Book review: Project Hail Mary

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This will contain spoilers for the book (and, by extension, the movie adaptation)

Project Hail Mary is the third novel from Andy Weir, following The Martian and Artemis. While I've read The Martian, I haven't read Artemis. 

The Martian told the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars who's forced to use his wits and scientific knowledge to survive. You'll find a lot of that DNA in Project Hail Mary.

Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship, his thoughts in complete disarray. He can neither remember his name nor his mission. Two other people on the ship are dead, and he has no idea who they are. Slowly but surely, at key points, Grace recalls the critical moments that brought him to the ship, Hail Mary, and the urgency of his mission.

The sun is dying, beset by a mysterious, sun-altering phenomenon known as the "astrophage." Unless Grace can find a way to stop the blight, the sun's light will diminish and Earth will cool to cataclysmic temperatures, first ending life as we know it, and then, all life entirely. It will be a cruel, slow process.

The flashbacks show how Grace came to the attention of Eva Stratt, the administrator of a global effort to study the astrophage, to help other scientists understand the organism and how to combat it. We also learn Grace is no trained astronaut--he's a middle school science teacher who once had grand ambitions as a scientific researcher.

The project to save humanity, "Project Hail Mary," intends to send a team of astronauts to Tau Ceti, the only star within traveling distance that doesn't seem to be affected by the astrophage. By studying Tau Ceti, Earth's greatest minds hope they can find a way to stop or contain the astrophage. What unique characteristics does that star have? Are they something that can be translated to Earth?

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK AND MOVIE

While getting his bearings, Grace notices another blip on the scopes. As it turns out, he's not alone--another ship is also in the system, ostensibly to study Tau Ceti. He ends up making contact with an alien species, a landmark occurrence, and tries to understand a mysterious visitor who appears to be able to build anything.

After some back and forth and some false starts, Grace befriends the extraterrestrial, which he dubs "Rocky" since he's essentially, for lack of a better term, a rock spider. Because of his divergent biology, Rocky sees the world very differently than Grace and communicates through harmonization/music. Grace, through much trial and error, creates a program that translates Rocky's vocalizations into English.

The two are there for the same reason: Rocky's home planet is also besieged by the astrophage. He's been in the Tau Ceti system for more than 40 (human) years and the rest of his crew died many years ago. Due to their planet's atmosphere, Rocky and his fellow Eridians didn't know anything about radiation or UV shielding, thus the other members of his crew died from radiation poisoning. While intelligent, the Eridians don't know about relativity. Rocky is a skilled, crafty engineer.

Eventually, the two discover a nearby planet (dubbed "Adrian" by Grace) has evolved a predator that can keep the astrophage at bay. Grace and Rocky collect a sample--both almost die in the process--and Grace begins developing strains of the predator (taumoeba) that he and Rocky can take to their respective homes to save their suns and prevent mass annihilation.

Humorous, science-based, and full of unexpected heart, Project Hail Mary is an absolute triumph. The relationship between Grace and Rocky is everything and you grow to care about both of them. Desperation brought them together, but the two form an inseparable bond. They laugh together, they bicker, they fuss, they weigh their options, and solve problems together. 

I just found it incredibly fun and moving.

The flashback structure works better in the book than the movie, giving Grace and Stratt more context and cohesion. We also learn the extreme lengths Stratt is willing to go to in order to make sure the mission is successful, something that is made apparent in the movie but is really hammered home in the novel.

If I had one narrative gripe, it's probably one of the final flashbacks in which we learn Grace refused to go on the mission voluntarily. I understand his reasoning--and I understand the message of the book is that we can become something greater, even if we don't expect it within ourselves--but it seemed like an unnecessary departure from the Grace we came to know throughout the course of the mission.

I saw it as a twist for the sake of a twist, but your mileage may vary.

I understand his reluctance and fear, I do, but I'd like to think, given the situation, he'd be more willing to rise to the occasion (ultimately, he does meet the moment) without being forced to go, especially when it's abundantly clear he's the best and only option at that point. A minor haggle, to be sure.

