Friday, July 24, 2015

Tahleen reviews about 3/4 of The Martian by Andy Weir

Title: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Publisher: Brilliance Audio, 2014 (print edition available from Crown)
Narrator: R.C. Bray

How can you not want to keep reading a book with this as a first line: "So I'm pretty much f***ed."

This is the story of Mark Watney, one of the astronauts on the Ares 3 mission on Mars. Through a series of very unfortunate events, Mark ends up left alone on Mars, stranded, with the entire world thinking he's dead. He must depend on his wits, engineering skills, and botanist background to keep himself alive.

I am enjoying this book VERY much. It's a great audiobook; R.C. Bray is a great reader. But what I'm really enjoying is how funny it is. I never expected to laugh so much while listening to a book about the dire situation of a guy stranded on Mars. But it is extremely entertaining.

There is a lot of technical stuff going on, but I think that's part of the reason why I like it so much too. I'm not a technically minded person; I don't know much about engineering or space exploration or Mars. But Weir does a great job explaining it, especially to lay readers. I think it's because I can actually believe this stuff could happen. I don't really have to suspend my disbelief much. And from other reviews I've read, it sounds like most of the science is pretty solid.

I also like the writing technique of using log entries. It makes sense, considering he is utterly alone and there would be no conversation, so his goofy personality comes out and it's great. But even though it is very funny, it's also a thriller. So far Mark has almost died a BUNCH of times. So sometimes I'm in my car laughing, or sometimes I'm white-knuckled, gripping my steering wheel.

Bonus: This is going to be a movie soon starring Matt Damon. So there's that. This book would definitely translate well to film. Not to mention it won an Alex Award, which are given to adult books with teen appeal.

I don't yet know how the story of Mark Watney ends, but I'm definitely looking forward to finding out! I highly recommend this audiobook, for science buffs, nerds, or anyone who enjoys a great story.

Disclosure: I got a copy of this audiobook from my local library.

14 comments:

  1. I am about 60% of the way through this audiobook right now too and I completely agree with everything you said in this review! I *love* the log entries and I think the audiobook makes the technical jargon a lot easier to understand. The only thing that bugs me about audiobooks is not knowing how people's names (or place names) are spelled, so I end up having to look that up...hahaha (i.e Venkat Kapoor!) Can't wait for the ending AND for the movie...I am already picturing Matt Damon as Mark Watney as I listen!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My husband read this book and liked it and it is on my TBR stack. And a movie being made, interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I absolutely LOVED this book. I can't wait to see what you think about the ending!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I keep hearing about this book. I think its a sign that I heard about it on the radio, then they announce a movie and now I am seeing all of these reviews. I gotta read it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. A really interesting review! I look forwar to hearing what you think about it once you're done.

    Thanks,

    Olivia

    ReplyDelete
  6. I loved this book too! It was such a departure from what I usually read (YA) which only goes to prove my point that any well-told story is worth reading (or listening to!)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I can't decide if I loved the book as much as the narration or the other way around or both, but I loved it either way. That narration is phenomenal and really made the book come alive for me. I'm happy to see someone else is enjoying R.C. Bray at what I think is his best. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just finished it! I decided to read it after seeing the preview of the movie at the theater. I'm wondering if Matt Damon can pull off Mark Watney. The trailer looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just finished it! I decided to read it after seeing the preview of the movie at the theater. I'm wondering if Matt Damon can pull off Mark Watney. The trailer looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I just finished it! I decided to read it after seeing the preview of the movie at the theater. I'm wondering if Matt Damon can pull off Mark Watney. The trailer looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I liked the Martian a lot :D I loved how I could understand the sciency part as well it's so nice! The whole story gives me a sense of hope and I hope you enjoy then ending when you get there ^^

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really enjoyed this book last month although it's not one I would have picked up on my own. (That's why a Book Club can be so awesome!) I highly recommend listening to some of the author's interviews when you are done. He's so interesting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I will definitely check that out. :)

      Delete
  13. I'm glad to see other people enjoying this novel. I, too, thought it was absolutely hilarious :) I was laughing out loud so many times. Can't wait for the movie! - Maggie @ macarons & paperbacks

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails