The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an excellent idea. Put a guy on Mars and come up with real life catastrophes and real science fixes. Although some of the science was way over my head, I could appreciate (and take on trust) that some good math and some duct tape could save your life. (when your kids complain that they'll never use math again, make them read this book). I also enjoyed the feeling you walked away with....that as bad as things are, if you study it out, take the problem apart, and solve it bit by bit, you can do it...you can do the impossible. I think this why this book is so popular and became a movie with Matt Damon...it is a very real, but very hopeful book. That being said, it screams for a good editor. Originally self-published, I think it could have benefited with some guiding. There are 2 major p.o.v., which are fine, but then suddenly there is another narrative or p.o.v. that jars the reader, and disappears, never to be used again (the history of the tarp). Some of the story arc gets lost in the switch of the two p.o.v. as well; a little editing could have made more suspense, greater character development, and helped the lay reader understand the tech part better (just a few tables, charts, or diagrams could have helped out a ton.) Overall a great story, though I am guessing the fleshed out movie might be better.....


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