All in all, Project Hail Mary is a tremendously imaginative adventure. At its core, it's a story about a friendship forged through adversity, love, and brotherhood. Highly recommended--and the movie adaptation rocks.

Studicus Selects 2025

Once, long ago, I posted on the internet as Studicus, an in-joke nickname related to a skit from high school. When I first started blogging, I called my year-end entries "Studicus Selects." The tradition has continued since 2005...although I skipped 2006 for some unknown reason. 

You'll find past entries here (scroll down for the 2025 picks):

Studicus Selects 2024

Studicus Selects 2023

Studicus Selects 2022
Studicus Selects 2021

Studicus Selects 2020

Studicus Selects 2019

Studicus Selects 2018
Studicus Selects 2017
Studicus Selects 2016
Studicus Selects 2015
Studicus Selects 2014
Studicus Selects 2013
Studicus Selects 2012
Studicus Selects 2011
Studicus Selects 2010
Studicus Selects 2009
Studicus Selects 2008
Studicus Selects 2007
Studicus Selects 2005

Best Howard, Rest in Peace Category. The lowest point of the year hit in August, when our beloved dog Howard suffered respiratory failure. We said goodbye to him on August 11, 2025, in what was the hardest day of the year. That little guy brought so much joy to our lives since we adopted him in 2019. He helped us get through the pandemic and was a constant source of amusement. He was so, so loved. I wrote a tribute/obituary for him about a week after he passed. You can read it here (there are lots of pictures).

Howard chills outside in June 2020 during the great pandemic

Best Worst Decision, Louis Category. After Howard passed, Anne and I were despondent. We figured we'd get another dog at some point, however, we resolved to wait until after the holidays. We didn't want to worry about boarding a dog during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's. But in November, I saw an ad from a rescue in Kokomo for a Chihuahua-pug mix named Louis (pronounced and spelled alternatively as "Louie") and forwarded it to Anne. He was very cute and looked very sweet and we decided to meet him. As it turns out, he was very cute and sweet and we brought him home. Louie's presence has lifted our spirits in a way we really needed. Louie's a lot different from Howard. He takes short walks, can be left at home by himself (Howard's anxiety meant he needed daycare in his last two years), and is generally more timid than Howard. He's a different dog with a different personality who deserved a good home and, we hope, found one with us. We adopted Lou on November 20. He already has too many nicknames--including his full name, Louis Arthur Wellington Adams, Duke of Quail Run.

We affectionately refer to him as a "little potato with legs"

Louie's first favorite spot was a dog bed near the fireplace, but he's pretty much all-in on the couch

We put a dog sofa on the couch; he takes lots of naps there

If you haven't noticed, his default position is sleeping

He warmed up to Anne first, but he's trusting me more with each passing day

You'll notice he's wearing a collar, something Howard absolutely hated doing

This was his first night home with us; you can tell he's a little apprehensive

Best Willy, Northern Map Turtle Category. We have a repeat winner in Willy, our beloved northern map turtle. For the most part, Willy's had a pretty chill year, swimming around her tank and taking in some rays from her basking spot. We get her out for walkabouts. Howard tended to get all up in her business when she was out while Louie isn't sure what to think of her. Willy did try to jump out of her tank in late summer, leading us to think maybe she had some eggs late. However, scans showed she wasn't eggbound, so maybe she was just bored. She remains a crucial part of the household and a constant source of entertainment, like her brothers.

Willy in her basking spot

Willy on one of her adventures outside the tank

A nice shot of Willy in her tank

For once, she doesn't look too put off by having her picture taken

She climbed from the ramp to my foot, a sturdy foothold if there ever was one

Best Car Purchase, Used Vehicle Category. Anne's 2014 Kia Forte was getting pretty long in the tooth, and she wanted something that sat up a little higher. After looking at a few different models from a few different companies, she decided on a Mazda CX-30. We ended up buying a used one from Enterprise Car Sales (it used to be a rental car) for a good price. We didn't have to haggle over the price and it was a painless transaction. The car drives well and we haven't had any problems so far. Since it has all-wheel drive, it's been nice for Anne to have in the winter months. We weren't convinced the Kia was going to make it through another winter season.

We closed the deal on the new car in May

Biggest Heartbreak, Sports Category. It seems a lifetime ago that the Indiana Pacers, who currently hold the worst record in the NBA, made it to the NBA Finals and pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games. Each round of the playoffs included some improbable comeback that culminated in a clutch shot from Tyrese Haliburton. I dubbed these "The Four Miracles of Indiana" (you can read my take here). Unfortunately, it ended in heartbreak when Haliburton, struggling with a calf injury, tore his Achilles in the first quarter of Game Seven. I loved the run and the team, and I'll never forget how great of a ride it was.

Best Trip, Brown County Music Center Category. In October, Anne and I headed to Brown County to see Celtic Thunder, an Irish singing group. I expected them to perform a bunch of traditional Irish songs, and while they did indeed perform a few, their bread and butter seemed to be arrangements of pop music. Like, I didn't expect to hear Sting's "Fields of Gold" or "Now We Are Free" from Gladiator, but those were just a couple of the selections. My favorite part was downloading a YouTube Music playlist of Celtic Thunder songs to listen to on the way there and back. The venue, by the way, is very nice and I definitely want to go back.

Movies Year in Review. As I've done in recent years, I'll split my list of entertainment stuff into two sections: movies we saw at the theater and stuff we watched via streaming. Let's start with the movies first. As usual, there may be some spoilers.

Captain America: Brave New World. This certainly wasn't peak MCU, and I didn't expect it to pick up a bunch of plot threads from Edward Norton's The Incredible Hulk movie from 2008, but some of the action sequences were good and I like Anthony Mackie, so I'd give it a rewatch. It's still my least favorite MCU movie of the year.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps. I'm a sucker for sci-fi with a retrofuturistic vibe, and Fantastic Four scratched that itch. I loved all the leads and was glad to see someone finally do something right with Galactus in live action (he wasn't a giant cloud this time!). I could've used more of The Thing, I think, but Marvel's first family had great chemistry and the movie hinged on a terrific space chase sequence and a very big ending.

Thunderbolts*. Hands down my favorite MCU movie of the year, this was kind of a Suicide Squad-ish take on the cinematic universe. It ended up serving as a sequel of sorts to Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Ant-Man & The Wasp, and The Avengers while also introducing a mega-powered hero played by Bill Pullman's son. Elaine Benes schemed a lot. The characters all went through some stuff. It's really great.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. Henry Czerny is back to smarm as smarmily as anyone's every smarmed. This is the second part of Dead Reckoning, back when it was called Dead Reckoning Part One. Big stunts, high stakes, vengeful AIs, sacrifices, and Tom Cruise trying to kill himself? Check, check, check, check, and check.

Superman. The first movie of James Gunn's revamped DC superhero media universe had a simple but intimidating task: make a Superman movie starring a Superman that most people like. I think he succeeded with a pretty gonzo entry that pretty much throws the audience into the deep end. The world is already populated with superheroes (including a Green Lantern!), we've got interdimensional portals, a weird elemental man, and even a doggone kaiju! A great cast pulls it off, with Mr. Terrific being a real standout for me.

Jurassic World: Rebirth. Dinosaurs. Another island. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali are there. It's okay.

The Naked Gun. I'm convinced Liam Neeson is the only guy who could've pulled this off, giving a committed deadpan performance as the son of Leslie Nielsen's goofball cop Frank Drebin. A constant barrage of puns and visual gags make this imminently rewatchable. Anne can tell you I'm obsessed with this exchange:

Drebin: I wasn't thinking clearly. I was furious about the Janet Jackson Super Bowl.

The Chief: That was 20 years ago.

Drebin: Not to me.

F1 The Movie. To my surprise, this may be my favorite movie of the year. It's as formulaic as a formulaic sports movie gets, but Brad Pitt is great, the movie looks fantastic, and the score rocks. Seriously, I saw it twice in the theaters and rewatched it four times after getting the Blu-ray. I've used the score as writing music. 

Tron: Ares. A Tron movie comes to theaters and bombs. Anyone surprised? It had some great visuals and a fantastic score, and I somehow didn't hate Jared Leto in this one. Still, I'm not sure that's enough to recommend it and fans of Tron: Legacy will be (rightfully) upset that the movie didn't pick up any of the dangling plot threads from its predecessor.

Nuremberg. A dramatization of the war crimes trial focused on Hermann Göring, this one includes terrific performances from Russell Crowe and Rami Malek. It's a potent reminder of the evil men can do and the lengths we must go to in order to make sure it doesn't happen again.

The Conjuring: Last Rites. They keep making these. The most notable thing about this one is that Anne and I saw it at a drive-in theater and modern cars simply don't like to have their radios switched on for long periods of time to listen to movie audio.

Anaconda. Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Steve Zahn join Thandiwe Newton as high school friends who decide to remake the seminal 1997 schlock-fest Anaconda. The movie couldn't quite live up to the premise even though there were some enjoyable parts and a couple of laugh-out-loud moments. I will give it props for including a couple of big-time cameos.

Avatar: Fire and Ash. The Na'vi are back for another go-round on Pandora. I don't have great affection for the other Avatar movies, but I also don't hate them with the passion of a thousand suns. They remain visually breathtaking with a story that is both simple and ethereal. For me, the villains were the highlight of the movie, especially (as Anne called her) "The Crazy Fire Lady." Stephen Lang's resurrected Quaritch gets most of the movie's best lines.

Streaming Year in Review. Here's a look at some of the things we watched at home.

A House of Dynamite. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this potboiler follows the response to a nuclear weapons launch from multiple perspectives. It's tense and well-crafted. You'll either love or hate the ending.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Detective Inspector Foghorn Leghorn returns to solve another unsolvable murder mystery involving a stacked cast. For me, the real standout is Josh O'Connor as a priest in crisis. Daniel Craig is excellent, of course, although he doesn't appear until about 50 minutes into the movie.

One Battle After Another. Paul Thomas Anderson's powerful film follows a former revolutionary who basically becomes a stoner before some of the forces he fought against come back to haunt him and his daughter years later. He must rekindle his revolutionary fire to save his daughter from a corrupt, vengeful commander. Tremendous performances from Leonard DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benecio del Toro, and newcomer Chase Infiniti highlight the film.

Alien: Earth. In many ways, this one plays the hits from the Alien franchise. In others, it's completely different. I looked forward to new episodes every week. Of course, the real star of the show was Trypanohyncha ocellus (you know, Species 64--the eyeball octopus).

Andor, Season 2. Is this the best thing Star Wars has ever given us? It's certainly the most mature spinoff the franchise has ever offered. As a standalone show, I'd put it up there with any prestige drama from the last decade. Memorable characters, tremendous plotting, political intrigue, and gorgeous set design make for an unforgettable leadup to Rogue One.

Sinners. Vampires and music. It's interesting, but not really my thing. It looks gorgeous and features some great performances, costumes, and set designs. A lot of people like this movie more than I do.

Frankenstein. Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of the classic novel diverges considerably in some respects while also hewing very close to the source material in others. While it definitely has some "gooey" moments, the movie felt stripped of any true gothic horror. It looks great, though.

Mickey 17. Robert Pattinson plays a laborer who gets cloned every time he dies. As a member of a dangerous space expedition, he dies a lot. When two of his clones end up existing simultaneously, hijinks ensue. The class commentary is on the nose, but Mark Ruffalo is a hoot.

The Pitt. This one follows a Pittsburgh ER over a 15-hour shift. It's great. Noah Wyle returns to his ER roots by playing an emergency room surgeon packing some major emotional baggage. I think it's one of the best shows of the year.

Death by Lightning. This limited series from Netflix is based on the book Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. It tells the story of James Garfield's accidental presidency and the assassin/madman who cut his term short. The worst of it? An assassin's bullet didn't kill Garfield--his doctors did by failing to adhere to the "newfangled" concept of sterilizing instruments and keeping a patient's wounds clean. I liked the show so much, I ended up reading the book.

