A review by ofclumsywords
The Martian by Andy Weir

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is the second time I’ve read this book and it is just as good as I remembered. Even the movie adaptation is incredible, and I can only honestly say that about no more than 5 book-to-movie adaptations. 

This is a great book about survival and what someone would do to stay alive even when there is no hope. After all, Mark was literally left behind on Mars when everyone thought he was dead. 

At the end of the book, Mark reflects on all the people who stepped up to rescue him and says: “…they did it because every human being has a basic instinct to help each other out. It might not seem that way sometimes, but it’s true.” He then goes on to use the examples of when a hiker is lost in the woods, a train crashes, or an earthquake devastates a town that strangers will come together to search or donate blood or supplies to those in need. I had forgotten about that at the end of the book, but I am so glad it is there as I think we all need that reminder every once in a while of how humanity will come together and help each other in a crisis.