I was going through the list of books I’ve read this year deciding what I should review next when I realized that I’ve never reviewed The Martian. This book is possibly my favorite book of all time. The year I read it, I bought six copies and gave them to my friends and family because a novel like this is one that demands to be shared (but no one can have my copy). It’s also a novel I find incredibly hard to review. I love every aspect of it; I find it nearly impossible to be objective with the few flaws it does have. I’ve probably read this book at least ten times, and I’ve enjoyed it more and more each time.
The book follows Mark Watney as he embarks on a groundbreaking mission to Mars with his team. Their mission is cut short by a storm and they are forced to immediately evacuate. During the evacuation, Mark is injured and presumed dead by the rest of his team. He wakes up the next day to find he’s been abandoned on Mars with no real hope of survival. The rest of the book sees Mark rely heavily on his botany and engineering backgrounds, fighting to survive on the inhospitable red planet.
My favorite part about this book is how realistic it is. Andy Weir did painstaking research to make his novel as grounded in fact as possible. It’s impossible not to appreciate the attention to detail he pays, all of the science is explained, he doesn’t make the reader take any massive leaps of logic or faith. As you read this book, it’s easy to believe that NASA could be zipping off to Mars tomorrow.
I love Mark Watney. He’s like me if you magnify the sarcasm and wit by ten. He’s a highly trained NASA astronaut with a background in engineering and botany (an odd combo, but variety is the spice of life). Most people would have a pretty bleak disposition at the prospect of being stranded on Mars with no way home and a dwindling food source, but not Mark. He effortlessly carries the plot with his snark, charm, humor, and wit. The book is mostly focused on Mark (with later chapters about NASA and their efforts to save Watney). Not many authors could write a legitimately gripping and interesting story with one character who is all alone on a planet. Even without secondary characters to interact with, the book was still incredibly entertaining. Mark is the perfect character to carry a book mostly solo.
If you haven’t read The Martian, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Don’t shy away from if because it’s a science fiction book or because it’s so science driven. This book is a gripping space thriller with a tight, tense plot with a good dose of humor in all the right places.
24 Comments
I still haven’t read this book, but I’ve been wanting to for forever! I’ll get to it eventually… Hopefully!
I hope you get to it! It’s phenomenal
I’m going to have to share this with my stepson. He’ll love it!
I hope he enjoys it as much as I did!
I haven’t ever even considered reading this book! What do you think of the movie? Great review!
I actually loved the movie! It’s not as twisty as the book, but it was still a great adaptation!
I wouldn’t usually pick up a book like this but from your review it sounds like a really great book. Great review!
Thanks!
Ooh! I’ve had this sitting on my shelf for a while and haven’t quite got around to it yet. I’ve seen the film and loved it though. Reading your review means this book is jumping up the TBR pile – thanks!
The film was super good (and fairly faithful to the book), but you get even more Mark Watney in the book (as well as a few more twists). I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
This sounds amazing! I’m definitely going to add this to my birthday wishlist☺️ I love books when they’re realistic and embedded in facts!
Brooke x
http://www.brooke-pearson.co.uk
I’ve never read the martian, but my friends are always talking about how good it is. After this I may have to give it a try – I love an author that does extensive research!
Jas xx
https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
I never read books but will defo give this a try!
I’ll have to look into this book! The only science-y book I’ve read is Dark Matter…super twisty.
I’ll have to add that one to my list!
I’ve officially put this on my list of books to read, it sounds amazing! Love this post xx
Thank you so much!
Still waiting to watch the film. Books are always better aren’t they? Might not end up reading this one
Great review. The book is definitely a fun and unique ride, I love the combination of humour and science in the story. And I do agree, the character is a joy to read 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you agree!
This isn’t the kind of book I’d normally go for, but I’m now really tempted. The humour and wit sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing it!
Hope you’re having a great week.
Chloe x
http://www.yourschloe.co.uk/
Sounds like such a good read – added to my list! Thanks for sharing.
You convinced me, I am going to read it! I’ve been on the fence for the last year at least. Adding it to my to-read truck (the pile took over all the rooms in our house…) 🙂