John Candy: I Like Me. John Candy was too good for this world, a generous man with a big heart who only wanted to make people laugh. This documentary presents Candy as a fully-formed person. Does it mythologize him a bit? Perhaps. But for an actor and comedian so iconic to generations of fans, that's okay.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth. Colin Firth plays a father desperate to understand the failings that led to the bombing of a commercial flight over the idyllic Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 243 people and 16 crewmembers. His daughter was among those who died. The miniseries traces the investigation and the twisting path of priorities that led to "justice" for the victims and their families.

Chad Powers. Probably one of the stupidest shows of the year. With Glen Powell and Steve Zahn at the center of it, that's not necessarily a bad thing. The sports dramedy follows a college football burnout who reinvents himself with a questionable accent and equally questionable prosthetic nose as he leads a sad-sack college team to glory.

Predator: Killer of Killers. This animated movie set in the Predator universe is a connected anthology following warriors from three different eras who run afoul of the universe's most fearsome hunter. Some good atmosphere and likeable characters make it an enjoyable watch.

Stranger Things. The final season is here (we'll know soon if they stick the landing!). Packed with fun sci-fi and fantasy tropes, '80s nostalgia, and beloved characters, the Spielbergian vibe is strong with this show. After the first volume of season five came out, Anne and I rewatched the entire series. Let's just say the kids grew up fast, okay? It really is a great show.

Daredevil: Born Again. Is it a new series, a continuation of the old Netflix one, or a multiversal hybrid? Honestly, I'm not really sure. However, I'm thrilled to see Charlie Cox back as Matt Murdock/Daredevil and Vincent D'Onofrio back as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin. It doesn't quite reach the heights of Netflix's first and third seasons, but it's still pretty darn good.

Ironheart. This MCU show was better than I expected. Still not top-tier Marvel (it can't touch Daredevil, for example). At least fans finally got to see Mephisto.

Peacemaker, Season 2. Man, what a blast. John Cena is fantastic in the role and has a wonderful supporting cast. The show serves as a bridge between the old DCEU and the new DCU. The fact that the main character was completely oblivious to this season's big twist was hilarious. Can't wait to see what's next.

The American Revolution. Since it's a Ken Burns historical documentary, it's good by default. We should probably finish it.

Howard: The Tribute (2012-2025)

Howard Winchell Adams, marquess of Quail Run, first of his name and lover of treats, walks, and tummy rubs, died unexpectedly but peacefully on August 11, 2025, surrounded by his adoring parents. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Attenborough Adams, viscount of Quail Run (a leopard gecko), and Prince Michael Adams, king of hop (an African water frog). He leaves behind his loving sister, Wilamena Windsor Adams, duchess of Quail Run (a northern map turtle).

Howard in January 2022

His parents believe Howard was born in 2012, making him 13 years old in 2025. They adopted him in June 2019 from the Animal Protection League in Anderson, Indiana. He made Indianapolis, Indiana, his home from 2019 until his death in 2025 from complications brought on by a collapsing trachea.

Howard leaves behind an enduring legacy of love and Greenies, many of which are hidden throughout the home in various places and are still being discovered buried in various nooks and crannies ranging from the couch to his unofficial second residence in the guest room daybed.

This was our introduction to Howard from the Anderson Animal Protection League in June 2019

The Chihuahua dachshund mix, known colloquially as a “Chiweenie” or “Mexican hot dog,” went by many names. A sampling: Howie, the Howitzer, Pupperoo, Pupper, Captain Wiggle-Butt, Spicy Little Chorizo, Howie-kins, Pumpkin Butt, Little Buddy, and Stinky Boy. 

Howard with Anne and me in Anderson on June 29, 2019, marked from that day forward as his birthday

He was especially fond of his mother, although he eventually accepted his father as a member of the pack and loved both his parents unconditionally. He spent his days going on walks, taking frequent naps, and enjoying too much people food, especially steak from Texas Roadhouse on Fridays.

