Project Hail Mary

I honestly think Weir is the best science fiction writer I have ever encountered. I know next to nothing about actual science, and he gives clear, clever explanations for just about everything happening in his stories, to the point that even I can understand what's going on. Most of the sci-fi I read, I mentally substitute “magic” for any sciencey thing happening. Making an explanation clear, and funny, and engaging? That is a hell of a talent.