The Martian

After I board Ares 4, before talking to NASA, I will take control of a craft in international waters without permission. 

That makes me a pirate! 

A Space Pirate!

Like most young boys, growing up, I always wanted to be an astronaut. I regret to inform you that, at least in my case, that didn’t happen. However, for Mark Watney, the main character in The Martian, it did. In fact, he got to do something that most people could only dream about; he got to go to Mars.

Now, he definitely wasn’t the first to go, and he certainly wouldn’t be the last. He was part of the third manned mission to Mars, the Ares 3. Not too long into their mission, a freak accident strands Watney alone on Mars with no hope of getting back home. The Martian chronicles his tale as he tries to survive in this impossible situation.

First off, when my father-in-law told me about this book, it seemed like it could be pretty interesting. I mean, not only did someone make it to Mars, but they got stranded too? That’s almost begging to be turned into a movie (and it turns out that it is going to be released as such next year!). Then, he had me read the first chapter, and I was hooked.

Most of the book is written from Mark’s perspective, as log entries into a computer. I love this, because it gives the story real depth and makes it seem believable. And, as you might imagine, it gives a great deal of insight into the only man on Mars as he goes about his daily business. It is because of this that I feel that the character of Mark Watney was really well developed. As we don’t get much from the other characters in the story, they aren’t quite as well fleshed out. But, this is one of those rare instances that I’m actually OK with that.

Now, as you can imagine a man stranded on the Red Planet might do, Watney does a fair amount of swearing. This only serves to further solidify him as a believable character, and made me want to read more. And read I did. Not since I picked up the Hunger Games series was I so drawn into a story, wanting to find out more about what happened.

And thank the stars that things were described adequately. Mark does a good amount of talking about different science equipment and processes, and it was explained perfectly. I like to think I’m a pretty smart guy, but had some of the stuff he did not been explained in enough detail, I would have been absolutely lost. Looks like the author's (Andy Weir) research into orbital mechanics, astronomy and spaceflight payed off.

Andy Weir's The Martian is nearly perfect

Overall, the story was really well written. It has action, sci-fi, and just enough adventure to keep it interesting. It’s definitely one of those stories that you would want to read over and over again. And, lucky for you, the author wants just that to happen, as he states in the back of the book that the eBook can be redistributed as long as it is done for free. So, with that being said, if you find yourself so inclined to want to read The Martian, look no further, as you can get it right here.*

*An eReader such as a Kindle or Nook (or Google Play Books) will be necessary.

Have an idea for a review?

Let us know in the comments, or contact us on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ or join the discussion in our new G+ Community!

And don't forget to subscribe!