Reviews

How to Mars by David Ebenbach

dlsmall's review

3.0

This was quite a unique conceit, yet one that seems very timely, and strangely (from the afterword) was born of a real-life scheme in 2015. The thumbnail describes a one-way, reality show (funded?) research expedition to Mars, but the left turn (spoilers for the first sentence) comes from the first (forbidden) pregnancy on Mars and the changes that follow in the six person micro-society.

We get a nice sample of the various points of view, interspersed with the fairly hilarious Destination Mars! handbook.

The reality show component reminded me just a smidge of that component of the TV show Defying Gravity...without that show’s high concept.

Not entirely for for me, but definitely for many someones.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in advance of publication.

heathersbike's review

5.0

This somehow reads at Mars speed without being too slow. Not sure how he managed that.

catterwaul's review

4.0

I liked the author’s writing style and the format of the book (some chapters have charts!). Some parts of the pregnancy plot line (not a spoiler…literally the entire premise of the book from page one) seemed really weird to me, possibly because they’re written by a male author? (Like the bit with a woman wondering if being barren makes her a space alien. C’mon.) I’m also not sure about the…relevance of the Patterns or the changing-color-eyes?? I maybe missed something?? I’m so confused about that. It felt like the interpersonal drama was ENOUGH plot, without that?

noblecharley's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kendrareads's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Funny take on what might have happened if Mars One actually happened. I would have loved more background story on all the characters. I loved the wrap up and the hope of colonizing the universe!

jazpb's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this. How to Mars is not a typical narrative with a steady A to B to C sequence or singular POV. It's all the better for it. The story isn't the point as much as is the concept of what it means to be a human on earth. Take away earth and everything you know, are we still the same creature? Ebenbach manages to make you think and laugh at the same time and those are my favorite kinds of books.

lyrrael's review

4.0

What happens when the reality TV show is over and you're still stuck at your destination? Boredom. Lots of it. When the biggest argument left is whether Mars is red or orange, you know you're over it. A book not just about a found family, but consciously patching one together. Bonus? I really enjoyed the 'handbook excerpts' in this book.

ricefun's review

5.0

I pre-ordered this book because I know the author, David Ebenbach, and have enjoyed reading his books before. "How to Mars" is easily my favorite of his. With many different writing styles and narrators in the book, the funny and profound mixed to create a great novel.

What would it be like to leave nearly everything familiar behind and move for what you anticipate as the rest of your life? Each character had different motivations for their journey. And each experienced the reality of living on a different planet in a unique way. Even at my least social moments, I am pretty sure I would want to stay on earth with the community I know and love. But I enjoyed reading about how these characters embraced or rejected the challenge of creating society and family on the surface of Mars.

coldguy's review

5.0

Little bit of Hitchhikers' Guide. Very good. Disappointing ending.

shh_fbi's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5