The Martian
A Novel
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4.7 • 14.5K Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Brilliant . . . a celebration of human ingenuity [and] the purest example of real-science sci-fi for many years . . . utterly compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal
The inspiration for the major motion picture
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 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 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?
NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST NOVELS OF THE DECADE
“A hugely entertaining novel [that] reads like a rocket ship afire . . . Weir has fashioned in Mark Watney one of the most appealing, funny, and resourceful characters in recent fiction.”—Chicago Tribune
“As gripping as they come . . . You’ll be rooting for Watney the whole way, groaning at every setback and laughing at his pitchblack humor. Utterly nail-biting and memorable.”—Financial Times
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
After a catastrophic turn of events, American astronaut Mark Watney has been marooned on Mars—and presumed dead. With no way to contact Earth, Watney knows his survival depends on his ability to outsmart an inhospitable planet intent on killing him. Author Andy Weir’s narrative unfolds chiefly through diary entries, and his protagonist’s sailor-mouthed ramblings make even the driest scientific descriptions delightfully funny. As plans collapse and one dire situation begets another, Weir’s impeccable research lets him depict Watney's terrifying travails in exacting detail. The Martian is a man-vs.-nature odyssey that defies expectations again and again.
Customer Reviews
Great book!
Read this during a long overseas flight and it was great. Definitely one of the best speculative science fiction books I have ever read. This story exemplifies human nature and how the spirit (along with a lot of brains) will over come insurmountable odds as long as you never give up. And there are no magical mccguffins, logic and resourcefulness are the tools that save the day. Every fix is based in sound mechanics and scientific theory. You love all the characters by the end and are rooting for The Martian the whole way through!
A Fantastic Read!
I heard the author in an interview on NPR and thought this could be an interesting book. Little did I know that for two days, my life revolved around when I could figure out how to schedule things so that I can make time to read this book! I could not put it down and I have to admit that I had no desire, none whatsoever, to put it down. It's been a long time since I have read a book that I really, really loved - but this is one of those books. Outstanding characters, fantastic science (I'm a scientist myself), and a plausible plot that keeps you riveted to your seat. The author is a major talent and I look forward to reading anything else from him. In fact, I thing I'll start by re-reading The Martian in a couple of days. Since I know how it ends, I can take my time with the re-read and also do all of the stuff I've neglected these past two days! Don't pass up getting this book - you will love it!!!
Ton of Fun
Reels you in quickly and doesn't stop! I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much. So very funny! Well thought out with lots of detail, but doesn't slow down the suspense!