We have quite a varied list this year for our Siblings’ Book Club, but one title that didn’t surprise me was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I think that most in our group (possibly minus my Dad) thoroughly enjoyed reading The Martian last year, so basically anything by Weir would have been accepted.

This book covers the same themes of space survival and ingenuity, though it also takes that next step into true Sci-fi that The Martian never dared (despite its title, ironically). I for one enjoyed the inclusion of extra-terrestrial life, and while I can’t say it beats The Martian, it’s definitely a close second.

In this review, I summarize the basic plot of the book and then supply two minor critiques from a Christian perspective. I’ll also include a little diatribe about the irresponsibility of teachers, but it’s a total footnote from the book, so not really part of the review.

The Basic Plot

The story follows another astronaut reluctantly serving his planet in ways he couldn’t have imagined. An alien life-force called Astrophage is reproducing in space at such alarming rates that it’s threatening to block out the sun and kill all life on Planet Earth. As it turns out, it’s also having the same adverse effects in at least one other solar system.

While the story begins as a mystery of amnesiac proportions, it slowly progresses to a point where we readers understand everything. In fact, I really enjoyed the dual-timeline method of writing, where “the past” in the end ultimately meets up with “the present” from the beginning. Sound confusing? It’s not. It’s genius.

The story is most heavily focused on the main character’s relationship with another alien life-force in the universe, yet Weir writes with such scientific accuracy (to the layman) that it seems believable. I’m the kind of guy that read Quantum Physics for Idiots (or whatever) in college out of pure curiosity, so this kind of writing appeals to me (but not to everyone), but only when it’s done well.

I recall, for example, that Oliver North’s books were technical to the point of boredom, and Michael Crichton’s books were laughably unrealistic in their attempts at technicality. Tom Clancy has been known to balance well spy intrigue with genuine military details, and of course Isaac Asimov basically invented the genre of believable Sci-Fi (if not the whole Sci-Fi genre itself). Andy Weir maintains a steady balance, and I like him for it.

Two Minor Issues, from a Christian Perspective

Because I write my reviews from a Christian perspective, I feel I should point out two quick issues some reader might have with this book. First, it contains the occasional vulgarity, though it was an interesting choice by Weir to draw a hero who spoke in euphemisms rather than vulgarities. There’s probably less of it in this than in The Martian, so barely worth mentioning.

Second, these events take place in a seemingly Godless universe where Evolution from single-cell life forms has spread unevenly across the universe. Like C.S. Lewis, I don’t think it’s wrong to fantasize about extraterrestrial life or even to hope that it exists in our solar system or elsewhere. But removing God from the equation entirely is always such a heartless, arrogant approach. Just admit you don’t know if God exists. Why assume He doesn’t?

As for aliens, I’ve got some opinions. While I don’t believe we’ll ever find intelligent life on par with humans (created in God’s image) elsewhere in the universe, I’ve got nothing against the belief that we’ll find evidence of water on some distant planet with molds, algae, and fossils to boot. I’ve got a unique concept of the literal 6-day Creation that leaves room for such things (and I think all logical, Bible believing Christians should agree with me—but that’s a whole other topic). Nevertheless, Evolution as a system is in direct contrast to Biblical Creationism and is by its very nature anti-God, no matter what gymnastics people go through to make them compatible.

Of course, Sci-Fi as genre of the imagination is allowed such license, and as a Christian myself, I have no problem enjoying such fantasies. I just think it’s fairer to readers that authors (who dabble in imaginations and theories) at least acknowledge the single “theory” that humans have believed since time immemorial: There is a Creator God, and we are his intelligent creations. Show Him a little respect.

Three Little Words

While I’m in a complaining mood, one final thing came to mind as I read, and it’s more about Ryland Grace’s role as a teacher than anything. This is not a comment on Climate Change but rather on the power of words especially when wielded by a teacher over young minds. Ryland is in his classroom chatting with his middle-school students, when this exchange occurs:

“You guys know about climate change, right? How our CO2 emissions have caused a lot of problems in the environment?”

“My dad says that’s not real,” said Tamora.

“Well, it is,” I said.

Again: not commenting on Climate Change. But put yourself in that child’s place and hear those three little words: “Well, it is.” Suddenly everything you’ve learned at home as truth is unraveled by the teacher who flippantly implies, “Your dad is wrong, and I’m smarter than he is. So listen to me not him.”

I’m probably taking this too far, but as a parent of two middle-schoolers, it scares me to consider how easily my kids could be turned off to all the training they’ve received at home since birth. I’m also a teacher, and I can’t imagine telling a child in 3 words or 4: “Your parents are wrong,” even if everything points to the fact that the parents are total idiots! Responses can both honor parents and teach truth simultaneously:

“My dad says that’s not real,” said Tamora.

“A lot of people would agree with him, but you and your dad should explore these other arguments. I’ll give you a website and extra credit if you can give me a report on why many people do believe in climate change.”

Granted, this response wouldn’t play well in this novel about space travel and Climate Chang, but still. As a parent and educator, those three little words floored me. I’m probably the only guy in millions that caught it, I’m sure, so take is as food for thought (oh, and Teachers, if this becomes a prominent point in your student’s book report, they might be cheating 🙂

Conclusion

Despite my complaints above, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this survival adventure from Andy Weir. He’s batting 1.000 based on the two books I’ve read, so I’ll keep seeking him out. Of course, I’ve still got six other books on our annual list to get through besides my own reading schedule, so that might have to wait until next year.

©2025 E.T.