Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American ReadSix days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that … alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.
Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
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WAY better than the film (although that was pretty decent) – the book goes into the science more, without being boring (I’m not a scientist). Loved the main character.
I loved this book. I think the authors that have problems ending a story or keeping the momentum going should study this author’s technique and skill.
How did I not know about this fascinating book? Extreme detail to make this work of fiction riveting.
The storytelling and attention to detail go a long way to creating a believable tragedy with the early stages of putting human beings on the nearby red planet. There is a believable balance between the suspense of what the characters involved are trying to accomplish.
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Laugh out loud funny while still retaining its humanity. The movie was good. The book is better.
I loved the movie, and the book has all the stuff I loved; quirky humor, fascinating, realistic science with just enough explanation to keep it interesting without becoming too technical, loads of action. It makes you feel like it could have really happened. I would have appreciated a few less f-words, but I loved the book even more for the …
This book and it’s movie, wow! If you like man against nature, this is it, in spades. Hard science fiction.
An unusual story. Lots of science stuff. Keeps the reader guessing until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the actual science used in the storyline. Was engrossed with story and could not put down till finished.
Outstanding story – Well Told
There you are. Stranded on Mars. Sure, you’re a scientist, and sure your friends didn’t MEAN to strand you there (They thought you were dead). Nevertheless, it happened. How are you going to survive. What if something goes wrong with the air system? What about when you run out of food? Will anyone ever be able to …
A whole new twist on being marooned. I can see no reason why this book couldn’t happen in the real world.
Highly recommend this one. Suitable for teens and adults.
The science is interesting and the tone of the book is very entertaining.
Loved this book. I love how the writer interwove a lot of believable science into this book. Loved the main character and how the realities of living on another planet are looked at. Fun read.
Totally awesome!
accessible scifi adventure story which kept my attention throughout
Made science fun and inspiring of what one man could accomplish. Even more interesting than the movie.
The variety of tales about possible life on Mars was very entertaining! Love the imagination shown…
I resisted this book for a long time. After all, how can a book about a guy alone on mars be interesting? Boy, was I wrong. An amazing work of literature and science. A great read.
Whether or not you saw the movie, you’ll love the book.