The Martian
Ratings2,439
Average rating4.4
I don`t read sci-fi novels but this book took me out of my comfort zone and I have to thank the author for that. Suspensful and funny grips you from the first page to the last one.
5.0
BEST FUCKING SPACE NOVEL I'VE EVER READ. HARD SCI-FI FOR THE WIN!!!!! 100 EMOJIFIRE EMOJICLAPPING EMOJI *HANDS UP EMOJI
I have been a science fiction fan since I can remember. The problem nowadays is that everything is just the same old thing. That is why when I run across something that is new and well written, I have to quickly comment on it.
This is hard science fiction in its purest form. An astronaut has been left behind on Mars when the members of his expedition think he is dead. Now he has to figure out how to survive and communicate with Earth. Finally he has to cross thousands of klicks of open Martian surface to a spot where he might possibly be rescued. Meanwhile officials on Earth agonize over how to help the castaway. This is a very refreshing book. While a lot of stories today mash in so much manufactured action just to fill space, this book kept everything just as intense without cheating with added fluff.
Mr. Weir does a great job of inserting real science into this novel. I believe he must have been an astronaut prior to becoming an author with the detail he put behind the technology and strategies of a life on Mars, the return trip and all of the trials and dilemmas that the main character faces in his time alone on Mars. If this was written by an average author, he could not have pulled this book off to the degree that Mr. Weir did.
I'm giving this book a strong 5 stars. If only I could give more than 5, I would've. I just love this book! The story is plausible and based heavily on science, but it is a presented in a way that a layman can understand and become invested in. This is really the best hard science fiction I have read in a very long time, an absolute masterpiece. Just read it. This is not some space fantasy to be ignored. READ IT, GODDAMMIT!
What a great tone of story, with weirdly humor and intelligent character drive me crazy all the way he struggle trying to get home.
Weir writes a highly entertaining story with The Martian. Entertaining enough that I took a second turn on the wait list at the library to finish it.
What I liked:
1. Mark Watney is a strong character. It's easy to identify him as a person writing a log rather than reading pages of story. Also, the natural conflict in the story was believable and well timed. To me the story felt like MacGyver on Mars, which is cool. 2. Watney keeps his optimism throughout the whole time he is on Mars. I'm not sure how many people would actually be able to do that for 18 months, but it's a spirit I admire.
What I didn't like:
1. The swearing. There is a lot of profanity in this book. Maybe this is true to the kind of people who work in these fields. In the case of the PR person for NASA, I'm not sure there is more than three sentences where she does not use the F word. This feels like a lazy way to show the stress. The biggest issue is that I have with profanity is that I see it as unintelligent. Sure, most people use it on occasion, but the overuse of the words rob them of power and meaning. 2. The tacked on message to humanity (or observation of?) at the end. I would like humanity to be basically good, but while this book illustrates this, I don't believe it bears out in reality or in psychology. Mind this is based on personal observation, a little dabbling in psychology, and my theological perspective.
Overall, this was a fun, exciting story. Take out half the profanity and swearing and it might get a 4 star rating. Still, as fun as it was, this isn't one I'd read again, even if edited.
This book made me think of MacGyver in space. Right away after reading this I watched the movie. While the movie was good, this is my first experience with reading the book then watching the movie and I definitely understand why people say that the corresponding book is better than the movie so many times.
You know how it's like when there's a minor problem with your computer, and you find an online tutorial that should solve it, and you start messing around with stuff you shouldn't be messing around with, and pretty soon you somehow manage to delete your operating system, so you try to fix this but you do so badly that after a while the computer doesn't even boot up, and you find yourself sitting on the floor at 2 am, coffee stains on your shirt, prying open your laptop with a screwdriver, cursing your life and the world and your maddening stupidity, because really, it was just a minor problem, dammit.
So, the Martian.
I've settled on 3 stars, because honestly I can't say that I really liked this book. It was absolutely exciting and I devoured it whole, but it's also got some glaring faults such as the cardboard cut out characters, or the fact that Watney is a douche and the world's better off with him on Mars (in space, nobody can hear your bad puns.)
Really, I can overlook all that, but the book's biggest crime is that it's got no sense of wonder. Mars is just technicalities and mathematics. We never get to experience that exhilarating moment of ‘omg space!'. How does the surface of Mars even look like? Better google this, because the book isn't about to tell you. You will learn a lot about gasses though, so there's that.
All in all, it was a fun read and I did tear up in the end. A little. A tiny bit. So 3 stars it is.
P.S. why the hell didn't Watney bring his own USB to Mars? This really bugged me.
Was ticking this geek's checklist boxes from page 1. Loved the science, loved the tempo, loved the tinkering. simply very satisfying. Now I guess I should watch the movie.
