Review by KatherineDietz
I’m not usually one to watch a movie before I read a book, but “Project Hail Mary” is no ordinary book (or movie, for that matter). Immediately after finishing the movie, I rushed to pick up a copy of the book, and I’m so glad I did. 

Andy Weir’s novel is packed with the same charm and optimistic tone as the movie, and it captures the wonder of space and the almost magic-like quality of the science presented in the story. 

The novel opens with the main character and narrator, Ryland Grace, waking up alone from a coma in a mysterious room, with tubes and wires covering his body. And he can’t remember anything. 

Immediately, the book hooks you in with mystery. Even though I knew generally what would happen, since I had seen the movie, I still found myself excitedly turning the page to find out what would happen next. 

I knew why Grace was alone on the ship, I knew how he would save Earth, and I knew that he would befriend an alien named Rocky, but I still wanted to see how he got there. 

The subtle differences between the book and movie made it worth it to read the book, even if you know what happens. There are so many little details that I wish were in the movie, such as Grace trying to find out where in space he is with lots of math and him having to explain time dilation to Rocky. The movie is still wonderful and full of details that enhance the emotional core of the story, but the book wins in terms of showing the hard work that Grace and Rocky had to put in to save their homes. 

Another wonderful aspect of the book is Grace’s inner monologue. Since the novel is told in first person, we get to see all of his thoughts and feelings more clearly, and it leads to some hilarious moments. It also allows for fluid transitions between the present and flashbacks. 

Readers can see exactly what triggers Grace remembering his past, and often these triggers are random and comical, such as when he remembers that he is a middle school teacher after randomly thinking that he has to tell “his kids” a discovery. 

Although some people might think that the “Project Hail Mary” movie is all they need to experience the story, the novel still has so many fun surprises and scenes that aren’t shown in the movie that make it worth reading, even if you saw the movie first. Plus, seeing the movie first can enhance the reading experience of the book, allowing you to give the characters the same funny voices as in the movie, or picturing the same beautiful sights that the movie shows when they are described in the book.