Project Hail Mary

In flashbacks, Grace remembers how scientists discovered Astrophage, a microscopic organism feeding on the Sun's energy, and how a ruthless, efficient official named Eva Stratt took charge of the world's response. The Hail Mary was sent to another star that seems to be immune, in the hope of finding a solution. In the present, Grace uses experiments, mathematics and improvisation to solve one problem after another, and Weir explains the science clearly and with humour.

When Grace reaches his destination, he discovers that he is not alone: another ship has arrived from a different world, facing the same crisis. Its pilot, an alien engineer whom Grace names Rocky, becomes his partner and friend, and the two learn to communicate and work together. Their friendship gives the book its heart, and Grace must make hard choices about courage and sacrifice. The story is optimistic and full of humour, with tense moments but little violence.

Clever, gripping and warm-hearted, a celebration of science, curiosity and friendship that many readers consider even better than The Martian, with an ending that is both satisfying and touching. About 496 pages in the Ballantine paperback.