Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - the martian

the martian
the martian
Author: andy weir
1st UK ed. Signed and numbered by the author
ISBN-13: 9780091956134
ISBN-10: 0091956137
Edition: First Edition
Rating:
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 4

3.6 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Del Ray
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 7
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

xedr avatar reviewed the martian on
Helpful Score: 7
This is the diary of an astronaut that gets stranded on Mars in the not-too-distant future. Working from only the limited resources one might realistically expect to find themselves with in such a situation, can he survive long enough to be rescued? It's a provocative question, and the author is ruthless in his presentation of the difficulties. Our hero pushes his knowledge of physics, chemistry, and biology to the limits, but will it be enough? Obviously, there is limited dialogue, but the author nevertheless presents a very readable story with suitable doses of humor, suspense, and tragedy. The apparent rigor in this story makes it readily applicable to real life (should you ever find yourself stranded on Mars). I loved it, and I can't wait for the author's next work.
fog avatar reviewed the martian on + 139 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Some may find the science descriptions a little too in depth but when read with Mark's (the title character)sarcastic humor it all fits in nicely. The ability of Mark to overcome all the problems he is faced with keep the story line moving at a brisk pace.
Read All 23 Book Reviews of "the martian"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed the martian on + 34 more book reviews
Great book! I loved the diary writing style and it flows well when we go back to the people not on Mars with Watley. It does get a little bogged down with technical descriptions, but not overly much. Humor keeps the diary entries light and makes the book move quickly. Glad my book club had this as a selection option or I would have missed it!
reviewed the martian on + 55 more book reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars: There were a few moments that kept it from being perfect, but overall a very well written book. Enough science to make it feel like Heinlein, but not so much it felt like I was being beaten over the head.
beachnbooks avatar reviewed the martian on + 73 more book reviews
This was a great read! For the most part it's in a "audio log" format but this really pulls you into the story. You have to admire the inventiveness of the author in how he has his character work through the myriad of problems encountered and, for me, it was very believable. Each person experiences a story differently but this is one I will be wholeheartedly recommending to my friends.
reviewed the martian on
Perfect blend of science and humor. Loved it and will definitely read again.
virago avatar reviewed the martian on + 267 more book reviews
I saw the film first and loves it, which is why I bought the book. To start, this book was excellently written, the time and dedication put into the research to make this as scientifically accurate as possible is just amazing. That being said, a good bit of the science of it, while fascinating, was boring. If it weren't for the bits of humor thrown in as well as Wil Wheaton's excellent narration, I would have snoozed on this. Not a bad book, just not for me.

Book Wiki

People/Characters
Mark Watney (Primary Character)
Venkat Kapoor (Major Character)
Annie (Average Character)
Teddy (Average Character)
Martinez (Average Character)
(Show all 6 People/Characters)

Genres: