Side by side
11/22/63 vs Project Hail Mary
11/22/63
87 positive (97%) · 2 mixed (2%) · 1 negative (1%)
Trust + time weighted: +96%
AI summary — not a quote
11/22/63 is widely regarded by readers as one of Stephen King's finest works, even by those who do not typically enjoy his horror novels. The story follows a man who travels back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK, but it is frequently praised more for its immersive historical atmosphere, emotional depth, and central romance than its high-concept premise. While its massive length is noted as a hurdle, the consensus is that the narrative is captivating enough to justify the time investment.
Pros
- Exceptional emotional impact, with many readers reporting a deep personal connection to the characters.
- Highly acclaimed audiobook narration by Craig Wasson, described as perfect for the material.
- Masterful storytelling that keeps readers engaged despite a 900+ page length.
- Appeals to a broad audience beyond traditional horror fans.
Cons
- Significant time commitment required due to its 'door stopper' size (30+ hours for the audiobook).
- The romance subplot is polarizing; while many love it, some readers find it less compelling than the primary plot.
Top excerpts
Among my favorites that tick these boxes are Dark Matter, 11/22/63, Flowers for Algernon.
11/22/63
11/22/63!!!!!
11.22.63 Stephen King Great audio book and brilliant story.
I’ve finished probably less than 15 audiobooks in my life and some of my faves were: 11/22/63
Project Hail Mary
300 positive (92%) · 11 mixed (3%) · 14 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +87%
AI summary — not a quote
Project Hail Mary is a highly acclaimed science fiction novel celebrated for its fast-paced, engaging plot and charismatic characters. It is frequently cited as a top-tier recommendation for both dedicated sci-fi fans and general readers, with particular praise directed toward its audiobook version. While the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, a minority of readers find the prose and dialogue to be "corny" or utilitarian, and some note that the biological science is less rigorous than the astrophysics.
Pros
- Exceptional audiobook narration by Ray Porter that enhances the experience
- Compelling, fast-paced 'page-turner' with excellent pacing
- Accessible to readers who do not typically enjoy the science fiction genre
- Charismatic and memorable character dynamics
Cons
- Dialogue and tone are frequently described as 'corny' or cheesy
- The writing style itself is sometimes viewed as forgettable or lacking literary depth
- Biological elements of the science can feel 'hand-waved' compared to the physics
Top excerpts
I’ve also already read/ listened to Project Hail Mary.
Project Hail Mary. Page-turner with great pacing and charismatic characters.
Project Hail Mary was so corny. I am actually looking forward to the movie but the book did not do it for me.
Notable standouts have been: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, narrated by Ray Porter
Project Hail Mary didn't really stand out to me as "amazing". It was fine. Not bad, but also you memorable in a stand-out kind of way.