Ryland Grace is a compelling main character, a science teacher with the right genes to be launched into space to save the earth and everything on it from certain death. And, when he is only left with one extraordinary companion to help him survive, the novel turns into a touching and memorable story of man's quest for survival, his need for connection, and a story of friendship. The book is heavy with science, math, and even musicology, and the narration reminded me a little of Tom Hanks in Castaway talking to a volleyball called Wilson. Still, Ryland's and his space friend learn how to communicate with each other. There is humour, tension, anguish, moments of joy, and so much more in this novel that, when it was all over and I got to the end, I sighed because I really enjoyed it. Note: I listened on Audible and without the narrator doing an excellent job, I am not sure the 'words' of the novel would have had the same impact. I guess I'll never know but looking forward to the upcoming Ryan Gosling movie and how they take this highly detailed novel and bring it to the screen.

Ryland Grace is a compelling main character; he's a science teacher chosen to embark on a mission into space to save Earth from certain doom. As he is left with only one extraordinary companion to help him survive, the novel becomes a touching story about humanity's quest for survival, the need for connection, and the importance of friendship. The book is rich with lessons in science, math, and even musicology, and I found the relationship between Ryland and Rocky to be reminiscent of Tom Hanks in 'Cast Away' when he spends his days talking to a volleyball named Wilson (but Rocky and Ryland figure out how to have two-way communication). The novel is filled with suspense, thrills, humor, tension, anguish, and moments of joy. By the time I reached the end, I let out a sigh because I truly enjoyed it and was impressed the author pulled it off. An unforgettable read.

I listened to the book on Audible, and I believe the narrator did an excellent job; without their performance, I'm not sure the story would have had the same impact. I guess I'll never know for sure, but I'm looking forward to the upcoming Ryan Gosling movie and curious to see how they adapt this highly detailed novel for the screen.