This was a fun read. 50% misc science ideas, 30% save the world wish fulfillment, and 20% friendly banter. Worth a read for fans of Weir and overall a solid book, but there is a bit too much deus ex machina (Rocky himself is an amazing source of immediate and flawless answers to all problems) and overall unbelievability for me to really give it 5 stars, not least of which the fact that surely, SURELY, someone would have thought to try to create something that eats this stuff on earth. So not an ironclad story, and definitely hectic, but still fun and worth a read. ( )

Story was fun, characters unfortunately very one dimensional, tone kind of dorky and annoying ( )

This book is so much more than a book about a lone astronaut trying to save the world. This is a book about friendship and community, climate change and responsibilities, sacrifices and bravery.

My first two impressions of this book: 1.) There’s a lot of heavy science in this science fiction book. I tried to follow along, but it moves from the macro to the micro level of some complex science. As the characters explain concepts to one another, those summations and explanations were pretty helpful, but, still, it was A LOT of information. Somehow, I stayed engaged. And 2.) Ryland’s a funny guy. I really enjoyed his 1950s quirky idioms and self-deprecating humor and sarcastic observations.

From the beginning, a Sherlock Holmes beginning full of deductive reasoning where the reader learns alongside the character about the context of the story (who, what, when, where, why, how), I was hooked. I enjoyed all the characters.

I love Stratt and her god-complex and no bullshit manner. With her decisions, especially the final one putting Ryland on the Hail Mary crew, we see one of the central questions of the story: What sacrifices are we willing to make in order to achieve the greater good? Stratt: “‘We all have to make sacrifices. If I have to be the world’s whipping boy to secure our salvation, then that’s my sacrifice to make’” (244).

I also really love Ryland’s best friend. When Rocky enters the picture (through the pressurized connector tunnel), there are several Wall-E moments that made me smile. Their relationship was “amaze” and all things good. Ryland: “‘Well, you’re not alone anymore, Buddy,’ I say. ‘Neither of us are’” (213).

As far as the science part of this sci-fi thriller, I found two things really interesting: 1.) This story shows the necessity of intelligent life coming together in community. We’re better together than we are apart. We need each other—the science community and international community comes together sharing and teaching and learning and building upon each other; Ryland and Rocky come together after their periods of isolation, working together, offering comfort and connection. And 2.) the significance of climate change being an imminent danger was definitely central. It makes me want to do something about protecting this home of ours. Dr. Leclerc: “‘We’re part of the ecology, Ms. Stratt. We’re not outside it. The plants we eat, the animals we ranch, the air we breathe—it’s all part of the tapestry. It’s all connected. As the biomes collapse, it’ll have a direct impact on humanity’” (233).

While I really wanted Ryland to make it back to earth, the ending was still satisfying. We know that Ryland does save Sol and Earth, and he still ends up living a fulfilling life with Rocky and the other Eridians, teaching and exploring. ( )

I just loved everything about this well crafted story. I didn’t want it to end and loved the two main characters so much. I will recommend this book to everyone looking for their next great read. ( )

I don’t typically read space/sci-fi, but this was a friend recommendation, and my husband had the audiobook, so it took very little effort to leave my comfort zone.

This book was LOVELY. The audiobook is a great option specifically because the narrator really brings the characters to life. The way the story is unfolded is unique and intriguing; I was immediately invested. This was such a pleasant surprise of a book. ( )