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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The Martian by Andy Weir has got to be one of the best novels I’ve ever read.
You undoubtedly have a good idea what the plot is. American astronaut Mark Whatney is mistakenly left behind on Mars when his landing team makes an emergency evacuation of the planet during a severe sandstorm. But to call this story “Robinson Crusoe on Mars” is too …
Loved it even before I knew it was going to be made into a movie!
I love this book. I could say that I owe my life to it! Several years I had a massive heart attack and spent nearly a month in hospital dancing with death as they tried to get me strong enough for open-heart-surgery. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t read text well, couldn’t handle the internet, and couldn’t deal with additional emotional stress. But I …
Not only is the success of Andy Weir one of the greatest indie author inspirational stories out there. This book of his is truly one of the best science fiction novels I’ve ever read.
If you’ve only seen the movie, then you are missing out on some of the best parts of the story.
Plus, the ending of the book blatantly says that what happens at …
With the exception of the opening sand storm that strands our protagonist, the book is deeply ingrained in real physics, real NASA restrictions, and real orbital mechanics. Great fun and the best one-premise opening I’ve read.
Loved this book. Action packed science.
I really appreciated the use of very specific scientific terms rather than fictional jargon. This book comes across as a real experience complete with drama, hope, frustration, and a range of other emotions that really take the reader on a ride!
I loved this book. The author truly captures Mars, and the high tech lingo actually made me wonder if all this wasn’t actually possible.
The main character’s dry humour was just the right touch to all the intense stuff happening to him, but it’s his resourcefulness that keeps up captivated.
If you’re looking for an amazing book to screen …
I admit I was a bit skeptical when someone loaned me The Martian recently and told me I should read it. The Martian? That new movie with Matt Damon? Isn’t that an airplane book, not real literature? (Yes, despite my devotion to comics and genre science fiction, I am quite a snob in certain respects.) Well, I did read it, and am glad I did so, …
This is by far one of my favorite books. It is such a unique story and a testament to human perseverance. Read this one, have your friends read this one. Stop reading this review and read the book!!
Starts out slow then turns into a can’t put down.
Amazing!
(4.5 / 5)
I watched this movie a few years ago (as research for a mini escape room I helped build), and I really liked it. The book is even better! Whatney is resourceful and determined. The repertoire between him and the rest of his team is fun and touching. The determination of those back on Earth to do whatever they can to help him survive is …
This is a science fiction book for science living people. Incredible scientific detail in an adventure book. Worth the read!
This book is what inspired me to take the leap and write my own! If you don’t know Andy’s story (the author)–check it out! Great book that was turned into a great movie!
I have read this book multiple times, but I still remember laughing out loud the first time. Watney is funny, relatable and a joy to read. You feel his pain and his successes. You feel the same rollercoaster and hold your breath in suspense. You root for him from the get-go and find yourself turning the page way into the wee hours of the morning. …
A fascinating story told by the principal (only?) character. As an engineer this is one of the best portrayals of an engineer and how we think and organize.
One of the most incredible books I’ve read. I could not put down. The movie was great too- very different but good in its own way.
An incredible take on the primary conflict of individual vs. nature. The journalistic entries were a great method for storytelling. The protagonist was extremely likable. The story is downright cool. The science is out of this world and cutting edge. Perhaps the only thing missing is the story element that makes a sci-fi novel more than just …
Absolutely loved this book. The perfect blend of futuristic science and fiction wrapped in a snarky, hilarious voice of an American astronaut stranded on Mars during a landing exercise. He needs to use every ounce of resourcefulness and brainpower to survive everything the red planet throws at him.
I listened to this on audio and the narrator …