Mini Review: The Martian by Andy Weir

I was asked about the book The Martian, after a colleague read an interview that I did for the Sioux City Journal. Upon the question, I put the book on the top of my list and was pleased with the results.

Much of what is called science fiction tends to leave the science aside in favor of fantasy and philosophy.  The Martian makes up for a multitude of stories that lack science and rely on one form of magic or another.  

The novel tells an all-too-possible story of an astronaut being left for dead in a Martian dust storm.  The stranded astronaut, a botanist, and a mechanical engineer demonstrates the courage and creativity that we naturally assume NASA astronauts would exhibit:  learning how to grow food, repair and repurpose equipment so that he is able to survive.

Mark Watney is forced to focus on finding ways to survive in a hostile environment. He finds ways to enrich Martian soil with the nutrients needed to grow food, how to make potable water, as well as how to oxygenate air so that he could live outside a space suit.

Science teachers and fans of science will enjoy learning how to navigate unfamiliar terrain using the stars and planets. As well as being great science fiction, this book will appeal to those who enjoy prepper fiction, as it deals with the elements needed to survive in a hostile environment.

The story also focused on the work of NASA scientists as they seek to recover on of their own who is stranded in a hostile planet.  This book looks at the real challenges of putting astronauts on Mars. The book looks into NASA politics, media spin on the mission, and some of the cooperation with other national space agencies that are needed to make a mission work.

Yet it has a familiar feel. The CNN-styled Mark Watney reports will make the story very present, as the media plays on the real-life drama, as it is unveiled. Readers will also enjoy Watley’s cultural commends on the music and television of the 1970s.

Science fiction lovers will love the science of the book astronomy, botany, and engineering. Even those who do not gravitate toward science fiction will enjoy the thrill of this story.  I found myself up early on a Saturday unable to sleep until I the story will be resolved.  This book is must reading for anyone who loves good books.

Before you watch the movie, read the book, or at least buy a copy of the book and enjoy it after you watch the movie.

 

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