The Martian | Andy Weir

Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir


This was my second audiobook, and I enjoyed it immensely. This is very much a science science-fiction book, meaning that Weir is either a scientist by nature or did a ton of research for this book, but either way, it is realistic and compelling and absolutely mind-blowing.

I know a lot of people have already read this or seen the movie. I had never read it and have not seen the movie, so all of this was a complete surprise to me. I had no idea what this was about or what was going to happen, and it was wonderful.

Mark Watney is a botanist-turned-astronaut on the first manned-mission to Mars. After a mishap on Mars, his crew, thinking him dead, inadvertently leave him behind, and he is forced to figure out how to survive. He figures out how to grow potatoes on Mars, how to have continuous clean drinking water, how to make sure he doesn't run out out of air, and ultimately how to communicate with Earth to let them know, "Hey, I'm alive out here!"

There is also the political element back on Earth: "Do we tell the public? Do we tell the crew of the Hermes? How do we handle this situation?"

Watney survives any number of things just by his knowledge of science and math alone, including a dust storm to end all dust storms. His ingenuity ensured his survival, and it was a surprisingly heartwarming and funny story, even though he was alone on an alien planet for over a year.

I'm not huge on audiobooks, but they're good for during the workday. This is a definite five out of five star book. I can't wait to watch the movie now.

Also, Wil Wheaton narrated the audiobook, and he was phenomenal. Just FYI.

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QUOTES:
"Maybe I'll post a consumer review. 'Brought product to surface of Mars. It stopped working. 0/10.'"

"I started the day with some nothin' tea. Nothin' tea is easy to make. First, get some hot water, then add nothin'."

"It's true, you know. In space, no one can hear you scream like a little girl."

"Problem is (follow me closely here, the science is pretty complicated), if I cut a hole in the Hab, the air won't stay inside anymore."

"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."

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READING PROGRESS:
Last Day by Luanne Rice: 69%
The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan: 22%
The Green Mile by Stephen King: 48%
Razor's Edge: Star Wars by Martha Wells: 7%

Comments

  1. The Happy WhiskApril 26, 2020 at 1:09 PM

    I remember this movie and growing potatoes with poop. Brilliant.

    ReplyDelete

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