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 main character Mark Watney is the little engine that could in this sci-fi adventure. Hit with every obstacle imaginable (and some that I never imagined) he proves that determination, ingenuity, and some rather extreme fasting periods can help you weather any storm (pun intended).
My all time favorite read! What I loved most about the sci-fi book is it is realistic and based on science.
Great book to listen to or read together on a road trip.
YAY science and space travel!
I’ve read it 3 times and watched the dvd twice. It’s been 2 or 3 years since. Maybe time to read or see it again.
For a first effort this story moves right along and is filled with all sorts of details and story points we don’t see in the film. After all this is “Castaway” on Mars so Matt Damon has huge shoes to fill in the movie. Regardless I found myself getting pretty emotional towards the end when Watney is about to be rescued after being stranded for 18 …
Meh, I was expecting more.
I listened to the audiobook and then I re-read the eBook. What an amazing journey to Mars!! And I have to say, the opening line of this novel has to be the best I have ever read…
“I’m pretty much fucked.”
Yep, that was it. I threw my head back and laughed from the first line and held on tight as Mark Watney shared the trials and tribulations …
A brilliant Robinson Crusoe locked room escape mystery with humorous science and astronaut grit.
Couldnt put it down.. So well written, considering there was only one character.. Shame it wasn’t a series
You know how hilarious Mark Whatney is in the movie? Imagine the entire story narrated by him. That’s the book. It’s the story you love, with Mark Whatney as storyteller for the ENTIRE thing. Just read it.
This novel was so satisfying to me. And I loved the movie too.
One of those rare events where I loved the film and the book equally. From the brilliantly written first chapter (I dare you to read the first page and not be driven to continue) to its stunning scientific premise and the captivating struggle to survive, this will prove to be one of the most enduring books in recent history. Read it.
A gripping story.
Really enjoyed this book! Sent me looking for the movie, which was a faithful adaptation of this wonderful story!
What can go wrong in space? This scientist shows great ingenuity and fast thinking to get out of horrible circumstances. Well written.
I listened to the audio version and really enjoyed the story.
Better than the movie. A great read.
This is without doubt the best sci-fi book written by an independent author I’ve read so far. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. It is the story of an astronaut stranded on Mars, presumed dead and left behind by the rest of the crew. Wounded and with few resources, Mark Watney, must find a way to survive in a desert and hostile planet.
The …
I love any story pretty much where one LONE person has to figure his/her way out of a jam.