The Martian by Andy Weir

This is one of the most uplifting books I’ve ever read, the perfect antidote to last week’s events. Who knew that a book about an astronaut left for dead by his crew on Mars could be this fun?

It’s basically an ode to human intelligence and ingenuity, to the power of science, courage and team work. After Charlie Hebdo, this book left me thinking “we’ll be ok” and for that I’ll be forever grateful to Weir.

I just wish my knowledge of chemistry and physics would do it more justice. Although the science parts were well explained and concise, I’m sure I’d have been even more impressed if I knew more about space exploration.

Don’t have much more to say about it, really. It deserved to show up in so many bloggers’ best-of-2014 lists. And a big thank you to who recommended the audiobook version.

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Other thoughts: Dribble of Ink, The Guilded Earlobe, The Speculative Spaceman, That’s What She Read, Stainless Steel Droppings, Speculative Book Review, The Book Cove, Cheap Thrills, the Little Red Reviewer, Love, Laughter and a touch of Insanity, Rinn Reads, Book Chatter, Collateral Bloggage, Don’t be afraid of the Dork, Jenn’s Bookshelves (yours?)

Read for Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge:
“A sci-fi novel“

14 comments

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January 12, 2015 at 3:49 pm

crackabook

I am just over half way through this book and I am hooked. I am going to be sad when it’s all over. But I am anxiously awaiting the movie so I can relive it all over again! 🙂

January 12, 2015 at 9:09 pm

farmlanebooks

I’m so pleased to see this! I bought a copy last week and hopefully my science knowledge will make it mean all the more to me. I’m looking forward to it!

January 12, 2015 at 10:15 pm

Once I got past the math, I liked it a lot. Looking forward to the movie!

January 12, 2015 at 11:37 pm

Care

It really was a fun one!

January 13, 2015 at 1:43 am

Kailana

I was pretty excited when I found out this was going to be a movie. It was one of my favourite reads last year.

January 13, 2015 at 4:12 am

aartichapati

I’m so looking forward to reading this! A blogger friend is very kindly sending me the audiobook CDs to listen to, as the library does not have it. I can’t wait!

January 13, 2015 at 4:27 am

rudejasper

I hadn’t thought about the book in this light – of it being uplifting but you are totally right! It is, without being too smarmy or cheesy about, about heroism. Glad you enjoyed it!

January 14, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Trish

So so glad you enjoyed this one and found it the perfect listen for the perfect time. I loved the audio and I love your perspective on this one as an uplifting read.

January 18, 2015 at 10:39 pm

Athira

This book was just so delightful! And you are right – it was uplifting! It made me feel that if Mark could battle one of the worst odds ever in a man’s favor, then anyone can get past their challenges in life too. Some of the science parts went over my head too, but it was not hard to miss the gist of it, that a lot of what he did was unconventional but basic science.

January 19, 2015 at 4:55 pm

Leslie