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jakessrn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
andrewhatesham's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
The Martian by Andy Weir: Too much science, not enough fiction.
While it's cool that the scientific elements are pretty accurate to real life, most of the other elements lacked a lot for me. As a predominantly fiction-reader and a person who doesn't know much about science, this book was a bit difficult to connect with and enjoy. I have read other sci-fi books that I liked a lot, but they didn't have a heavy focus on scientific accuracy.
I wouldn't say the technical jargon made the book hard to read, because I found that I didn't need to completely understand the science to follow the plot, but for me, the plot lacked the level of emotion and character development that I hoped for. I also wished there was a bit more of a philosophical element because the plot had plenty of potential for that sort of thing.
Instead of philosophy and character introspection, much of the plot and main character hinges on humor. Unfortunately, the style of humor did not click with me at all. It was a bit of a turn-off. I didn't find the main character very likeable either. To be frank, I found myself not caring about whether or not he survives. I think his survival is the whole point of the book, so that was a big problem for me.
On the bright side, this was mostly fast-paced, so I was able to get through it quickly regardless of how I felt about the plot and characters! I'm not a fan of slow paced books so this is a huge plus for me.
Overall, I'd say this was not for me, but I can see why people like it. I would recommend it to people who are very interested in science and space and people who like dry/sarcastic humor.
While it's cool that the scientific elements are pretty accurate to real life, most of the other elements lacked a lot for me. As a predominantly fiction-reader and a person who doesn't know much about science, this book was a bit difficult to connect with and enjoy. I have read other sci-fi books that I liked a lot, but they didn't have a heavy focus on scientific accuracy.
I wouldn't say the technical jargon made the book hard to read, because I found that I didn't need to completely understand the science to follow the plot, but for me, the plot lacked the level of emotion and character development that I hoped for. I also wished there was a bit more of a philosophical element because the plot had plenty of potential for that sort of thing.
Instead of philosophy and character introspection, much of the plot and main character hinges on humor. Unfortunately, the style of humor did not click with me at all. It was a bit of a turn-off. I didn't find the main character very likeable either. To be frank, I found myself not caring about whether or not he survives. I think his survival is the whole point of the book, so that was a big problem for me.
On the bright side, this was mostly fast-paced, so I was able to get through it quickly regardless of how I felt about the plot and characters! I'm not a fan of slow paced books so this is a huge plus for me.
Overall, I'd say this was not for me, but I can see why people like it. I would recommend it to people who are very interested in science and space and people who like dry/sarcastic humor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Confinement
Moderate: Cursing, Excrement, and Injury/Injury detail
holapaola's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed the log-entry format of the book and how it was written maybe the way a person would speak. There is a lot of science-y talk in the book which I found interesting. Several parts of the book made me audibly laugh, thanks to the main character’s witty personality.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
minttruffle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, and Cursing
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
flooooo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
6/5 best book ever
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
nick_aziamov's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
val_theburrowofstories's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Confinement, and Abandonment
Moderate: Excrement
julia09's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book is amazing! The story is very engaging and the main character is very lovable. The scientific aspects of it made it seem much more realistic, and Mark Watney’s humor was spot on. Along the journey I always felt like rooting for Mark during whatever conflicts he faced. The end left me wanting more. Definitely a 5/5 rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
alisonfaith426's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Confinement, Cursing, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, and Abandonment