The Martian

4.50/5.00

Okay I was bawling my eyes out at the end. The science is spectacular, especially the dust storm moment! OMG!

A spectacular read, edge of the seat adventure, and raw science! I love it.

Plot -> a rather simple overarching story, but filled with brilliant plot elements and amazing science. It's simply astounding that this entire genre of science fiction is essentially reborn with this book. High stakes Adventure filled with intense science and yet totally approachable.

World building -> for a sci-fi book, the world building is rather limited to the nature of story, but Andy weir does an amazing job of what this book needs.

Characters/theme -> I'm rating on the basis of this book being hard sci-fi, which is more thematic than character based. Mark's character is so well developed, I love his humor. I wish there was a touch of sadness in him, at least in some instances, which would have been perfect. But he maintains his good humor interspersed by frustration throughout the book, which is a bit shy of perfection for me. Mark does reflect on his loneliness sometimes, and ponders the wonders of what he is doing, which is the best moment in the book for me. There were a so many good side characters, Lewis and Vogul topping that list.

Prose -> pretty normal everyday prose. Well written, super appropriate and keeps the book a page turner.

Emotional impact -> I cried. Bawled at the end. But otherwise the book was pretty good. I'd say project Hail Mary is better. Thematically this one is better.