The Martian - Andy Weir

The Martian

By Andy Weir

  • Release Date: 2014-02-11
  • Genre: Adventure Sci-Fi
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 14,435 Ratings

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

Reviews

  • Martian

    5
    By Angusearth
    I saw the movie before I read the book and the book put the movie in the shade. It is one of the most remarkably written books of survival and grit I have ever read. I highly recommend each book he has written.
  • Lots of useless filler

    3
    By mmatt09
    The story itself was awesome. But the book is filled with useless info that could honestly go unsaid. I actually had to skip a few pages.. a lot of math calculations and detailed information that was so dry I could barely pay attention. The humor is very cheesy and predictable. If the book was only the story portion, without the filler, it would be a quick, incredible read. This author can be frustrating at times.
  • Martian Pranks

    5
    By srkate1
    This book makes you laugh in places, while at the same time thinking the worst has happened. Edge of your seat book. Loved it!
  • Amazing!

    5
    By Sufyajj
    Just a damned good read! 10/10 recommend.
  • Great!!

    5
    By AitWrecka
    Great read!!!
  • Awesome thriller!

    5
    By Bob_mysterylover
    I thoroughly enjoyed this! A nice balance of storyline, characterization and humor, it was very hard to put down and a joy to behold. Can’t wait to read Weir’s next one!
  • Amazing

    5
    By Sergeant First Class Golden
    "The Martian" by Andy Weir is an exhilarating and brilliantly crafted science fiction novel that captivates from the very first page. Weir's meticulous attention to scientific detail, coupled with Mark Watney's resilient and witty character, creates an immersive narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The storytelling is both engaging and educational, seamlessly blending humor with the harsh realities of survival on Mars. The suspenseful plot, filled with ingenious problem-solving and unexpected twists, makes "The Martian" a gripping and unforgettable journey through the challenges of space exploration. Weir's ability to balance technical accuracy with a compelling story makes this novel a must-read for both science fiction enthusiasts and those new to the genre. It's a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
  • favorite book

    5
    By XxanoymusxX
    this is by far one of the best books i’ve ever read. it perfectly fits what i look for in a story. first of all, space. space is awesome and i’ve been obsessed with it for years. second, all the nerdy stuff in it. the actions Watney takes just to survive are fully explained, and the consequences of these actions are expanded upon further on in the story. and lastly, the humor. this book is filled with jokes (mostly from Watney) and i started laughing at one so hard everyone started looking at me. i cannot recommend this book enough, please read it!!!
  • thought provoking

    4
    By asdlkfjosthdlf
    well written story. he clearly took a lot of time to research and create a scientifically accurate/possible storyline, and i enjoyed learning about potential life on mars. i feel like there could have been improvements in character development, as the amount of time he spent alone would have for sure made more mental and emotional impact, and since the majority of it is basically his diary. ending also felt pretty abrupt. worth the read tho
  • Great read

    5
    By read-oak
    Gripping nonstop action, McGiver like