jinksk.9614]

@@stevenemert837 oh I still cant figure it out until your kind comment. Thx a lot!

[@alexnguyen5665]

Is the book "Project Hail Mary" scientifically accurate? would love a response thanks