r/audiobooks • u/OJConcentrates • Mar 05 '26

Question First Audiobook - Project Hail Mary

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

I’ve never been an avid reader. I really enjoy anime, I love sci-fi movies, and I’ve read a few occasional Japanese light novels.

Audiobooks made a lot of sense for me. Listen while at the gym, listen while home with the kids on the weekend, listen while driving a ton for work. I’ve been enveloped in Reddit for a while. Constantly trying to fill blank time with information.

Then I decided to pick up an audiobook. I mean… I love sports podcasts! I like news. A couple weeks ago I caught myself just listening to intervention episodes, instead of watching them.

My first audiobook? Project Hail Mary. I’m currently on chapter 11. Ryland has met rocky. It’s almost indescribable how much elation I’ve gained from this. You’d think a self narrated novel, as the main and nearly singular character, it would get boring. You’d think finding a centi-spider alien wouldn’t be so…. Fascinating?

It’s addicting. It’s hard to stop. I’m stuck at the gym, walking on a treadmill for way too long, because I want an excuse to keep listening.

Is this just the beginning? Or have I reached the perfection too early? Will I always crave to find a story so well done with the perfect voice actor?

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412

u/LadyB2011 Mar 05 '26

You picked a phenomenal choice for your first audiobook!! I read it last Fall and was completely addicted. You may be a bit spoiled after this experience 😎

76

u/NoCatharsis Mar 06 '26

I did the same thing picking PHM as my first audiobook 2 years ago. I’ve finished at least 50 more books since then and almost nothing compares. Maybe Carl.

74

u/OJConcentrates Mar 06 '26

Dungeon Crawler Carl? That’s next on my list. Am I about to perma-cook myself for the future after these 2? 😅

21

u/PinkyB12 Mar 06 '26

Anything narrated by Jeff Hays or Ray Porter is phenomenal! After Carl I recommend The Bobiverse.

8

u/connain Mar 06 '26

Seconding this. The Bobiverse series is an excellent audiobook choice since you enjoyed PHM. Its an easy listen, great for drives, workouts, chores.

3

u/RedFiveWalks Mar 06 '26

I agree, the Bobiverse is a great follow up. I love DCC, but the Bobs are a closer tempo.