Unflinchingly loyal and ever the protector, Howard kept his domain safe from all intruders, be they DoorDashers, pizza delivery personnel, UPS men/women, neighbors, or family members who simply dropped by to say hello. He had little tolerance for interlopers in his home or neighborhood and was especially selective when it came to other dogs who lived in the territory that he was dutybound to patrol.

"Doped up" Howard after mouth surgery in July 2020

He appreciated the devoted care of the staff at Franklin Falls Animal Clinic, Barkefellers Indy South, and Petco. Franklin Falls kept track of his health, Barkefellers gave him a place to play when Mom and Dad were at work or otherwise away, and Petco staffers gave him baths and tried to keep his dewclaws under control. His parents wish to thank them all for the tremendous love, care, and support they afforded their precious boy.

Howard with a signature Petco bandana

Howard embarked on many adventures. He loved visiting various parks around the area and walking around/sniffing neighborhoods like Misty Ridge and that one condo community off Shelbyville Road near Jeremiah Gray Elementary School. He was involved in a crash when his mother’s car had an unfortunate encounter with a curb while picking him up from surgery to have him fixed.

Howard sleeping like a little human in January 2021

He filled his days with naps and treats, and countless photographs show the many positions and locations in which he slept. Sometimes he would disappear for hours underneath blankets; sometimes he managed to sleep like a little human with his head peeking out from underneath the covers. He also loved to lie in the sun; his mother bought him a specialized elevated bed so he could soak in some rays.

Howard on his elevated bed in July 2025

Howard enjoyed relatively good health throughout his time in the Kingdom of Quail Run. He did need some surgery to remove a few teeth and a collapsing trachea meant he was sometimes prone to respiratory distress. His parents managed his condition with an inhaler and unconditional love. Sometimes his father worked from home to make sure he was comfortable. Sometimes his mother would take the day off work to keep an eye on him.

Howard with his inhaler, April 2022

He typically took three walks a day: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. In the early days of his Indianapolis residence, the evening walk happened late, between the hours of eight or nine p.m. As the years went by, and Howard’s eyesight declined, he preferred an evening walk around seven p.m., when there was still some waning daylight.

On extremely hot and humid summer days—and there were many in 2024 and 2025—his mother and father drove him to the neighborhood gazebo so he could sniff and take care of his business without being exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time. This extended to extreme cold, when his parents would drive him somewhere in the neighborhood to avoid the cold and snow. He had a variety of outfits to keep his tummy warm, including several “Adidog” sweatsuits that his father adored.

One of his "Adidog" sweatsuits from December 2020

Over the years, he played with many toys. They included Chewbacca, Peppermint Unicorn, Giant Blue Shrimp, Chop-Chop (Lambchop), Duck-Duck, Pink Flamingo, and many more. His parents needed multiple versions of Chop-Chop, who was undoubtedly one of his favorite toys and needed to be replaced due to excessive wear and tear. He showed much love to a Mickey Mouse toy by ripping off the nose and exposing stuffing in the shoulder region, damage his determined mother could not fix.

One could surmise from this information that Howard was spoiled. This supposition would be correct.

Howard with one of his Chop-Chops, December 2022

It is not an exaggeration to suggest Howard was the reason his parents survived the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic started less than a year into his adoption, and Howard provided a loving presence at home and gave his parents an excuse to get out of the house during lockdown periods. Without him, his mother and father would’ve likely descended into madness. He was truly the MVP of that unfortunate chapter of reality.

Howard chills outside in June 2020 during the great pandemic

While good-intentioned and loyal, Howard could also be feisty and obstinate. Walks didn’t end until he wanted them to end, and he seldom went where his parents wanted him to go. They eventually learned to guide him, although they were never able to do so with 100% success. He didn’t love taking medicine and would sometimes spit out pills even when they were hidden in sliced turkey. If Howard wanted food or attention, he would make it known and relentlessly pursue his parents until they met his demands (again, spoiled).

He was a constant companion, a snuggler, a protector, an investigative reporter, a drain inspector, an accomplished snacker, a world champion napper, and a source of infinite amusement.

But most of all, he was a very good boy.

Rest easy, sweet boy