Tag Archives: Ray Porter

Oct 6 2026

Mel’s 5 Second Book Review: Project Hail Mary

Project Hail Mary
Written by: Andy Weir
Year: 2021
Audiobook performed by: Ray Porter

It was a long time coming, but I finally finished this book. I seem to have trouble finishing books (or shows, for that matter) that I start, even if I love them. It’s weird.

A science teacher wakes up alone on a spaceship. As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing Earth’s sun, and realizes that an unexpected friendship may be the key.

I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I heard of it way back in 2021. The Martian had been one of the best books I’d read in a long time, so I knew I definitely wanted to read (or listen to) this one. And even though it took me forever, I finally got through it, and can finally watch the movie. I have to say, Project Hail Mary really is as good as The Martian. And the audiobook is performed beautifully by Ray Porter. He really captured the essence of all the characters, giving each their own distinctive voice without sounding silly.

Ryland Grace, our main character, was so well drawn, and we really feel for him. There’s bits of humour sprinkled in that made me grin like an idiot, even laugh out loud a few times. The science, at least to me, sounds all plausible, even though it relies on a substance that doesn’t exist to make it work. Weir is very good at making things sound scientific without being dry. I don’t want to say too much more in case there are people who haven’t read the book who want to, but needless to say, I absolutely loved it. The ending was a nice surprise as well. It was heading towards one thing, and I was rather upset, but then, surprise! Not surprisingly, I give it a 10/10.

AMAZE AMAZE AMAZE!!

M.

Apr 19 2015

Mel’s 5 Second Audiobook Review: Einstein’s Cosmos

Einstein’s Cosmos
Written by: Michio Kaku
Read by: Ray Porter

Einstein's Cosmos

(Questions from Audible’s reviews form)

If you could sum up Einstein’s Cosmos in three words, what would they be?
Fun, informative, fast-paced.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Considering this is a biography of Einstein, I’ll go out on a limb and say that he’s the best character in the book :-p He really was an amazing man.

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?
He’s got a clear, crisp voice, perfect for audiobooking. I was a little sad they didn’t get Michio Kaku to read it himself, so more of his wit would come through, but Ray Porter still did a great job. We do get a little bit of Dr K, however, he reads the preface.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Einstein as you’ve never seen him before! (I know, super original, hunh?)

Any additional comments?
I’ve known who Einstein was since I was a kid, but besides the basics of his work, I really didn’t know anything about the man himself. It made for quite a wonderful story, and I was very glad to find out that he was a genuinely awesome human being, and not a prick like most geniuses seem to be (I’m looking at you, Newton, you crazy douchebag!)I felt a little dumb a few times when they went in to a few of his papers and equations, but on the whole it makes for a great read (or listen, rather). The only reason it doesn’t get a perfect score is because I skipped the rather dry last chapter. He’d already died, The book really should have ended there. So instead it gets a 9.5/10. Anyone who likes biographies definitely needs to give this one a whirl! 🙂

 

M.