I have come across many science fiction novels over the years, but none have quite captivated me like “[b:The Martian 18007564 The Martian Andy Weir https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413706054l/18007564.SY75.jpg 21825181]” by [a:Andy Weir 6540057 Andy Weir https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1382592903p2/6540057.jpg] (apart from “[b:Project Hail Mary 54493401 Project Hail Mary Andy Weir https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597695864l/54493401.SY75.jpg 79106958]”, also by Weir!). This novel tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is accidentally left behind on Mars after a mission gone wrong. With no way to communicate with Earth and limited supplies, Mark must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive on the harsh and unforgiving planet.Literally from the very first page, I was hooked by the book's gripping narrative and fast-paced plot. Weir's writing style is concise and straightforward, which makes the technical details and scientific explanations easy to understand without being overwhelming. As a result, the story is both entertaining and educational, providing readers with a glimpse into the world of space exploration and the challenges faced by astronauts.What I loved most about “The Martian” was the character of Mark Watney. He is a relatable and likeable protagonist, with a great sense of humour and an unyielding determination to survive. His sheer willpower and clever problem-solving skills are truly inspiring, and I found myself rooting for him every step of the way.Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Mark refuses to give up, even when faced with one setback after another. His unwavering optimism and can-do attitude are infectious and uplifting. Or, to quote someone whom I still very much admire to this day (2023): “Yes, we can”!Another aspect of the novel that I found particularly impressive was the attention to detail in the scientific aspects of the story (even though I've not much of a clue about their factual accuracy). Weir clearly did his research, though, and the descriptions of the technology and processes at least felt incredibly realistic. This added a layer of authenticity to the story, making it feel like a plausible scenario that could actually happen in the not-too-distant future.Overall, I would highly recommend “The Martian” to anyone who enjoys science fiction, adventure, or just a well-written and engaging story. It's a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Andy Weir has created a modern classic that deserves a place on every bookshelf.In fact, I originally rated this at four stars but will now gladly award five out of five stars!Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam
Exposition was painfully clumsy, but even so this was a real treat. Primo geek porn, constant thrills with no cop-outs.
This was good. What a thrilling tribute to engineer spirit. The protagonist was just about perfect, and the story was really gripping. Well done.
Very entertaining!
It's sometimes a bit heavy on the scientific stuff, but although it's heavy I found it interesting and insightful.
The story as such is engaging, featuring one mans fight for survival against all odds on a planet that seems intent on killing him.
The character, which carries most of the book, seems believable, at times unlucky, but on the whole a character that I would like to believe isn't entirely fictional in his intelligence, ways of dealing with problems and his general insight into his own psyche and the needs for survival.
I found it very good and have no problem recommending it.
Greatest, geekiest Robinson Crusoe ever
Terrific book, the Martian's braggadocio and smart aleck response combined with his humanity, courage and resourcefulness in the face of intimidating odds makes for a character and plot line that's truly fantastic. The weaving of innovative solutions and sometimes follow up problems to those clever solutions provide some great plot twists. I would recommend this for those that enjoy a literal hero-against-the-world-and-winning story and dreamers who'll love the “wow, this might happen in our lifetimes.” It's not just a science fiction story for all the nerds.
A good quick read - a good story about overcoming long odds and thinking on your feet. Looking forward to the movie.
Short review because I have more books to read. I enjoyed the Martian much more than I thought I would. Mark Watney was one of the best part of this book. He was just hilarious to read about.
I found this book profoundly underwhelming.
It starts out really well (in fact it's a good candidate for most compelling first few lines ever). The entire first third of the book is un-put-downable.
But like...
Can we talk about how the narrator is SUCH A BRO? He's uncomfortable having feelings. He makes fun of himself for crying. He describes his reaction to two broken ribs as “screaming like a little girl”. He's always on about nerds not getting laid in high school. He even makes a juvenile “That's what she said” joke.
Being stranded on Mars is such a huge opportunity for a lot of psychology and ~FEELINGS~ but you can't really do that if your narrator is too invested in toxic masculinity to examine them.
Here are some quotes to give you an idea of what kind of guy Mark is!
The worst part of the Pathfinder trip was being trapped in the rover. I had to live in a cramped environment that was full of junk and reeked of body odor. Same as my college days. Rim shot! Seriously though, it sucked.
I need some encouragement. I need to ask myself, “What would an Apollo astronaut do?” He'd drink three whiskey sours, drive his Corvette to the launchpad, then fly to the moon in a command module smaller than my Rover. Man those guys were cool.
On the first night, I ran into a little problem with the temperature. It was fucking cold. The rover and trailer regulate their own temperatures just fine, but things weren't hot enough in the bedroom. Story of my life.
If I could have anything, it would be a radio to ask NASA the safe path down the Ramp. Well, if I could have anything, it would be for the green-skinned yet beautiful Queen of Mars to rescue me so she can learn more about this Earth thing called “lovemaking.” It's been a long time since I've seen a woman. Just sayin'. Anyway, to ensure I don't crash again, I'll— Seriously...no women in like, years. I don't ask for much. Believe me, even back on Earth a botanist/mechanical engineer doesn't exactly have ladies lined up at the door. But still, c'mon.
I thought a laptop would be fine outside. It's just electronics, right? It'll keep warm enough to operate in the short term, and it doesn't need air for anything. It died instantly. The screen went black before I was out of the airlock. Turns out the “L” in “LCD” stands for “Liquid.” I guess it either froze or boiled off. Maybe I'll post a consumer review. “Brought product to surface of Mars. It stopped working. 0/10.”