Andy Weir is known for his commitment to scientific accuracy in his novels. Did the science in Project Hail Mary feel believable to you, and did it make the story more engaging or harder to follow?

Which of the scientific concepts in Project Hail Mary did you find the most fascinating, or the most difficult to wrap your head around?

The story alternates between Grace’s present situation and his fragmented memories. How does this narrative structure affect your engagement with the story and your understanding of his character?

What did you think of the plan to put the Hail Mary crew in a coma? Do you think it was truly necessary, given the low success rate? Was four years really too long for the crew to interact with each other?

When Grace makes first contact with the alien ship, how does he communicate? Do you agree with his decision to allow further contact with the alien ship at risk to his own safety?

Through vague gestures and basic scientific communication, Grace seems to form a meaningful bond with the alien Rocky. What did you think of their relationship and chemistry? How do you think their friendship redefines ideas about communication and connection?

Stratt is introduced as an almost unquestionable authority, given unlimited power to coordinate Earth’s response to the solar crisis. How do you feel about the ethics of putting one person in charge of a global mission? Do you think this could actually work in the real world?

While preparing the Hail Mary mission, Stratt makes several morally questionable decisions, like melting icebergs, covering the Sahara with solar panels, sending the crew on a suicide mission, and manipulating Grace’s memories. Do you think these actions were justified, or did they cross a line?

Ryland Grace’s actions in space seem heroic at first, but we later learn he was coerced into the mission and never chose to be there. Did this twist change the way you see him? Would you consider him a hero, or a coward? Was the reveal surprising, or did you feel it was foreshadowed earlier in the story?

What did you think of the ending? Do you agree with Grace’s choice? Would you have liked to learn more about what happens to Stratt and the people remaining on Earth?

With the upcoming film adaptation in mind, which parts of the book do you think will be hardest to bring to the screen? How might the visual medium change the story’s themes or how we perceive the characters?

IFFY’S QUESTION(s): with a possible sequel in the works, where do you think the story could go? Would you like to follow Grace’s journey back to Earth, meet new characters surviving on Earth while he’s away, or see Grace and Rocky on interstellar adventures saving other planets from Astrophage?