The MartianAuthor: Andy Weir
Published by: Crown
Publication Date: February 11, 2014
Format: eBook
Pages: 385
Source: Purchased
Six 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 & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& 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—& 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?
I know there’s already a lot about The Martian out there, but I have to publicly profess my love for it!
I could not have read The Martian at a better time! I know people have been raving about it for over a year now, and that it won Best Science Fiction of 2014 on Goodreads, so not reading it wasn’t an option. I had to experience for myself what this book was all about, especially since I kept hearing the main character is funny. However, I put it on the back burner for a while because I wasn’t exactly in a sci-fi mood until recently. Turns out, that shouldn’t have even been a factor, because The Martian is the type of book you’ll love regardless of genre.
So Mark Watney gets ditched on Mars during a mission, which automatically sounds like game over, right? Well, Mark is one ingenious dude and won’t give up just because he’s stranded millions of miles from Earth. Even if he is the only person there. With limited resources. Yeah, he’s in deep shit.
You’d think a book about a guy alone on Mars would be boring. Wrong! I was on the edge of my seat anxiously waiting to see what would happen next. It’s exciting, even during parts you wouldn’t normally think would be. Yes, this revolves around a serious situation and get really suspenseful at time, but the author also mixed humor in perfectly.
I honestly didn’t know how it was going to playout for Mark. I mean, how could it possibly have a happy ending? Well I’m not going to answer that for you now that I know. I will tell you that if I had to be stranded anywhere, even another planet, I’d want Mark Watney with me. Yes, he’s intelligent, but his personality is what took this book to the next level for me. Mark’s sharp wit continuously stayed intact, and his use of humor during strenuous situations is something I connected with.
Seriously, The Martian is completely engaging and so much more than just a guy stuck on Mars. I’m so glad I read this, and can’t wait to see what Andy Weir writes next!
Although I listened I couldn’t agree more..this just totally rocked.
I adore Mark, one of my favorite book boyfriends ever.
Well I’m glad you have professed your love for it as this is the first time I’ve heard about it! Probably because I’ve only gotten in to Sci Fi over the last year or so. I love the sound it.
This reminds me so much of Gravity but you know what, your review has sold me on this. It sounds so exciting and thrilling finding out if he’s ever going to get home! Added to my tBR.
I immediately thought of Gravity too, and thought that it would be like it. But … there’s actually a lot more to it. You should read this. Seriously!
I was on the fence with this one but I have seen a bunch of recent reviews on how good this is. I think it will be back on my TBR for sure now!
I’m thinking I want Mark Watney in any kind of crisis situation Christy! I would have a panic attack from which I would never recover if I was every stranded ANYWHERE with limited resources, let alone on Mars. *shudders* I’ve been reading rave reviews for this one, I definitely need to add it to my list!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about a character being stuck in a foreign planet with just his thoughts to entertain us. How can one get out of this predicament?? Actually, that sounds awesome. I might try this in audio too! Thanks for the recommendation Christy, lovely review!
I nominated this to my book club and we will be reading it later this year! I can’t wait!!
I have this borrowed from the library, will probably start it soon. I can’t believe you and Kimberly didn’t even tell me about this. I read it first on her blog and now yours. Pfffft.
This might be the perfect book for me to listen to in audio format. This books is so raved about but I am intimidated by straight SCIF. I can’t imagine someone accidentally left… on mars!
I had zero interest in this book before. Now I’m considering running out to buy it. I’m super curious! I wonder if it is good on audio? I may have to see. Thanks for the review!
I started this on audiobook yesterday, and it is an addictive little read. I can’t stop listening. Love the humor and all the science. I am so glad that I picked this one up.
Have I been in a cave or dark hole for over a year? How have I not even heard of this before? Granted I’m not huge on sci fi books (although I love shows, go figure), I do like them once in a while. I’m going to mark this one as to read because I think I might like it.
Mark sounds like an amazing character! If I had to be stranded with someone, it would be someone who was ingenious and funny, just like Mark. I like how you say that anyone would enjoy this book, regardless of the genre. Awesome Review Christy!
I won’t be surprised if this gets adapted into a movie… if it’s not in the works yet.
Everyone is mad raving about this, Mars and astronauts just don’t appeal to me. We’ll see…
Absolutely everyone is GAGA over this one and it’s becoming a movie (well it’s already been filmed by hottie Matt Damon and it’s coming out soon) so i know i need to watch it. The plot summary kind of rings some ‘Gravity’ vibes but i’m still unbelievably interested since so many people have been raving about this one. And i haven’t heard any Gravity comparisons either…
I was worried this book wouldn’t live up to the hype, but it absolutely did. Great review!
Well, it certainly sounds interesting… Kind of sounds like that Tom Hanks movie Cast Away, but on the moon. Glad you enjoyed it. Curious how he can have a happy ending.
I haven’t heard of this one but I like the sound of it. Great review Christy!
Arg. I’ve seen this but never paid it much attention. You have me rethinking that. Darn you! My tbr pile. It whimpers. lol
Okay, I think I need this one! I have been on the lookout for a good sci-fi and I think this fits the bill. I also think this would be a good one to pass to a couple of my cousins who love this genre! Thanks for the rec!
It does sound really interesting, but while I love to watch sci-fiction movies, I’m not so big on reading sci-fiction, but who knows, maybe I’ll read it too at some point. Glad you enjoyed it though!
Ooh yes I read The Egg which is like a 4 paged short story by this author and I LOVED it so I definitely want to read this one! It’s so great that it worked out for you, Christy.
Lovely review, hun <33
Glad to hear you totally love this! I’ve been thinking about reading it (for the awesome cover, haha), but with all these amazing reviews for it, I really should pick it up soon!
Thanks for the review, Christy!
I want, I want. This books wasn’t even on my raider. But you have me salivating now.
I don’t know how I have haven’t heard of this one, but it is totally going on my list now! This sounds awesome — thanks for sharing!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed too Christy!! I’m looking forward to the movie now…Mat Damon..hehe…
I totally loved this book, it was superb, both funny and thrilling plus Matt Damon is making the film, cannot wait!! It had better be good!
Gosh, I really need to find out what happens to him! I will read this before the movie…I will!
I have to read this one it sounds amazing!! I can’t believe how I missed it!