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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Although I’ve always loved science fiction, I’ve never been a huge fan of astronaut books until this one. It’s amazing. I loved everything about it, and could not put it down. I especially enjoyed how the main character persevered, using his wits and all available resources to survive. If you haven’t read this book yet, pick it up. Now. You won’t …
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although probably realistic I found all the cussing distracting and didn’t feel that it was necessary to the story.
You have to have been in a cave to be unaware of this book and movie. I’m a SciFy fan for more than 50 years; and this is excellent “what if” stuff. And quite informative.
Didn’t enjoy the book as much as I did the movie, to my surprise. I didn’t like the format, and I didn’t think the tone was realistic for a scientific journal written by a NASA astronaut. Still, it wasn’t the worst.
Loved it! I really couldn’t put it down once i started. It really pulls you in and you want to know whats going to happen. The author does a great job making you really care about the main character. Definitely recommend!
I read before the movie was announced. Didn’t know quite what to expect, but really enjoyed it. A plausible science fiction story for the thinking person.
Boring
Good fun.
Phenomenal debut. Can’t say enough good things about what Andy Weir has created here. Superlative in detail, pacing, character development and exposition. Love it.
Still my favorite audiobook of all time. I really loved the presentation of this story. So much so that I listened to it twice, and I never do that. The hard science fiction mixed with humor is what really pulled me in. Still a highly recommended novel! I’m due to listen to it again. 🙂
Great book!
The plot and characters pulled you in and by the end of the first chapter you can’t escape. Wonderful old fashion speculative fiction that uses science instead of magic. Never heavy handed.
Best of this type book I have ever read. Movie is almost as good. Recomment it to anyone interested in space travel.
one of the best SiFi books i have read in years!
Wonderful book..
Best book I’ve read in a long time!
great read
The details of how someone could survive alone on Mars were fascinating. Weir obviously thought things through and did his research. The world-building is great, too.
I like sci-fi and this is a good story that’s close to modern space exploration.
exceptionally fun read!