a book
The Martian
Andy Weir · 2014 · 388 pages
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
A mission to Mars. A freak accident. One man’s struggle to survive. From the author of Project Hail Mary comes “a hugely entertaining novel that reads like a rocket ship afire” (Chicago Tribune).
“Brilliant . . . a celebration of human ingenuity [and] the purest example of real-science sci-fi for many years . . . utterly compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.
Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.
After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.
Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST NOVELS OF THE DECADE
“A hugely entertaining novel [that] reads like a rocket ship afire . . . Weir has fashioned in Mark Watney one of the most appealing, funny, and resourceful characters in recent fiction.”—Chicago Tribune
“As gripping as they come . . . You’ll be rooting for Watney the whole way, groaning at every setback and laughing at his pitchblack humor. Utterly nail-biting and memorable.”—Financial Times
A mission to Mars. A freak accident. One man’s struggle to survive. From the author of Project Hail Mary comes “a hugely entertaining novel that reads like a rocket ship afire” (Chicago Tribune).
“Brilliant . . . a celebration of human ingenuity [and] the purest example of real-science sci-fi for many years . . . utterly compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.
Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.
After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.
Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST NOVELS OF THE DECADE
“A hugely entertaining novel [that] reads like a rocket ship afire . . . Weir has fashioned in Mark Watney one of the most appealing, funny, and resourceful characters in recent fiction.”—Chicago Tribune
“As gripping as they come . . . You’ll be rooting for Watney the whole way, groaning at every setback and laughing at his pitchblack humor. Utterly nail-biting and memorable.”—Financial Times
recommended by 27 people
sourced from public statements
Andrej Karpathy
“I rarely give out 5/5, but this book was SO. GOOD. My usual complaints about many sci-fi books is that they spend a lot of time frolicking around with extended descriptions of vistas or facial features, or other basic literature mambo jambo. Instead, I am drawn to technical consistency, details and intriguing ideas. If you're like me, you will LOVE this book - it gets very nerdy very fast and stays that way for the entire duration of the book. The book offers a thrilling ride filled with science, calculations, and humor mixed in. There are many references to technical details spanning chemistry, biophysics, mechanical engineering, orbital mechanics, etc. The result is a believable and consistent backdrop that envelops the story. I had a lot of fun, found plenty food for thought, and I learned a lot! What else can you ask for? 5/5.”↗
Bill Gates
“He reminded me a lot of Mark Watney, the protagonist in The Martian. The two books deal with similar themes about how people work together in challenging situations, although the big difference with Project Hail Mary is that not all of the collaborators are human.”↗
Naval Ravikant
“I’ve always got collections of science fiction. I finished The Martian, which was decent, but I felt like it went on a little too long. I know it’s a very popular book with some people.”↗
Ev Williams
“If I was really stranded on a desert island, this novel would be good to have. The movie is also good, but the book would help to pass more time. Both make surviving on a desert island seem like a walk in the park. What’s great about this adventure — which I find rare in pop culture — is the celebration of the mind, invention and science.”↗
Simone Giertz
“Just finished the Martian & liked it but generally more into fantasy than sci-fi.”↗
Christopher Paolini
“.@serioussurvivor Yup. Enjoyed the book. Have to imagine the author is pretty happy with this adaptation. #TheMartian”↗
Jennifer Gunter
“@MommaUnfiltered The Martian. The book was excellent, but the movie elevated it even more.”↗
Greg Siskind
“Day 2: I’ve been nominated by @filadin to post covers of 7 books that I love with no explanations or reviews. Each time I post I will ask another to take up the challenge. Today I nominate @PaulHerzog3”↗
Brian Quinn
“Finished The Martian by Andy Weir this morning. Can not recommend this book enough. Haven't rooted for a character this way in a long time.”↗
John Lilly
“Am really loving The Martian, by Andy Weir. Such a great book about problem solving. Reminds me of every startup ever. Awesome & fun.”↗
Jimmy Wales
“@rgvinoth Geeky, not "worthy": The Martian - great book”↗
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