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28.3k reviews for:

Marťan

Michal Prokop, Andy Weir

4.36 AVERAGE

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I am pretty late to this party, only reading this book after seeing the movie trailer for the upcoming Matt Damon/Ridley Scott adaptation. So while I could add to the considerable praise this novel has gotten, it would be a bit unnecessary.

I'll just say that this is now one of my five favorite books of all time. I have seen some valid criticisms, so note that I am not saying this is objectively the perfect novel. What I am saying is that the narrative voice spoke to me, the science was endlessly interesting to me, and I absolutely could not put this book down until I knew how it ended, and as such read it in a single night. And, man it was one hell of a ride.
adventurous funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

“This book made me believe in science, sarcasm, and the healing power of potatoes.”

The Martian is basically one man, one planet, and a whole lot of “I refuse to die today” energy. Mark Watney is the kind of protagonist who turns near-death experiences into punchlines and botany into a survival flex. He’s not just stranded, he’s thriving, roasting Mars and NASA with equal flair.

It’s like if your emotionally unavailable lab partner got stuck on Mars and started vlogging his way through trauma with disco music and potato farming. And somehow? It’s deeply comforting.

✨ The science is nerdy but cozy.  
✨ The humor is dry but delicious.  
✨ The emotional payoff? Chef’s kiss.

I didn’t expect to cry over a space potato. I didn’t expect to laugh through orbital mechanics. And I definitely didn’t expect to feel this seen by a man duct-taping his way through existential dread.

If you’ve ever felt like the universe was testing you, The Martian is your comfort read. It’s smart, snarky, and surprisingly tender. 10/10 would recommend to  everyone. 
adventurous inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny hopeful 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

Typical of me to read a worldwide bestseller nearly 15 years after its release. And I haven’t seen the movie. Honestly, props to me for remaining unspoiled all this time. 

But HOLY COW that was a NAIL BITER.  I haven’t been this nervous about an ending to a book since…I don’t know when. Maybe 11/22/63?? Man oh man. What a ride. Hell yeah. Mark Watney!!!!
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted tense fast-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

The most fun I've had reading in a very long time. 
adventurous funny hopeful tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Page Turner

I have to admit that I watched the movie before I read the book. With that said I will say that the book was amazing. The detail in this book is astounding. Granted I have no idea what some of the stuff is that is mentioned in the book but it didn't ruin it for me. 10/10 would read again.

 
Loved it, never laughed so hard from a pseudo serious book. Will Wheaton really did an amazing job bringing to life this story in audio

 

reread: 04/2018