Martian, Andy Weir (9/10)

Rating: 9/10
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⛰ What It's About

Martian is the survival story of Mark Watney, a NASA Astronaut who's freshly been abandoned by his crew on Mars! Fittingly, the book's first words are 'I'm pretty much fucked'. And that's a great lead into all the things to follow! Mark is a botanist. A bit of a genius. And an all-around nice guy and amateur comedian. Written as a series of journal entries, his optimism and unique sense of humour in light of the tragic challenges he's relentlessly presented with make this book an absolute page turner and one to remember!

Most of the book is dedicated to Mark's very compelling attempt to survive. It details a variety of his very creative solutions to inhabiting this unabating planet. Making air. Preserving and generating water. Making his food last (with potatoes). Avoiding explosions. And so much more. Intertwined with his story is the one back home, on Earth, of NASA and the broader global community - cheering him and NASA on to rescue him.

🔍 How I Discovered It

I found the book on Goodreads and was very interested after having watched the movie.

🧠 Thoughts

I loved this book - Mark is a very cool character and the science behind the book is super futuristic and creative too. The author paints a very vivid picture packed with emotion and humour, and it left me wanting so much more.

🥰 Who Would Like It?

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a survival story and is inclined to learn more about space and space exploration, or enjoys Sci-Fi-type novels. The book does get a little technical and scientific at times, going into the details quite thoroughly, which I personally didn't enjoy - but it might suit some.

💬 Favourite Quotes

• If a hiker gets lost in the mountains, people will coordinate a search. If a train crashes, people will line up to give blood. If an earthquake levels a city, people all over the world will send emergency supplies. This is so fundamentally human that it's found in every culture without exception. Yes, there are assholes who just don't care, but they're massively outnumbered by the people who do.
• Actually, I was the very lowest ranked member of the crew. I would only be “in command” if I were the only remaining person. What do you know? I’m in command”
• Me: “This is obviously a clog. How about I take it apart and check the internal tubing?” NASA: (after five hours of deliberation) “No. You’ll fuck it up and die.” So I took it apart.
• They say once you grow crops somewhere, you have officially ‘colonised’ it. So technically, I colonised Mars. In your face, Neil Armstrong!
• My asshole is doing as much to keep me alive as my brain.
• 'Just three words? Nothing about his physical health? His equipment? His supplies?' 'You got me,' she said. 'He left a detailed status report. I just decided to lie for no reason.' 'Funny,' Venkat said. 'Be a smart-ass to a guy seven levels above you at your company. See how that works out.' 'Oh no,' Mindy said. 'I might lose my job as an interplanetary voyeur? I guess I'd have to use my master's degree for something else.' 'I remember when you were shy.' 'I'm space paparazzi now. The attitude comes with the job.
• Also, please watch your language. Everything you type is being broadcast live all over the world. [12:15] WATNEY: Look! A pair of boobs! -> (.Y.)
• I’ll spend the rest of the evening enjoying a potato. And by “enjoying” I mean “hating so much I want to kill people.